Some Nutro-brand dry cat food is recalled

[Bozita]

Source: UPI

Some Nutro-brand dry cat food is recalled
Published: May 21, 2009 at 4:07 PM

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced the recall of various Nutro-brand dry cat foods due to incorrect levels of zinc and potassium.

The FDA said Nutro Products Inc. initiated the voluntary recall of certain varieties of Nutro Natural Choice and Nutro Max dry cat foods with "best if used by" dates from May 12, 2010, to Aug. 22, 2010.

The company said two mineral premixes were affected. One premix contained excessive levels of zinc and under-supplemented potassium. The second premix under-supplemented potassium. Both zinc and potassium are essential nutrients for cats and are added as nutritional supplements.

Officials said the recall does not affect any Nutro-brand dog food products, wet dog or cat food or dog and cat treats.

-snip-

Specific information about the recalled cat foods is available at http://www.nutroproducts.com/affected-Products.html

-snip-

Read more: http://www.upi.com/Science_News/2009/05/21/Some-Nutro-brand-dry-cat-food-is-recalled/UPI-95001242936469/

[WillYourVoteBCounted]

1. recommending, this needs to be front paged - I believe that Nutro made my dog sick

she was fine until I thought I would be a better pet owner and buy the fancy
Nutro.

Next thing you know my dog has some symptoms of Cushings disease.

Did some research, Nutro has double the amount of zinc recommended for pets.
I guess that makes their hair shinier, but it can induce pancreatitis too.

Took my dog off of Nutro, back onto a less fancy but decent brand that hasn't been recalled,
and that has normal amount of zinc.

Dog improved.

If you good Nutro plus sick dog or sick cat you will find alot out there where peoples
dogs died.

[kestrel91316]

8. Pancreatitis and/or zinc did not cause your dog's Cushing's.

Cushing's is adrenal gland hyperactivity.

[WillYourVoteBCounted]

10. who knows, but NUTRO made my dog very very sick

I thought I was going to have to put her down.

Now that she is back on her old dog food she is fine.

[kestrel91316]

23. Sometimes diet change in and of itself can cause GI problems.

Glad puppy is well now.

[WillYourVoteBCounted]

2. NEUTRO press release - recall is 50 states plus several countries

why does Nutro keep having problems? The cat food has too high of levels of zinc.
Heck I know that they regularly put double the normal amount of zinc in their dog food,
I checked the label. My dog got sick after I switched her to Nutro Senior Natural, and
I stopped feeding it to her immediately. (She started urinating in the house after switching to Nutro, even when I took her out frequently during the day) She's better now that she isn't eating that dog food.



From Press release:

Nutro Products Announces Voluntary Recall of Limited Range of Dry Cat Food Products

FRANKLIN, Tenn., May 21 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Today, Nutro Products announced a voluntary recall of select varieties of NUTRO(R) NATURAL CHOICE(R) COMPLETE CARE(R) Dry Cat Foods and NUTRO(R) MAX(R) Cat Dry Foods with "Best If Used By Dates" between May 12, 2010 and August 22, 2010. The cat food is being voluntarily recalled in the United States and ten additional countries. This recall is due to incorrect levels of zinc and potassium in our finished product resulting from a production error by a US-based premix supplier.

Two mineral premixes were affected. One premix contained excessive levels of zinc and under-supplemented potassium. The second premix under-supplemented potassium. Both zinc and potassium are essential nutrients for cats and are added as nutritional supplements to NUTRO(R) dry cat food.

This issue was identified during an audit of our documentation from the supplier. An extensive review confirmed that only these two premixes were affected. This recall does not affect any NUTRO(R) dog food products, wet dog or cat food, or dog and cat treats.

Affected product was distributed to retail customers in all 50 states, as well as to customers in Canada, Mexico, Japan, Korea, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, New Zealand, and Israel. We are working with all of our distributors and retail customers, in both the US and internationally, to ensure that the recalled products are not on store shelves. These products should not be sold or distributed further.

Consumers who have purchased affected product should immediately discontinue feeding the product to their cats, and switch to another product with a balanced nutritional profile. While we have received no consumer complaints related to this issue, cat owners should monitor their cat for symptoms, including a reduction in appetite or refusal of food, weight loss, vomiting or diarrhea. If your cat is experiencing health issues or is pregnant, please contact your veterinarian.

Consumers who have purchased product affected by this voluntary recall should return it to their retailer for a full refund or exchange for another NUTRO(R) dry cat food product. Cat owners who have questions about the recall should call 1-800-833-5330 between the hours 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM CST, or visit www.nutroproducts.com.

Recalled Pet Food


The varieties of NUTRO(R) NATURAL CHOICE(R) COMPLETE CARE(R) Dry Cat Foods and NUTRO(R) MAX(R) Cat Dry Foods listed below with "Best If Used By Dates" between May 12, 2010 and August 22, 2010 are affected by this voluntary recall.


Nutro Products Recall List - Dry Cat Foods

U.S. Product Name Bag Size UPC

NUTRO(R) NATURAL CHOICE(R) COMPLETE
CARE(R) Kitten Food 4 lbs 0 79105 20607 5
NUTRO(R) NATURAL CHOICE(R) COMPLETE
CARE(R) Kitten Food 8 lbs 0 79105 20608 2
NUTRO(R) NATURAL CHOICE(R) COMPLETE
CARE(R) Kitten Food (Bonus Bag) 9.2 lbs 0 79105 20695 2
NUTRO(R) NATURAL CHOICE(R) COMPLETE
CARE(R) Kitten Food 20 lbs 0 79105 20609 9
NUTRO(R) NATURAL CHOICE(R) COMPLETE
CARE(R) Kitten Food (Sample Bag) 1.5 oz none
NUTRO(R) NATURAL CHOICE(R) COMPLETE
CARE(R) Adult 4 lbs 0 79105 20610 5
NUTRO(R) NATURAL CHOICE(R) COMPLETE
CARE(R) Adult 8 lbs 0 79105 20611 2
NUTRO(R) NATURAL CHOICE(R) COMPLETE
CARE(R) Adult (Bonus Bag) 9.2 lbs 0 79105 20694 5
NUTRO(R) NATURAL CHOICE(R) COMPLETE
CARE(R) Adult 20 lbs 0 79105 20612 9
NUTRO(R) NATURAL CHOICE(R) COMPLETE
CARE(R) Adult (Sample Bag) 1.5 oz none
NUTRO(R) NATURAL CHOICE(R) COMPLETE
CARE(R) Adult Oceanfish Flavor 4 lbs 0 79105 20622 8
NUTRO(R) NATURAL CHOICE(R) COMPLETE
CARE(R) Adult Oceanfish Flavor 8 lbs 0 79105 20623 5
NUTRO(R) NATURAL CHOICE(R) COMPLETE
CARE(R) Adult Oceanfish Flavor
(Bonus Bag) 9.2 lbs 0 79105 20698 3
NUTRO(R) NATURAL CHOICE(R) COMPLETE
CARE(R) Adult Oceanfish Flavor 20 lbs 0 79105 20624 2
NUTRO(R) MAX(R) Cat Adult Roasted
Chicken Flavor 3 lbs 0 79105 10228 5
NUTRO(R) MAX(R) Cat Adult Roasted
Chicken Flavor 6 lbs 0 79105 10229 2
NUTRO(R) MAX(R) Cat Adult Roasted
Chicken Flavor 16 lbs 0 79105 10230 8
NUTRO(R) MAX(R) Cat Adult Roasted
Chicken Flavor (Sample Bag) 1.5 oz none
NUTRO(R) MAX(R) Cat Indoor Adult
Roasted Chicken Flavor 3 lbs 0 79105 10243 8
NUTRO(R) MAX(R) Cat Indoor Adult
Roasted Chicken Flavor 6 lbs 0 79105 10244 5
NUTRO(R) MAX(R) Cat Indoor Adult
Roasted Chicken Flavor 16 lbs 0 79105 10245 2
NUTRO(R) MAX(R) Cat Indoor Adult
Roasted Chicken Flavor (Sample
Bag) 1.5 oz none
NUTRO(R) MAX(R) Cat Indoor Adult
Salmon Flavor 3 lbs 0 79105 10246 9
NUTRO(R) MAX(R) Cat Indoor Adult
Salmon Flavor 6 lbs 0 79105 10247 6
NUTRO(R) MAX(R) Cat Indoor Adult
Salmon Flavor 16 lbs 0 79105 10248 3
NUTRO(R) MAX(R) Cat Indoor Weight
Control 3 lbs 0 79105 10249 0
NUTRO(R) MAX(R) Cat Indoor Weight
Control 6 lbs 0 79105 10250 6
NUTRO(R) MAX(R) Cat Indoor Weight
Control 16 lbs 0 79105 10251 3



SOURCE Nutro Products

http://news.prnewswire.com/DisplayReleaseContent.aspx?ACCT=104&STORY=/www/story/05-21-2009/0005030979&EDATE=

[keepCAblue]

3. first link in OP (Nutro affected products): "Page not found."

Had to do a search of their website to find the recall press release:

http://www.nutroproducts.com/press5-21-09.shtml

It also appears that Nutro was aware of concerns about excessive levels of zinc in their products as far back as September 2008 (7 months ago), as evidenced by this FAQ on their website:

http://www.nutroproducts.com/press9-17-08.shtml

[veness]

4. Thanks. K & R. n/t

[magellan]

5. Nutro were affected by the 2007 melamine recall too

Second strike. Doesn't speak well of them.
K&R

[glinda]

24. Yup! Stay away from that brand altogether. All my pets were poisoned by Nutro.

[jberryhill]

6. They left out the poison again?

If it does not effectively kill feline pests, then it should be recalled for sure.

[kestrel91316]

7. Thanks for posting this! I put it on my bulletin board out front and

in my blog for my clients to see. I normally consider Max Cat and Nutro Natural Choice very good foods.

Somebody is cutting sorners on quality control, accepting at face value the purported nutrient levels of a pre-mix they use, instead of doing independent testing.

In God We Trust - all others pay cash. IOW, be careful who you put your trust in, Nutro.

[Dappleganger]

9. Oh geez, not again.

We also switched off Nutro during the last recall since we had a new puppy and have had her (and her 'bro') on Flint River Ranch ever since.

http://www.flintriver.com/ProductInfo.asp

[WillYourVoteBCounted]

11. Whole slew of complaints about Neutro here

Here's just one of many from people who said Neutro made their pets sick or killed them:

Linda of Auburn, NH October 12, 2008

PET FOOD PRODUCT SAFETY ALLIANCE DID TESTS ON TWO SAMPLES OF NUTRO FOOD AND POSTED ON AUGUST 14th, 2008. THE RESULTS WERE HIGH LEVELS OF COPPER AND ZINC. The symptoms are consistent with the majority of those reported by consumers suspecting problems believed to be associated with feeding Nutro dry dog food.

While Nutro may view a shiny coat as desirable on sick, dead or dying pets - whether well founded or not - the Pet Food Products Safety Alliance does not share that view There is no way to know which dogs will be affected immediately and or how long it will take for others to be affected. It's playing russian roulette with your animals lives by using Nutro.

Read more: http://www.consumeraffairs.com/pets/nutro.html#ixzz0GBgPNnmv&B

NUTRO AND PANCREATITIS:

Sheri of Encino, CA March 11, 2009

I was feeding my Pomeranian Nutro Natural mini chunk and she began vomiting. She had a serious bout of pancreatitis. Apparently this is a very bad dry food for small dogs, the fat content is way too high and the quality is garbage.

1,000.00 for hospitalization!


Read more: http://www.consumeraffairs.com/pets/nutro.html#ixzz0GBh7Nc9f&B

High fat content in the Neutro may have helped explain the high lipid levels in my dog.

[Doremus]

12. I've read complaints on the internet at various boards for many years

about how Nutro makes dogs vomit. One of the morning shows did a short piece about it within the last two weeks. As always, the company denies any knowledge of the vomiting its products cause.

There are so many very good human-grade pet foods out there, there is no reason to feed poison to our pets. The problem is education. Many pet owners think grocery store brands are fine and dandy. NOT. HUGE NOT. They are made of scum that is unfit for human consumption. They have toxins in them from road kill and dead/sick animals they throw in the rendering pot. It's no wonder our pets fall ill with cancers and other illnesses. We feed them toxic waste and think we're doing our best for them because their commercials tell us so. :mad:

[Skip Intro]

13. Just curious, what products or brands would you recommend?

I don't have a pet now. I lost my companion cat of 15+ years last year and just haven't come around to welcoming a new one, but the time is coming. I fed Hamilton regular food for a while, but he was diagnosed with FIV at about age 4, and since that time I fed him dry Science Diet, with one can o Fancy Feast each evening.

As I'll be taking in another cat soon, I wanted to ask if there is a particular brand you trust. My vet told me Science Diet was a good one. Have heard not so good things about Eukenuba (sp?). Don't know about Fancy Feast, but for some reason assume Purina = quality and safety.

Any thoughts?

Thanks.

[Catshrink]

15. Blue Buffalo

My vet told me in December to get my dogs off Nutro. She said she preferred Iams, Science Diet, or Blue Buffalo. I'd already mixed in some BB and just went with it. They like it. The best part is, Louie stopped farting. He had the worst gas!

Here's their website:

http://www.bluebuff.com/

You can print off a coupon -- $5 for dogs and $3 for cats. If you click under "Why Blue?" you can compare your current food to Blue ("Take the test").

Oh, another cool thing. They enclose a "pet trading card" in each package. They're cute and my little nephews adore getting them.

[Doremus]

19. We have a wonderful locally owned pet food store near us.

They have a large selection of human-grade pet foods that aren't available in grocery stores. The owners taste-test new brands before adding them to inventory. :thumbsup:

For some reason, the selection seems to be greater for dogs than cats, but some of the makers to look for are:

Merritt's
Wellness
Nature Organics
Innova

There are many others but I'm working from memory and it has pooped out on me. :)

Whichever brand you choose, read the ingredient label. The first ingredient should be beef or chicken (or whichever meat you've chosen). If the label has the words "by-product" on it, do not buy. That is the toxic waste I referred to above. Purina, Science Diet, Fancy Feast and virtually all grocery store brands use by-products. They are detrimental to the health of your pet!

Another important thing to check on the label is the "Made in (country)" notation. No China!!!

For cats, canned (wet) food is best. Here's a good overview of the reasons: http://www.blakkatz.com/dryfood.html

Here's the website for our pet food store, In Good Health. It has a list of their brands so you can check for them locally:
http://ingoodhealth4pets.com/

Let me know if I can help with anything else. I commend for you wanting to do your very best for your next furbaby! :toast:

[Dappleganger]

20. Flint River Ranch

http://www.flintriver.com/ProductInfo.asp
You won't find it in stores, only on the internet but you get very high-quality food and service from an American company who uses American, human-grade ingredients (except for the two cited on the product info page). Even their production plant is rated for human consumption. We've been using this since the beginning of 2007 for the dogs and they love it, they are healthy with beautiful shiny coats.

We give the kitties Chicken Soup for the Cat Lover's Soul Light because the hedgehog happens to like that better than Evo (both high in protein).

[Merlot]

21. My animals get Natures Variety

Especially good for cats as it has a high protein content and no grains.

Science Diet is awful, full of crap. Yet I always hear people recommending it. I think they push the product onto vets pretty heavily.

[emilyg]

26. My babies do well on Purina.

I use Fancy Feast as a treat.

[Wednesdays]

14. K&R

:kick:

[Danmel]

16. Thanks for posting this

I just dumped the food in my kitties bowl- the bag I've been feeding them from is affected. I'll have to keep an eye on them.

Can't even feed the little beasties without worrying!

[saigon68]

17. Damn there goes lunch

[1955doubledie]

18. Scary!

Thanks for the info.

[KillCapitalism]

22. Nutro is all around BAD.

I want to share this link with you all:

http://www.dogfoodanalysis.com/

It rates foods & will let you know how the quality is of the food you are currently feeding your pet. I feed my dog the Orijen 6 Fresh Fish, it's highly rated & has no fillers, melamine, or mystery ingredients.

[woo me with science]

25. Thank you! nt

[Lorien]

27. Nutro is made with food industry waste to begin with-stuff that is illegal to

feed to human beings, as are most non USDA pet food brands: http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=243&topic_id=4388&mesg_id=4388