Toxic Dog Food Brands: Uncovering the Truth

Some dog food brands have been linked to health issues in dogs, including kidney failure, heart disease, and even death.

The FDA has identified over 100 dog food brands that have been recalled due to contamination with Salmonella, E. coli, and other bacteria.

Many of these toxic dog food brands contain fillers and by-products that can cause digestive problems and other health issues.

Some examples of toxic dog food brands include Diamond Pet Foods, which was recalled in 2012 due to Salmonella contamination, and Blue Buffalo, which has faced multiple recalls for contamination and ingredient quality issues.

Purina and Iams, two well-known dog food brands, have also been linked to health problems in dogs, including kidney failure and liver disease.

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Kibbles n' Bits Bacon and Steak flavor dog food registered just under 600 ppm of total fluorine, indicating a high likelihood of PFAS presence.

Some dog food brands may contain higher levels of toxic chemicals than others. For example, Kibbles n' Bits Bacon and Steak flavor dog food is one of the highest, with a total fluorine level of nearly 600 ppm.

The FDA could do more to keep forever chemicals out of food, but for now, pet owners should be aware of these potential risks.

Here's a breakdown of the dog food samples tested for total fluorine and PFAS:

Some pet food brands have detectable levels of PFAS in their packaging. The Environmental Working Group (EWG) commissioned a laboratory to test 11 bags of pet food from seven popular brands.

The tests for total fluorine showed that one cat food product, Meow Mix Tender Centers Salmon & Chicken Flavors Dry Cat Food, had more than 600 parts per million (ppm) of total fluorine. This indicates a likely presence of PFAS.

The packaging of some well-known pet food brands also had detectable levels of specific PFAS, which are typically reported in parts per billion (ppb). The lab tested for specific PFAS on four bags with the highest concentrations of fluorine.

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Here are the results of the testing:

These results show that some popular pet food brands have detectable levels of PFAS in their packaging. The EWG is calling for more action from regulatory agencies to address the issue.

If your dog has been eating contaminated dog food, it's essential to recognize the symptoms of aflatoxin poisoning. Vomiting is one of the key signs to look out for.

Pets with aflatoxin poisoning can become sluggish, losing their usual energy and zest for life. This can be a concerning sign, especially if your dog is normally active and playful.

Loss of appetite is another common symptom, which can lead to weight loss and further health issues. If your dog is not interested in food, it's crucial to seek veterinary attention.

Jaundice, which causes a yellow tint to the eyes, gums, or skin, is a serious symptom that requires immediate veterinary care. This condition can be a sign of liver damage.

Diarrhea can also occur in dogs with aflatoxin poisoning, which can lead to dehydration and other complications. If you notice any of these symptoms, contact your veterinarian right away.

Here are the common symptoms of aflatoxin poisoning to watch out for:

Bad dog food is often made through an "extrusion" process that destroys nutrients. This process involves heating ingredients like corn, lentils, rice, barley, and wheat flour to high temperatures and high pressure.

Purina Dog Chow is a prime example of this. Most kibble looks the same because it's cut and shaped the same way. Companies then spray the kibble with flavorings and synthetic vitamins to make it seem more appealing.

The nutritional benefit of dog foods like Purina Dog Chow is essentially zero. In fact, they may even be causing harm to your dog.

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If your dog's food has been recalled, stop feeding it immediately. The recalled food should be returned to the store where it was purchased, and you may be able to obtain a refund. You can also properly dispose of the food in a manner that prevents other animals from gaining access to it.

Some common recalled dog food products include Sportmix Energy Plus, Sportmix Premium High Energy, and Sportmix Original Cat. These products were made in the Oklahoma plant and have an expiration date on or before "07/09/22" and include "05" in the date/lot code.

If your dog has already been eating the recalled food, consult with your veterinarian to determine what actions, if any, you should take. They will be able to determine what, if any, action should be taken based on the reason the food was recalled.

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Fluorine and PFAS have been found in the packaging of dog and cat food from major pet food brands sold at Walmart and other retailers.

The Environmental Working Group (EWG) tested 11 pet food packages from 7 brands and found PFAS chemicals, including PFBA, PFPeA, PFHxA, PFHpA, and others.

These chemicals were detected in the packaging, not the pet food itself, but the presence of fluorine indicates the likely presence of PFAS.

The EWG tested four products with the highest concentrations of fluorine and found detectable levels of PFAS.

Sportmix Pet Food has been involved in a significant recall, announced on December 30, 2020.

The recall affects several of their dry pet food products, including Sportmix Energy Plus, Sportmix Premium High Energy, and Sportmix Original Cat.

Here are the recalled products:

If you have any of these products, it's essential to check the lot code for an expiration date on or before "07/09/22" and the presence of "05" in the date/lot code, which identifies products made in the Oklahoma plant.

Some products that have been recalled include Pro Pac Adult Mini Chunk, Pro Pac Performance Puppy, and Splash Fat Cat 32%.

If your dog's food is recalled, stop feeding it immediately. This is crucial to prevent any potential harm to your dog.

The recalled food should be returned to the store where it was purchased, or properly disposed of to prevent other animals from accessing it. You may also be able to obtain a refund.

Consult with your veterinarian if your dog has already been eating the recalled food, even if they're not showing any signs of illness. Your veterinarian can determine what actions to take.

If you believe your dog has fallen ill or died due to the recalled food, you should file a complaint with the FDA. You can file a report online or contact the FDA consumer complaint coordinator in your state.

If you can't feed your dog their usual diet due to the recall, try to find a similar food to replace it or ask your veterinarian for suggestions. Sudden changes in diet can lead to dietary distress for dogs.

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