Wednesday, November 23, 2011

What Every Pet Parent Should Know about Thanksgiving Dinner

Thanksgiving is all about spending time with loved ones—human and animal alike. So it makes sense that we’re tempted to fix Fido a plate of all the scrumptious holiday food we’re eating, right? But wait! Put down the serving spoon. Are you sure that’s safe for your pet? Here’s what you need to know.

Ten Thanksgiving dangers. Some foods are totally off-limits to our furry pals (and there’s a full list of them at ASPCA.org). Ten of them are especially common around the holidays. Just say no to:

sage
chocolate
candy with xylitol
bread dough
batter with raw eggs
onions and garlic
macadamia nuts
raisins and grapes
rich or spicy foods
alcohol

Let’s talk turkey.
Good news for Fido! ASPCA experts say a little bite of plain turkey is usually safe for pets. If you decide to share, remember: Only boneless, well-cooked turkey is OK. Giving your pet undercooked or bone-in turkey, fat or gristle, or cooked bones for chewing is not OK.

Wednesday, November 2, 2011

FDA to Test Pet Food for Salmonella


According to an October 4 bulletin posted by the FDA, the Thumb Oilseed Producer’s Cooperative of Ubly, Michigan is recalling some of its packaged soy flour and bulk soy meal because of contamination with Salmonella bacteria.
Unfortunately, the affected products are used in the manufacture of both human and animal foods.

As of this writing (October 7), there have been no pet food recalls actually announced.
This good news is most likely explained by the natural tendency for Salmonella bacteria as well as its associated toxins to be readily destroyed by the heat used to produce most dog foods.
However, since the recall notice specifically states the affected soy products are used to make both human and animal foods and because so many pet foods contain soy, we believe it’s important for dog and cat owners to monitor the developing situation closely.
In the meantime, check your dog food’s ingredient list for the words “soy flour” or “soy meal”. If you don’t see one of these two phrases, it’s highly unlikely you have any cause for concern.

http://abcnews.go.com/blogs/health/2011/11/02/fda-to-test-pet-food-for-salmonella/