Health Products For People & Pets

Feds Deny NUTRO Investigation; Witnesses Say Otherwise

April 29, 2009 - Another update....

A division of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has denied that it is investigating NUTRO Products Inc., whose pet foods are the subject of more than 700 complaints from consumers who say their dogs and cats became ill and, in some cases, died after eating NUTRO products.

But consumers who fed their dogs NUTRO have confirmed that FDA inspectors came to their homes investigating their pets' deaths. And the FDA is still refusing to release information about NUTRO, saying that to do so could hamper law enforcement efforts.

Click here for the rest of the story

 

FDA confirms Nutro not under investigation

April 28, 2009

FDA Statement on Nutro Products, Inc.

FDA is clarifying that Nutro Products, Inc. is not currently under investigation.  FDA does not typically confirm or deny the existence of an FDA investigation.  It has recently come to our attention, however, that a media report incorrectly concluded and reported that Nutro Products, Inc. was the subject of an investigation.

---

Issued by:
FDA, Center for Veterinary Medicine,
Communications Staff, HFV-12
7519 Standish Place, Rockville, MD 20855
Telephone: (240) 276-9300 FAX: (240) 276-9115
Internet Web Site: http://www.fda.gov/cvm

 

2 Great Reviews of Life's Abundance - Plus Win a Bag of Dog or Cat Food!

The dogs in America have spoken - Life's Abundance dog food and HealthyPetNet treats are pawesome! Be sure to visit Davey (he's an adorable puggle) and his review by clicking here.  Davey's site is also hosting a contest til May 3 where you can enter to win a free bag of Life's Abundance dog or cat food so be sure to enter!

The ever fun loving, extremely cute KaleyCorgi also did a review! Be sure to check out the agility corgi and see how much she loved Life's Abundance by clicking here!

If your a dog or cat who blogs and wants to review Life's Abundance just email us and let us know (or leave a comment and we'll get back to you). Also, continue to watch this blog because we're going to be giving away lots of great things for doggies and kitties soon!

Romeo The Cat (and Pugsley too) Twittering Their Paws For A Rescue Cause

Millions of cats and dogs are given to rescues and shelters each year. A new statistic is showing a dramatic rise in the number of cats and dogs being "turned in" because their owners can't afford to keep them due to the economy. If you have ever been to a shelter you will see all the hard work that it takes to run the shelter every day. On top of daily duties there is fundraising to be done to make sure the doggies and kitties are feed, have treats, given beds, pillows and even medication.
 
Straight from their Kitty Condo (or comfort of their humans bed) comes the dynamic duo Romeo The Cat and Pugsley too! They are the furred crusaders to help rescues and shelters raise money and are putting their paws to work to help those less fortunate. Romeo The Cat and Pugsley know all too well about being a shelter kitty and Romeo is a twice deposited cat to an animal shelter in Kentucky. The second time Romeo was brought into the animal shelter he was left with skin nastiness and ear issues that were so bad he had gone deaf. Thankfully that shelter contacted a Persian rescue group in Ohio and arranged for several surgeries and Romeo regained his hearing but ended up with a permanently turned down ear.

There will be no lounging around for these two kitties because there is work to be done and these kitties even set goals!! Romeo The Cat and his kitty buddy Pugsley are making a difference in the lives of rescue animals and are taking Twitter and the Internet by storm. These 2 furry friends tweet to raise money and even have their own blog! This month they are raising money for Kitten Rescue out of Los Angeles and next month it could be your rescue. They are selecting a May rescue from submissions made on Romeo and Pugsley's website from 4/27-30.  There will be a new rescue posted on May 1. Romeo and Pugsley are working their paws off to raise money and you can help them by donating online to the Kitten Rescue.  Please click here to donate. Donate whatever you can to help - $1, $5, $10 or more - all donations are appreciated. Romeo and Pugsley's goal is $2,000 so get your paws online with your pawrent's credit card and help a kitty out!
 
We'd also like to give a special shout out to Vicki Boatright.  Vicki owns Art Adventure Studios and is donating a beautiful piece of artwork called

"This Brew's for You!" There will be a drawing held and you can read about it on Romeo's FURPOWER $1 Donation Challenge

Why Isn't Life's Abundance Dog & Cat Food Organic?

Over the past 6 years this is the most frequently asked question I would say people have. Most people have it in their minds that organic is always best.  We asked Dr Jane Bicks, formulator of HealthyPetNet products this question.  Here is her answer....

I would love to have an all organic food as long as it fit my mission statement. My mission is to formulate and produce food with the best nutrition I can give to a dog and cat.

Unfortunately, organic meats are still hard to come by. Just go to your supermarket and you will see the small section of organic meats. The price is high because there simply are not enough organic meats produced yet.

I can't find enough HIGH QUALITY organic meats for my formula every week. (We sell millions of pounds of food). You see, the best cuts of the organic meats go to the supermarkets and health food stores. The left overs (the trims) can be used for pet food. While the meat would be organic it would be the "throw away" parts such as the tendons, ligaments, and visa versa. Muscle meat and organ meat deliver optimum nutrition, not the later. Using organic meats today would violate my mission statement.

If you look at the label of organic foods you will notice that they contain large amounts of carbohydrates. While I believe that carbohydrates are necessary in a well formulated diet, the organic foods use more than I deem acceptable. They have to use carbohydrates to keep the cost down and to add some protein (carbohydrates have protein) because they can't get enough meat protein. I must have a fixed formula which means that the ingredients (type, amount) will never vary from bag to bag or can to can. Many dogs and cats will get GI upsets if amounts or types of ingredients change. Organic foods have non fixed formulas because they have to take what they can get.

I understand the importance of organic ingredients and embrace it. If you look at my Instinctive Choice you will see that I have a portion of organic chicken. Unfortunately there is not very much CONSISTENT organic chicken to use and unfortunately not enough for my entire formula.

IN SUMMARY: My mission is to give the dog and cat the best nutrition I know how to. Using organic ingredients would be a plus, above and beyond the excellent nutrition. It will take a few more years before organic becomes more available.

Dr. Jane

Click Herer to learn more about Life's Abundance Dog and Cat Food

More Dog & Cat Food Recalls & Info

It doesn't seem to stop. Once you read an article about one recall it just leads you to many others. Here is some more recall info:

Canidae Lawsuit - In spite of widespread complaints of pet illness, Canidae has yet to issue a voluntary recall of its foods. Last year, the company issued a statement explaining that it had changed the food’s formulation and that pets needed to be transitioned gradually from the old to the new formula.

Specifically, the company cited the new food’s “increased levels of meat protein” and the “increased overall complex carbohydrate quality.”

However, angry consumers said Canidae was at best inconsistent in warning pet owners beforehand of the need for the gradual formula transition. Many claimed that neither the food nor the shelves on which it was stocked provided any warning that the formula had changed.

Some consumers have speculated that the new formula, which contains carbohydrates such as corn and barley, came as a shock to their dogs’ systems, which had become accustomed to the old formula’s more rice-centered composition. In September 2007, a lab report allegedly showed that a Canidae sample contained the painkiller acetaminophen, a charge which Canidae vehemently denied.

Chicken Jerky products made in China - FDA officials again cautioned consumers to be wary of feeding their dogs these products, which include chicken tenders, strips, or treats. Small dogs are at particularly at risk.

It all boils down to you, as the consumer to make smart choices and read labels. Take the time to find out where your pet food, treats and supplements are made. If you call the company - do they answer your questions? What would happen in a recall - will they magically find you or hope that you hear about a recall on the news or reading a blog?

Life's Abundance products are made in the USA and formulated by a holistic vet. Since Life's Abundance products are sold via the internet, this allows Life's Abundance the ability to keep track of all it's customers and their orders. So, should there ever be any problems Life's Abundance knows who bought what and when and can contact them direct. Also, Dr Jane Bicks, the product formulator hosts a national conference call every other Wednesday to speak directly with representatives and customers and answer their questions about her products. If you have ever tried to call a pet food company, you'll find out how you get the run around when you ask to speak with the formulator and you will not get a call back. Try it - you'll be upset to see how little they care. To me, there is no better choice than Life's Abundance. When I open my dog food and treats I know exactly where they came from and how safe the company is. We have been representatives with them and knowing that when I receive my bag of Life's Abundance dog food it is shipped generally within 4-6 weeks from being manufactured is another huge plus!

FDA Confirms Probe of NUTRO Pet Food Deaths, Illnesses

Menu Foods earlier revealed it was the target of a federal probe

By Lisa Wade McCormick
ConsumerAffairs.com
Copyright 2009 © All Rights Reserved

April 20, 2009

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has confirmed that the agency is investigating NUTRO pet food, following a series of unexplained illnesses and deaths. Consumers have been complaining for more than two years that their pets have become ill after eating NUTRO products; many have recovered when they were switched to other foods. The company has steadfastly denied that its food is to blame.

Until now, the FDA has been mum about whether it was actively investigating the company. Today, the FDA’s Division of Freedom of Information confirmed the agency has an ongoing investigation into NUTRO — and said that investigation could be criminal or civil in nature. The office did not elaborate on the nature or focus of that investigation.

The investigation came to light when the FDA denied a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request by ConsumerAffairs.com seeking a list of complaints and lab results the agency has collected regarding NUTRO pet food. The agency denied the request and said that releasing the information could hamper “prospective or ongoing” action by law enforcement.

Read the entire article here

Do You Know What's In Your Pets Food?

Please watch our video and learn more about keeping your pet healthy and how to read a pet food label. After you're done watching the vide, if you're interested in trying Life's Abundance Dog or Cat Food please email us for a sample.

Natural Companies Being Bought Out To Look Healthier

I was just reading an article about how companies that have been offering natural, safe products are being bought out by bigger companies that haven't had the best track records in terms of "being safe." It's a smart move on their part - let the little natural company build up a trusted name for itself, by it and make you look better - like you care. Oh, wait - that's not happening because some of those companies are dropping the brand they bought. For example Odwalla was purchased by Coca-Cola. Odwalla was known for their fresh squeezed orange juice but Coca-cola dropped them because of the extended travel required to get to their distributors. Burt's Bees was bought by Clorox. I remember going into a health food store and seeing this brand exclusively in smaller mom and pop type stores and it make you feel good about using their all-natural lip balm. Clorox wanted to clean up their image and seem more "natural" so they bought Burt's Bees and no it's found in major chain retailers. Lastly, Tom's of Maine natural toothpaste was bought by Colgate-Palmolive which, as you know, is a competitor in the toothpaste market. Colgate toothpaste is required under USA law to put a warning label on the package.  Colgate owns other products that had to be recalled due to safe levels of dioxins. I can personally tell you I tried Colgate once and it burned the heck out of my mouth and my husband's mouth and it wasn't pretty with inside mouth skin peeling. Colgate stated we must have had an allergic reaction. Maybe I can believe that for one of us but not both of us.

In closing, be sure to check the labels when you're buying products you once loved and trusted because they may have been bought out to clean up a not so healthy companies image.

Calling All Pet Lovers - The Purrfect Opportunity For You & Your Pets

You've seen the headlines. It's impossible to avoid them. Every time you watch TV or read a newspaper, you hear about the struggling economy.

If you have access to a computer (which you obviously do if you are reading this!) and a telephone, you can own your own pet business within minutes. With everyone feeling the crunch in today's economy, now is the perfect time to start your own business. It's your chance to to supplement your income and one day soon, say goodbye to your mainstream job and hello to financial freedom.

You can help pets and make a full time income. People have to feed their pets every single day. There's no choice. You have an opportunity to recommend all natural, SAFE dog and cat food, treats and supplements that pet owners need and want. Especially after the last 2 years of constant pet product recalls, now is the time to join us!

For Pet Professionals - Groomers, Breeders, Vets, Trainers, Non-Profits, Rescue Groups, Pet Sitters - Do you get paid every time you recommend a product to your client? Now you can! By doing EXACTLY what you're doing right now, you can receive a check every month for the rest of the pet's life!

We've been Reps with Life's Abundance since 2003 and have loved helping thousands of pet owners learn about the benefits of feeding natural pet foods. Did you know that when you receive Life's Abundance it delivered to you generally within 4-6 weeks from being made? Commercial dog and cat foods sit on warehouse shelves (in questionable conditions) for 12-18 months! If you were one of the many affected by the pet food recalls, were you satisfied with the answers you received? Did you call the recall companies only to be pushed off with a free bag of food and a we're sorry? Guess what! Life's Abundance products are formulated by holistic vet, Dr Jane Bicks. Dr Jane hosts a national conference call every other Wednesday and answers all questions direct. How many other pet food companies can say that? Feed a food you can trust and when you have questions you can get answers.

Click Here to watch our videos and learn more about Life's Abundance products

Keeping Your Dog & Cat Safe From Toxins In The Home

We often get calls and emails from concerned dog and cat parents that their dog is licking uncontrollably or is losing hair all of a sudden or they are sick and no one can figure out why. The first thing I ask is if anything has changed inside or outside of their homes or if they are using any new products. Dogs and cats love to explore, taste, rub against and roll around in all sorts of things—many of which contain harmful toxins. Their sense of smell is thousands of times greater than ours so while we may think something has a slight hint of fragrance they are overloaded from the smell. When you scrub your floor your dog or cat oftentimes runs across it when it's still wet (at least that's happened in my house a million times) and then will lick their paws to clean them and ingest harsh chemicals which can eventually lead to death. Items to be careful of inside the home are Wall/floor/toilet bowl cleaners, bleach, detergents, rust removers, metal polish, drain cleaners, ammonia, oven cleaners, furniture polish, floor wax and all those lovely air fresheners (just think of what they are doing to you too!).

Now let's move outside the home. Chemical fertilizers and pesticides are a major source of environmental toxins. A study at the School of Veterinary Medicine, Purdue University, revealed that the exposure to lawns treated with herbicides four or more times a year doubled a dog’s risk of canine lymphoma.  The Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association reported that, when exposed to chemically treated lawns, some breeds of dogs were four to seven times more likely to suffer from bladder cancer.  How many times have you spilled antifreeze in the driveway? Antifreeze has a sweet taste that animals love and can be fatal in a dose as small as 1 teaspoon because it is made with ethylene glycol. Also, de-icing salts used to melt snow and ice on your walkways and driveway can irritate paws and can be poisonous if licked off. Wash and dry your pet’s paws as soon as they come in from the outside.

These are just a few of many things to watch out for that you may not even give a second thought to when purchasing. When choosing cleaning products look for items that are labeled pet and child safe (yes, babies love to lick their hands too when they come into contact with anything) to make sure you are keeping your family safe.  Trilogy carries an excellent line of environmentally friendly cleaning products that you can feel good about using. Although our cleaning products are industrial-strength, they are safe for use in the home. Additionally, these products represent the latest in microbial technology, with friendly bacteria that eliminate the organic wastes that cause odor, rather than just masking the smell.

New Tupperware Sales

Here's some new Tupperware offers!  The buy 1 get 1 set is really nice - and also the Tumblers at 1/2 off! Great for summer around the pool and patio! 

7-pc. Summer Fun Set Buy 1 Set get 1 FREE!
2 sets for $60! Includes two each of 2-cup, 3-cup, 4-cup, 8-cup and 12-cup Wonderlier® Bowls.
Also includes two sets of the Small Hourglass Salt & Pepper Shakers.

 
Mother's Day Lunch Set - $50 now $30!

 

Little Bit of Everything Set - $34 now $11.50 with $80 purchase!

 

Tumbler Collection - $30 now $15! 

 

Chip ’N Dip Set - $39.50 now $19.75 with $50 purchase!

 

Kids Mini Impressions Set - $15!

 

Lemon-Lime Press - $19.99 now $9.99!

View all of the current sales at Tupperware

Marley & Me - The Movie

So Marley & Me is billed as a comedy - hmmmmm - apparently the writers don't know what the word comedy means. I really didn't like this movie because it should have been upfront and said "sad" not heartwarming. Heartwarming to me is something that makes you feel good - all this movie did was make me sad. Another big point in the movie is they show Purina Puppy Chow and Purina bags quite often. Ok, so we get it Purina sponsored them however now it makes all the new puppy owners go get Purina Puppy Chow.  I looked up the ingredients and saw they offer Healthy Morsels for puppies now - sounds healthy, right? Must be because the bag says this - specially formulated with chewy chunks and crunchy bites with whole grains, real beef, and vegetable accents for overall good health - the extra nutrition your puppy needs for proper growth and development.

Now lets look at the ingredient label -
Whole grain corn, corn gluten meal, whole grain wheat, chicken by-product meal, animal fat preserved with mixed-tocopherols (form of Vitamin E), soybean meal, brewers rice, meat and bone meal, barley, beef, sugar, animal digest, sorbitol, fish oil, phosphoric acid, salt, tricalcium phosphate, potassium chloride, sorbic acid (a preservative), dried carrots, dried peas, calcium propionate (a preservative), L-Lysine monohydrochloride, added color (Red 40, Yellow 5, Blue 2), Vitamin E supplement, choline chloride, brewers dried yeast, zinc sulfate, zinc proteinate, ferrous sulfate, manganese sulfate, niacin, manganese proteinate, Vitamin A supplement, calcium carbonate, Vitamin B-12 supplement, DL-Methionine, calcium pantothenate, copper sulfate, copper proteinate, thiamine mononitrate, garlic oil, pyridoxine hydrochloride, riboflavin supplement, Vitamin D-3 supplement, menadione sodium bisulfite complex (source of Vitamin K activity), calcium iodate, folic acid, biotin, sodium selenite.
H-4037

Great! corn, more corn, some wheat, by product, meat and bone meal, sugar, animal digest, colors....wait where is the real beef and vegetable accents? Ahhh accents - I guess that means we sprinkled some on and the beef we've added is full of water (or it would be beef meal) and is non specified beef which could mean anything.  Now here's an even bigger kicker -

Menadione Sodium Bisulfate ( a Synthetic form of Vitamin K).  This ingredient is both unnecessary and potentially harmful. It has been linked to:
 
* Liver cell cytotoxicity
* Weakened Immune systems
* Potential mutagenic effects
* Damage to the natural Vitamin K cycle
* Hemolytic anemia and jaundice
* Direct toxicity in high doses
* Irritation of the skin and mucous membranes
* Allergic reactions and eczema

So, in closing - Purina Puppy Chow Healthy Morsels is anything BUT healthy. To learn more about how to read a pet food label click here