The use of euthanized pets in pet food has been suspect for years. Now, Spain is in the middle of a full investigation that will finally prove the absolute worst horrors of pet food. It has been stated many of the pet foods involved “have international presence and some are among the most prominent of the animal feed industry.”
One of the first times we learned of the use of euthanized dogs and cats becoming rendered pet food ingredients was from Van Smith of the Boston City Paper. His story from September 1995 exposed the Valley Proteins animal rendering facility. ‘What’s Cookin’? Every Wonder What Happens to Dead Animals?’ can be read here.
In 2002, the FDA tested various dog foods (cat foods were not tested) purchased from store shelves in the Washington, DC area and found many to contain the euthanizing drug pentobarbital. The FDA stated the source of the euthanzing drug could only come from euthanized cats, dogs, or horses. However, DNA testing performed by the FDA found no cat DNA, no dog DNA, an no horse DNA. Despite inconclusive testing, the FDA stated no dogs or cats are rendered into pet food.
Note: The FDA has recently removed the numerous pages regarding their Risk of Pentobarbital in Dog Food report. I asked the FDA the reasoning behind removing these pages and was told it was due to normal deletion of dated materials. The FDA provided me with these reports which can be read…
Here for FDA Risk of Pentobarbital in Dog Food Report
Here for Appendix FDA Risk of Pentobarbital in Dog Food Report
Here for lab results of pet foods tested
Just in case you might think members of Congress have not been aware of the possibility of rendered euthanized pets in pet food…In 2004, on the heels of pet food consumer awareness to the horrors in pet food and at on the concerns of Mad Cow Disease, Congress requested an investigation of the rendering industry. The report – compiled by Congressional Research Services – told members of Congress…(bold added)
“Renderers convert dead animals and animal parts that otherwise would require disposal into a variety of materials, including edible and inedible tallow and lard and proteins such as meat and bone meal (MBM).2 These materials in turn are exported or sold to domestic manufacturers of a wide range of industrial and consumer goods such as livestock feed and pet food, soaps, pharmaceuticals, lubricants, plastics, personal care products, and even crayons.”
“Renderers annually convert 47 billion pounds or more of raw animal materials into approximately 18 billion pounds of products. Sources for these materials include meat slaughtering and processing plants (the primary one); dead animals from farms, ranches, feedlots, marketing barns, animal shelters, and other facilities; and fats, grease, and other food waste from restaurants and stores.”
In 2008 (however date not confirmed) former AAFCO President Hersh Pendell stated on video, “Fluffy” could be in pet food without any warning to the pet food consumer.
And now from what has been stated as an industry whistle blower tip, 15 tons of dead stray dogs filled a warehouse “which they believe were going to be processed into animal feed”. In other cities in Spain, “similar grisly discoveries in warehouses” have been found.
Another story (translated via Google translate) states buyers of the “meal” and “animal fat” were sold to “42 firms in Spain and abroad” include pet food companies. The buyers (bold added) “are dotted Galicia (where there are two cases), Murcia, Valencia, Barcelona, Toledo, Castellón, Cartagena, Zaragoza, Salamanca, Ciudad Real, Valladolid, Segovia and Caceres, and they even reach firms located in Portugal and Holland . In addition, many of the businesses have international presence and some are among the most prominent of the animal feed industry.”
In another story (translated by Google translate), regarding the euthanized dogs being used for cattle feed, an authority in Spain stated it “is “beyond logic” used “dog carcasses” for livestock feed that “in the end, humans consume.”
How can this happen?
There are millions of homeless pet euthanized each week in animal shelters. Millions in the U.S. alone. Most animal shelters cannot afford a crematory; proper burial is out of the question. Federal law prohibits the burial of euthanized pets (any animal) in land fills. (Read It’s Killing Eagles but FDA says it’s safe for our pets and this Fish and Wildlife report) So these millions of dog and cat bodies – each week – are picked up by a renderer. I’ll spare you the gory details. They ultimately become animal feed (including pet food) ingredients such as meat and bone meal, meat meal (generic), animal digest and animal fat. And as the Report to Congress told us, these ingredients sourced from euthanized dogs and cats become pet food, animal food, body lotions, and even children’s crayons.
Isn’t this illegal?
Yes, actually it is illegal per U.S. federal law for any food – animal or human – to be sourced from or contain any part of an animal that was not slaughtered. Section 402 (a)(5).
However, the FDA has provided the animal food and pet food industries loopholes to avoid federal law. These loopholes are known as Compliance Policies. Compliance Policy Guide (CPG) 675.400 says it all (however there are many more): “POLICY: No regulatory action will be considered for animal feed ingredients resulting from the ordinary rendering process of industry, including those using animals which have died otherwise than by slaughter, provided they are not otherwise in violation of the law.”
I’ve asked the FDA about the numerous loopholes provided to the pet food/animal food industry, the Center for Veterinary Management (CVM, division of FDA) has determined these horrendous ingredients are of “no risk”. And CVM “only looks at the risk”. In other words, if these ingredients killed people or pets, well then they would enforce the law.
The FDA Office of Surveillance and Compliance told me once they compare these Compliance Policies to speeding. Sort of…there are laws against it, but everyone does it. I replied: ‘speeding is still a violation of law – and speeding kills’.
Does this happen in U.S. pet foods?
Until solid DNA testing is done on U.S. manufactured pet foods we can only guess. Because the FDA allows rendered dogs and cats into U.S. pet food, we have to assume yes this does happen in U.S. pet foods and treats. I believe we are safe to assume many pet food manufacturers take full advantage of the non-enforcement of speed limits too.
Thanks to the whistle blower(s) within Spain, perhaps very soon we will learn the names of the companies involved.
Wishing you and your pet(s) the best,
Susan Thixton
Pet Food Safety Advocate
Author, Buyer Beware
Co-Author Dinner PAWsible
TruthaboutPetFood.com
PetsumerReport.com
What’s in Your Pet’s Food?
Is your dog or cat eating risk ingredients? Chinese imports? Petsumer Report tells the ‘rest of the story’ on over 2500 cat foods, dog foods, and pet treats. 30 Day Satisfaction Guarantee. www.PetsumerReport.com
2013 List
Susan’s List of trusted pet foods. Click Here
Have you read Buyer Beware? Click Here
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Find Healthy Pet Foods in Your Area Click Here
I’m so glad I prepare my cats’ food myself!!
what do you put inside?
As disgusting as this news is, I cannot thank you enough for the work that you do. Animals and the people that love them are so indebted to you.
Thanks Kathleen – it’s not just me, this is teamwork!
I am playing a bit of catch-up, but this is horrid, and used to happen more, but now it is less used today in our heavily advertised dog and cat kibbles.
Maybe that term ‘dried egg product’is what this means.
Sorry, I am being very sarcastic today.
Hugs..Martha
Agreed, Thank you. I’d rather be disgusted than mourning after going broke at the vet’s . Again. And Again.
Susan…..Thank you so very much for all the hard work you do to bring us the latest information about what is in pet food and feed that is fed to livestock, which eventually WE eat. I first learned about what happens to pets that are left with the vet to be put to sleep (June 1999) when my cat Groucho developed cancer. I had him cremated and brought him home. My cat Kitty was cremated (2001)and brought home and my precious cat Mungkee, my heart and soul, breast cancer (Oct 2010), was also cremated and brought home. They reside on my headboard near my head. I only wish I knew earlier so I could have all my other pets that have passed on with me. I tell as many people as I can about you and the work you do to bring us information. Please keep up the good, no wonderful, work you do.
Thank you Mirsades. I don’t get the opportunity to thank everyone for their support – but I do thank you – and thank all else out there. This is teamwork – you guys out there help so much by sending me stories and sharing my stories posted. We are a team! And we won’t quit.
Its so hard to read things like this but there is a price to it. I keep beating myself up….WHAT THE HELL WAS I FEEDING MY DOGS?
OMG
Cathy – Please don’t beat yourself up. You were lied to. You were mislead – you did not knowingly feed your dogs euthanized animals. Until FDA starts enforcing the laws as they are written, and until AAFCO develops clear pet food ingredient definitions, many more pet food consumers will be lied to and misled. It has to stop and awareness is the beginning.
Thanks Susan…..You are right, it does have to stop but we can’t wait until the dog food companies decide to do something voluntarily. They have known there were problems with the food nearly from when they began to sell it. If they haven’t done anything yet, in spite of all the complaints, it doesn’t look like they ever will. No, I didn’t knowingly do this to Gus and Maxx. But until recently, I can’t say I ever read one pet label. Now I do and since I found out Mars Co. was using meat in their Twix Bars, I read nearly everything. Thanks to people like you, it’s a lot easier to learn about the ingredients. Again, thanks.
Say what??
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I’m not a fan of candy bars, less a fan of the Mars Co. and even less of chemical compounds that can’t be pronounced. But these are the ingredients in a Twix bar: http://www.twix.com/product/nutrition. The explanation for PGPR is: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polyglycerol_polyricinoleate. Not the best addition to any food. When peoople reading comments on this site see something that jumps to a conclusion (like meat in a candy bar!) it makes the site less credible.
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Bottom, line don’t feed a PF with ingredients that aren’t understood, do the research, and feed food as wholesome as possible.
Pacific Sun…..
This has NOTHING to do with liking Mars Co. or not. As I was researching Pedigree Dog Food, I found out they are owned by Mars Co. UK, and I found this:
http://metro.co.uk/2008/01/14/want-meat-in-your-choc-bar-twix-fits-501214/
With all due respect, I found your comment regarding credibility insulting. Obviously, I am not the one who jumped to a conclusion.
From 1/14/2008, an article from the UK: http://metro.co.uk/2008/01/14/want-meat-in-your-choc-bar-twix-fits-501214/ (“Chocolate giant Mars faces a second backlash after it was found that three of its most popular products still contain an ingredient from calves’ stomachs.
Twix, Milky Way and Celebrations – among the top-selling chocolates in Britain – all contain animal rennet.”)
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“Animal rennet” is a type of enzyme extracted from cow stomach, which can also be used in cheese. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rennet.. and .. http://www.ehow.com/about_6662297_definition-animal-rennet.html ..
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Is an enzyme produced in a mammalian stomach, one that’s also used in making cheese, the same as “using meat” in a candy bar? Or is the use of this animal derived extract incompatible with a Vegan diet?? You be the judge.
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This site is all too often (erroneously) accused of sensationalism and over-reaction. Comments in the absence of context don’t help.
Here is the point, my friend, you jumped the gun by assuming you knew what ingredient I was talking about. Since I am a vegetarian, I don’t appreciate “animal products” of ANY kind in foods I “think” are safe. If you really wanted to know what I was talking about you could have ASKED me. Instead, you tried to make me look foolish by labeling me. I think its amusing you posted the entire article. I put the link up for EVERYONE and although I am new here, I believe the users of this site know how to click a link. IF THEY WANT TO. I am certaintly NOT trying to be a sensationalist but since you keep challanging me, I do have to wonder about your motives. My dog died in my arms from the food I was feeding him. I came here to learn, not to deal with this crap. I have learned to read labels. Not just on pet food but on MY food too. I have known about rennet for long time…in the production of cheese…..but I never expected it to be used in a candy bar. I WAS surprised to discover that. I am NOT the one who is creating sensationalism…..I have absolutely nothing against the Mars Co….don’t confuse the issues and stop trying to change the subject. I don’t see sensationalism of ANY kind going on here. I only see people who have had a horrible loss trying to understand it. I see a woman who has also had a great loss and is doing what she can to stop it from happening to us. It is due to my respect for Susan and her work, that no matter what you say next, I will NOT respond. Although it was very kind of you to give everyone your permission to “be the judge”, I think they are, regardless of our input. If you want to discuss this further, my mail is:canastatard@yahoo.com. Otherwise, I would like to tell you it was nice talking to you…….
the m * m’s candy company uses Shellac on the outside of M+M’s
Shellac is made from Insects..!
Anna….ewww!!!
Hello Susan ! We do not know which feed mills bought this garbage or Catalunya or in Spain, I’m back to get this information … is horrible!
The FDA did not find any dog/cat/horse DNA in the foods in 2002…but wasn’t that because the DNA was damaged by they rendering process? Is current DNA testing (considerably more advanced than it was ten years ago) able to detect that DNA now?
From what I have learned about DNA testing (talking with a scientist at a DNA lab) – no the DNA would still be there regardless of damage in the rendering process. When I was speaking with this lab (probably 2 years ago), this scientist contacted the FDA and asked them for their procedure – laboratory procedure they followed for this testing. The FDA refused to tell.
The FDA tests were completely inconclusive – the part that bugs me is based on tests that never located the animal source of the euthanizing drug, the FDA made statements ‘pet food does not contain dog or cats’. FDA claims they are science based – yet they made statements based on inconclusive science and then would not provide a fellow scientist with how they performed those tests.
Hm. I wonder why that is?
Is this type of DNA testing something a private citizen or company (not connected to the manufacturer or the FDA) could have done? Could it be arranged and paid for? Has it?
Thanks for the great work you do – this article will help me continue to try to get people off nasty, cheap, low-quality foods/treats.
I think … (maybe I’m wrong) that DNA may disappear after a temperature of over 150 degrees for a while … dry food is exposed to high temperatures several times …..
There is now some real scientific laboratory evidence that when our bodies cease to function sufficiently to support consciousness, the “soul” does not cease to exist.
This gives me hope that there is indeed a “hell” for the souls of these people to go to.
I believe this is a potentially explosive revelation. Which if it could be proven regarding domestic based companies, would be the catalyst for ALL consumers insisting on real changes!! Even your average walmart ol’roy’s shopper would never stand for euthanized pets in pet food! And it would definitely get media attention!
o
If it can happen in one country (Spain, which you would think is fairly civilized) then why would it not be happening in others (especially China) and in our own as well, in order to make an extra buck? A good question is, what in the world DOES happen to all the poor animals (ALL kinds, including roadkill) that the “animal control” agencies are responsible for collecting and disposing of? And why wouldn’t there be a few people out there figuring it’d be a way to make some extra money, by supplying rendering plants?
o
Surely you would think there’d be a whistle-blower out there somewhere, somebody that has witnessed 3rd party deliveries, or worked in plants dealing with such things. But then, maybe those kinds of people, who could stomach that kind of work in the first place, and certainly ones making money off the deals, are of no mind or sanity to be concerned about the “integrity of pet food. The other reader is right, if this is a practice, if it’s happening to pet food, then it’s happening to livestock feed as well. Absolutely. Another reason for the media to get involved.
o
I do think this should be “our” concerted effort to uncover evidence, in order to leverage from pet food companies, what consumers really do want. Safety in processing, and healthy ingredients.
o
A while back they did do some DNA testing on Evangers canned food, and were able to discern the difference between what the label claimed and what was contained. This kind of testing should be extended to all pet food on a sampling basis. How would we petition the FDA or regulating agency to establish?
so very SAD AND CRUEL =people have pets that are part of the family –those unlucky ones have no one but NONE OF THEM DESERVES TO BE IN PET FOOD -AND NO ANIMAL DESERVES TO EAT PET FOOD WITH OTHER PETS IN IT –DUH ===just sick –the FDA (FEDERAL DEATH AUTHORITY ) IS OUT OF TOUCH AND USELESS -and the pet food industry is just as bad –IF YOU DONT SEE IT IT ISNT THERE –if you dont test for it –it isnt there –so many humans and animals are just TEST ANIMALS TO USE FOR FOOD IF POSSIBLE –I have been thru the whole range of pet problems -from the big recall to the diabetic pet that couldnt be tested cause the insurance couldnt pay –and if we had out pet put to sleep it COST US $200 TO GET THE PET BACK —why are they worth that much to sell ?????? they would uthanize but not return without pmt —-so she died in our arms and is buried in our yard –in a secure plastic box with mothballs to keep away varmits ==i guess the way the human animal treats its own is the same as how it treats other animals on this planet —scary —
It’s hard to think that people are so greedy that they would do such things. I know that big business is all about the bottom line but this is just sickening.
When we had to have our cat put down last year we had to pay an additional fee to have her cremated. If we did not want the remains there would have also been a fee to pay but it would have been less. It is not cheap but shouldn’t shelters be required by law or some sort of regulation to properly dispose of the bodies? Is there any law that states they cannot use euthanized pets as pet food?
Thank you, as always. The truth shall set us free.
it’ll set us free right after it RIPs us!
Unless you feed your dog a food that does not contain any animal protein source you are risking feeding them rendered sheltered animals. Happy Dog Food is 100% human food and contains no meat, you select the meat from your local grocery store to add to our premixes.
Hi Susan! I live in Spain but I haven’t found any information about the brands that include dog DNA in thei ingredients. I feed my dog a premium one, NUTRO Natural Dog Food, and wanted to make sure it’s safe. Do you have any info?
Thanks for your great work!
Hi Luz,
From what I read, they should begin to have test results of pet food testing in a week. I’m sure the information will become public quickly. There is no way to know which pet foods will be effected yet.
Any updates on the test results yet? Just wondering – I know you’ve been busy…
I’m beyond horrified at how corrupt the AAFCO and FDA are! Several months ago, our little japanese chin passed away in his sleep. (He had been sick for quite some time.) I was mortified when my mom told me they dropped off his body at the vet. I don’t know why they wouldn’t just bury him on the property. We have other pets buried there. She didn’t believe this particular vet would sell dead pets to a rendering plant…When my cats pass, they’ll either be buried in my parent’s yard, or creamated. Pets are family! We need to treat their bodies with respect. I won’t allow them to end up as pet food!
Susan, you said: Federal law prohibits the burial of euthanized pets (any animal) in land fills
It seems to me at least some states (did only a quick search), do allow disposal in landfills, however, whether or not a landfill accepts dead animals is another question.
We only feed our dog food we have cooked ourselves after he almost died two years ago, his liver was shutting down. Long story short, second vet I took him to said take him home, give him these antibiotics and natural supplements, and cook only organic food. feed him the natural supplements for the rest of his life, if he lives. Did not know if he would live or die and it was touch and go for a few days, but he is healthy and alert now. Will never feed processed dog food again!
My God, we finally reached a point when pets are eating pets. Many years ago I saw a horrible 1973 science fiction movie “Soylent Green.” I am glad that I am 71 years old and did not have children. May God help us all!
This is disgusting but something we have suspected for a long time. Thank you for uncovering the truth. So glad I have begun the transition to raw food. Much to the chagrin of my vet. Your site is awesome and I have told a lot of my friends about it. If it hadn’t been for sites like this and a few others, I myself wouldn’t have known the dangers lurking in my furbabies food nor would anyone else. Thank you for all your efforts.
I second that… if it wasn’t for TAPF we wouldn’t be hearing about any of this. And thanks for finding those FDA reports on pentobarbitol!
Thanks for the article but “millions of pets are euthanized each week”??? If this were true, pets would go extinct within a year or so. In America, about 2-4 millions pets (mainly feral cats) are euthanized each YEAR.
I know “…millions of …” is often a dramatic figure of speech. But oh please. Let’s use some perspective. Are these published numbers? If they are, the number may (only perhaps) pertain to “all” animals, including livestock, wildlife, vets, zoo’s, and an endless number of other animal related situations. If the number alone pertained only to “companion pets” then the public would be outraged. As there has been a strong effort throughout the last decade to support “no-kill” humane shelters, of which a lesser number of animals actually end up being euthanized. No doubt even that number IS great, and any number is sadly too much. But for the millions being referenced, a system not only would need to be in place, put must be in place, to handle the quantity, in terms of satisfying regulations, including health, welfare and safety. Now if only a fraction of what’s being quoted, is supposedly handled in an expected manner, yet isn’t, due to misguided opportunistic 3rd parties — then that would definitely require investigating, as it would no doubt involve code violations. All these assumptions, particularly in order to put into perspective (not only people’s suspicions at this point) but now it’s also their overwhelmingly growing FEARS, does need to be supported with evidence and foundation. I hope the story will be continued and consumers should demand reassurances.
Thank you Susan. That is so disgusting! But like you said, I have heard this before. Now the truth comes out.
CVM declares that these ingredients pose “no risk” to humans or animals. Yea, sure, but it is against the law. As Susan discusses on these pages, The FFD&C Act, as federal law, makes clear that no human or pet food is permitted to contain a poisonous, insanitary, deleterious ingredient or is sourced from a diseased animal or animal that has died other than by slaughter. FDA is charged with authority for administration and enforcement of that law. However, though its own “Compliance Policies,” the FDA instructs its Field Representatives to overlook the Federal law. As a result, pet food manufacturers have been given leeway to violate Federal law.
I believe it was cattle forced to become cannibals which played a major role in Britain’s BSE outbreak. They were given protein supplements from butchered sheep and butchered cattle. Cattle are herbivores, and they were being fed things that are not species-appropriate, to say the least.
How much would DNA testing of some of the major North American pet food brands cost? Does it have to be left to the FDA to perform the testing? Or could an independent group of concerned citizens take that action?
Thanks Susan.. You would make an incredible “Documentary” if you ever did one on these issues. Have you ever considered making one? I can just picture it being in most of the Film festivals. The people in “Hollywood” are very much pet lovers, so I would Imagine you would get a Ton of support for making one, as well as the support from all of us readers here as well. I know the past few years film makers have done some really good ones on “Human” food, but I’ve yet to see one on “pet” food. Would you ever consider making one? A Documentary is one of the “Best” ways to get the world to open their eyes to these kinds of things.
Thanks again Susan for you tired less work on trying to change this horrible Pet Food industry
Thanks Carmine – I’ve certainly thought about a documentary. But the cost and time to put it together…that stops me.
Susan, I totally understand.. But as far as cost goes, I think you can get people to fund it if you pitch it to the right people, and also I’m sure if this is something you truly wanted to do, you can raise the money if you needed to. I sure know I would chip in as many others on here. Enough is enough with these companies getting away with it. The thing is, most pet owners don’t even know this stuff, so a Documantary would be the “Best” way to get it out. ” The Cove” from 2009 and “Food Inc” is a perfect example!
I’m sure you could get people to contribute via Kickstarter.
I wonder if Michael Moore needs a suggestion for his next documentary.
HAHA! He would be a great person to do one!
A couple years ago, I posted on here that “Nightline” should do a story on all this. I usually DVR nightline every night and the other night, I saw something that I don’t think I ever saw before. At the end, it said “brought to you by Purina” then another night it said “Nestlé” and even “Procter and Gamble” I thought to myself, Wow! Are they reading these? Lol! I seriously don’t remember all these companies sponsoring Nightline before. Unless I never noticed?
Thank you Susan
Carmine I agree with you “Documentary”
thank you! susan, for telling pet parents of this so sad but thruth of pet food no wonder so many sick pets now with such diseae’s tha vet do not know why so many are getting such strange disease.that is why as long as i can being 80 years old… i will home cook for my fur babies.
Susan-
(I sure wish that the comments here would have a ‘like’ button).
I am wondering how this information stacks up to those companies that signed the Pledge? And especially with respect to ” the FDA allows rendered dogs and cats into U.S. pet food”
I know you are so very busy- But I am hoping that in the near future this can be addressed in the Pledge too.
I thank you again.
Annie
Thank you for all you do. I had no idea what went on until I began to go online about feline diabetes a year or so ago. I have gotten my diabetic kitty pretty muvh under control since my studies, however I learned so much about the industry it has made me sick…….All pet food scares me but I have 18 kitties and so homemade is not an option as I also work full time. I try very hard and have almost stopped all dry food after my study about how awful it is for cats., who can you trust anymore? Please keep us informed, thank you….
Priscilla:
I applaud you for picking the best food you can!
I just wanted you to know that I actually started making my food when I used to have 15 cats, because I realized I could make my own for less than the cost of the “premium” foods. I’ve always worked full-time, too, so I got it down to a system that only takes me about 15 minutes to make.
I buy ground turkey (frozen) at ALDI for 1.29/lb, and add a selection of canned and fresh veggies that I thrown in the food processor. (I also have supplements, I get the weeks supplements set up on the weekends, so I just have to plop them into the food processor each day).
I used to grind up meat and bones, but that was time consuming and messy. Although my home-made food is not as great as it could be, it’s still better than anything I could buy – and knock on wood – in the 20 years I’ve been making it, I’ve never had a sick cat. My first two live to be 20 years old, and all the remaining kitties are healthy and happy.
This is not meant to make you feel guilty – everyone has different needs and available time – it’s just to encourage you if you ever decide you want to try it.
Susan,
I can’t wait to hear the names of those “international companies” which figure prominently in this scandal. This is horrific, and just confirms that ethics and integrity have gone by the wayside in so many aspects of our society, and of societies around the globe. Sad.
It is not illegal to bury euthanized animals or put them into landfills.
Terry – in most U.S. states it is illegal to dispose of euthanized animals in a landfill. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Department pushed those legal changes through because wildlife were dying consuming the carcass of the euthanized animal. In fact there are huge fines if an endangered species dies and they found an animal was not buried properly.
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I feed my Tabby Kitty only cooked tuna fish and Salmon; and Salmon Vegetarian pellets; She is the picture o health
Anna, like you, I home cook for my cats……I have 6…..I don’t feed fish at all. Although I don’t agree completely with this web site, please take a look at this info I have especially about the tuna
http://pets.webmd.com/cats/ss/slideshow-foods-your-cat-should-never-eat
Tuna
“Cats can be addicted to tuna, whether it’s packed for cats or for humans. Some tuna now and then probably won’t hurt. But a steady diet of tuna prepared for humans can lead to malnutrition because it won’t have all the nutrients a cat needs. And, too much tuna can cause mercury poisoning. Remember the saying, “Honest as a cat when the meat’s out of reach.” Your cat will see an open can of tuna next to the sink as a dinner invitation.”
And I agree with “Reader”…..Susan’s book “Dinner PawsAble” is wonderful!!!!
Congratulations on not feeding your kitty dry food. I discovered how unhealthy it is for them. But I am curious, do you include Ash and Taurine in your food for them? I heard they have to have it…Sounds like a wonderful diet for your kitty though, but for me with 18 would get awfully expensive. I do worry about their food after all I have read lately…..Priscilla
It’s a wonderful transition to feeding whole food! It’s great to encourage people whenever there’s an opportunity!!
o
First, especially for kitty owners, get Susan Thixton’s “Dinner PawsAble” cookbook. The recipes (especially for cats) are SO simple! It’s completely educational. With a great Q & A section.
o
Secondly, for a multi animal household, bulk ground turkey (for example) at a big box chain store goes pretty darn far. For cats, few additions (in tiny proportions too) get at a farmer’s market or grocery outlet. Yes, the supplements are important of course.
o
For my 2 (15lb) dogs: solid organic protein is $30 (that’s $1 a day!), 3 lbs of Oatmeal, frozen stew veggies/fruit (sweet potato, apple, melon, banana, etc.), bulk yogurt, eggs, and a liquid probiotic (optional). I absolutely hate to cook, but the protein is baked, oatmeal is cooked, and veggies/fruits are lightly steamed. Gets frozen by the month. Portions are dished out every morning. Quick, very easy and so secure knowing exactly what they’re eating. Raw feeding is even easier!!!
Hi Susan, Thanks for the information. After reading your post, i am planning to cook food for the pets myself.
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Sadly this is also something we need to think about when we make the tough decision about what to do with our pet’s body after they pass away. We may avoid foods that contain these ingredients but there is another part of this we have to keep in mind. Many times for financial reasons we cannot afford to have the ashes back or have no place to legally bury them, so we let the vet take care of the pet’s body. Unfortunately, many vets just pay a service for the bodies to be removed, often times not knowing if they are cremated or rendered. I worked at a vet clinic where the bodies went to a rendering plant if the owner did not want the ashes back. And those of us who own horses have an even more difficult time if we do not own land they can be buried on (if we board them at a barn). Definitely something to think about when we are at that stage of life with our pets, and as gruesome as it may seem, we do need to know where our pets end up after they are passed away, at least I would want to know so I can make an educated decision.
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I know this is off-topic, and you’all can beat me up with long strips of Pasta! But here’s an article from the UK http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/02/07/horsemeat-lasagna-beef_n_2639321.html?ir=Business ) stating that 60% horsemeat was found in a recalled “Beef” Lasanga product (obviously) intended for humans. So if horsemeat is being used in people food, what in the world would make any of us believe that it’s not going into PF, including much worse?? What I don’t get, is why DNA testing is not a standard sampling practice for all PF period. Compliance policies or not, it is supposed to be the regulation that whatever is going into the food, that it has to at least be labeled accurately. Geez, I must be missing the boat somewhere. Because unless the rules are to be followed, why bother having any at all!
I would have no issue whatsoever with my cats eating horse meat, but I do have an issue with them eating euthanized cats and dogs!!! That’s a big difference for many reasons for me…
I am appalled that, in a supposedly civilized country as the US, there are still kill shelters – they have been abolished in Germany (and I think many countries throughout Europe) years ago!!
How can we learn if any of these horrendous “proteins” are ending up in pet foods? As someone who recommends food brands to people it would be valuable to know where there is any possibility of this in a brand/product.
thanks!
As horrible as this sounds, from a nutrition standpoint this type of rendered meat meets all the nutritional requirements with no detriments. It is recycling. Canines eat carrion, dead animals. In nature, no dead animal goes to waste and is consumed. How is this any different?
Actually Robert – according to U.S. federal food safety law – this would be illegal in any food (human or animal) here. And there is a huge difference when a pet food manufacturer portrays prime cuts of meats on the label, yet includes rendered waste in the bag or can. If the manufacturer is using it, the food should be labeled as such. But you never see ‘Made with recycled road kill’ do you? It is very different.
Let’s not forget that euthanized pets are filled with pentobarbital– that’s what kills them. No ammount of heat and rendering can denature this toxin and therefore it persists in the pet food. So lets set aside moral issues of feeding dogs to dogs and also how diseased and rotten those carcasses are and realize that you are slowly feelding your dog the very drug you would euthanize him. Does this sound like something you want to feed your dog or cat? And let’s think about the sheer volume it requires to kill a horse and think about that volume being added into your pet’s food considering rendered horse meat is used a lot in “meat meal” and “meat by product”.
The dictionary definition of “carrion” is “dead and putrifying flesh,” “rotten,” and “vile.” I feel safe in regarding that as “horrible,” and would not want to feed it to any of my pets.
An animal that is put down is usually either very old or diseased. They do use animals put down at shelters but no one knows what diseases those animals have.
The reason these companies feel it is fine to do this is because the extrusion process used to make most pet foods is very high temperature and usually kills everything in the pot of goo, including any nutrition that may have found it’s way into the mix.
When the company bottom line is all that determines the quality of the product then anything goes with these people. Disgusting.
Exactly the point I was going to make Jess, thank you
Susan;
I continue to be awed by this blog- And so happy that I found you whilst I surfed…
Yet, (to continue to my comments)…
This is not about the implication of cannibalism. Ever.
- – - – After all, most people would be very shocked to find out what exactly is in our own food.
Nor is it only the pentobarbital, (or whatever other poisons or pithing that killed these animals in the first place).
*Pithing would cause brain to be forcibly put into meat bearing parts of the body.
Almost as darkly disturbing concerning is the fact that [many of] these euthanized animals may have been treated with some major antibiotics just prior to their deaths!
We do not need to be building up any more ‘imposed immunity’ to these drugs as our own beloved pets need to be treated for whatever biologic infection they might incur later. At that point that, even the best, veterinarian, then, cannot possibly treat our pets!
Annie
I forgot to ask…
What are Canada’s laws for/against this practice?
So many brands of pet food are manufactured in Canada…
Thank you Again-
I just read and heard that the practice is legal in Quebec and that one small rendering plant goes through about 22,000 pounds in a week. To me that sounds like an awful lot of euthanized animals. There are also youtube videos showing the collection and storage of the pets. Collars are not even removed.
Thank you DMiller;
Collars not even being removed? That is so gross. As is the rest of this post of course.
I have a few cow magnets around… Wonder what will happen if I put a few in the dog food bag whilst it is being emptied…?
I do believe I will do the same for the cat food as well.
Source for the AAFCO president clip: Schoffler A, Video Interview. King 5 Seattle Television. Seattle (WA). broadcast Oct 30, 1997
via article at http://animalhospitalofmtpocono.com/NEPVMA/docs/SP%2520Nutritional%2520Impact%2520on%2520Disease.doc
The link doesn’t work, but I do vaguely remember seeing that news segment when it actually aired. (I live near Seattle.) 1997 does sound about right. I knew it had to be well before 2008! (I remember seeing this on our crappy, old television many years ago!)
glad to say that my Dogs all eat fresh and have never even been near a tin or roll of slop
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So, if the euthanol is in the animals that are being converted into the food and crayons, etc, then the euthanol is going to be found in those end products as well. So the livestock that is being fed the rendered pets with euthanol will now consume the eutanol and that could then be passed on to humans through the milks and eggs from those animals and even possibly from the meat from them. And how many times have you seen kids chewing on crayons? I’ve encountered a lot of homeless people who eats the really cheap, garbage dog and cat food brands to keep alive. And I’ve seen plenty of kids stick their heads in their pets bowl and nibble on some kibbles. I get that the government doesn’t give a flying fig about the lives of animal- but what about all of these potential risks to the human population. Surely this can be used as an argument- especially if you are talking about kids, who are the biggest consumers of dairy products and cannot tolerate chemicals at the same levels that adults can. It has to be stopped! I’m so glad I made the switch to raw a couple years back.
Trish;
I like the way you think.
Hopefully you are, or will be in public office?
The world needs more people that honestly can see past tomorrow.
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