Royal Canin food recall, pet food recall, kidney failure, recalled pet foods

GUELPH, Ont. (CP) - Pet food company Royal Canin Canada has added Sensible Choice Diet and some veterinary-prescribed products to the growing list of recalled pet foods after its U.S. division discovered melamine in the rice gluten of additional products.

The Canadian division of the French company said Friday that it would recall five veterinary diet products, as well as cut its ties with Chinese suppliers of its vegetable proteins.

The Royal Canin products listed in Friday's recall are in the Veterinary Diet line under the names: Canine Early Cardiac, Canine Sensitivity RC, Canine Skin Support, Feline Hypoallergenic HP, Feline Sensitivity RD.

Earlier this month, Royal Canin recalled its Medi-Cal Feline Dissolution Formula after discovering that it could have also been contaminated.

"We feel that this recall is necessary as we absolutely cannot put pets at risk," said Royal Canin Canada CEO Xavier Unkovic.

Last month, Mississauga, Ont.-based Menu Foods Income Fund (TSX:MEW.UN) recalled 60 million cans and pouches of its "cuts and gravy" style food, sold under 95 different brand names

“Although we have no confirmed cases of illness in pets, we have decided to voluntarily remove the following dry pet food products that contain rice protein concentrate due to the presence of a melamine derivative. “

We are taking this proactive stance to voluntarily recall these products to avoid any confusion for our customers about which Royal Canin USA products are safe and which products may be affected.

Pet owners should immediately stop feeding their pets the Royal Canin USA dry pet food products listed above. Pet owners should consult with a veterinarian if they are concerned about the health of their pet. No other Royal Canin diets are affected by this recall and CONTINUE TO BE safe for pets to eat.

In addition, Royal Canin USA will no longer use any Chinese suppliers for any of our vegetable proteins.

This decision to recall some of our dry pet food products is driven by our philosophy that the "Pet Comes First". The safety and nutritional quality of our pet food is Royal Canin USA's top priority. Pet owners who have questions about this recall and other Royal Canin USA products should call 1-800-592-6687.

On behalf of the entire Royal Canin family, our hearts go out to the pet owners and everyone in the pet community who have been affected by all of the recent recalls. We are as passionate about the health and happiness of our customers' pets as we are of our own, so we are committed to taking the steps necessary to ensure this never happens again.

ROYAL CANIN has recalled three of its Veterinary Diet Canine canned dog foods in the wake of 24 reported cases of hypercalcemia in Canada and eight cases in the United States from November 2005 through February 2006. Left untreated, hypercalcemia (excessive amounts of calcium levels in the blood) can lead to bone defects, cardiac changes (including abnormal heart rhythm, or arrhythmia), kidney hypertension and possible renal failure, and, at especially high levels, death.

Production lots of URINARY SO in gel canned form with "best before" date codes of 03/2007, 05/2007 and 06/2007 are affected, as are Low Fat Canned Diet with "best before" codes of 06/2007 and Calorie Control Canned Diet with codes of 04/2007 and 07/2007. The "best before" date codes are noted on the side of the cardboard tray pack and on the bottom of each can.

The production code lots for the recalled canned dogfoods should not be feed to pets. Customers should contact their veterinarian or distributor for product replacement or refund information. Customers can also contact Royal Canin's technical veterinary support team at 800-592-6687 with any questions or concerns.

Independent laboratory results of the nutrient analyses for the formulas have confirmed excessive levels of Vitamin D3 in the canned dog food diets. According to ROYAL CANIN, the abnormally high levels of Vitamin D3 in the affected URINARY SO canned dog foods are due to a vitamin / micro-mineral premix error.

$50M lawsuit filed against pet food company Royal Canin

Last Updated: Tuesday, March 20, 2007 | 4:22 PM PT

CBC News

Another big pet-food manufacturer is accused of selling tainted food in Canada that has allegedly killed some animals and made others sick, CBC News has learned.

A $50-million class-action lawsuit was filed Tuesday in Toronto against Royal Canin — a multibillion-dollar French company that supplies the Canadian pet-food market.

The lawsuit seeks compensation for anyone who has purchased Royal Canin dog or cat food since Aug. 1, 2004.

The lawsuit has yet to be certified. None of the claims have been proven in court.

News of the lawsuit follows a North America-wide recall issued Friday by Ontario-based Menu Foods, and involving 91 different kinds of dog and cat food, after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration received complaints the food was causing kidney failure in animals.

Toronto lawyer Joel Rochon told CBC News on Tuesday that the class-action lawsuit is based on the case of Whitby, Ont., pet owner Janet Grixti, whose chocolate lab Mocha is alleged to have suffered permanent kidney damage after eating Royal Canin dog food.

"He is a very young dog, and now he will have this costly condition for the rest
of his life," Grixti said Tuesday in a release.

Company issued recall

The lawsuit alleges that certain types of Royal Canin cat and dog food contain excessive amounts of Vitamin D, which cause severe illness or death in pets.

The company recalled some of its products last summer and offered to pay a portion of Grixti's $40,000 veterinarian bill, Rochon said, but his client is not satisfied.

Rochon also said he is considering filing another lawsuit after getting calls from angry pet owners who allege their animals got sick or died after eating Menu Foods products.

"From what we can tell, there's a segment of the pet food supply here in Canada that just doesn't have adequate quality assurance associated with it and that's a big concern," he said.

Menu Foods has also refused to return calls since allegations surfaced Monday that its food had killed a cat in Canada.

Important information regarding Urinary–Bladder Infections/Struvite Crystals/Kidney Stones in Dogs & Cats in relation to Grains, Carbohydrates and Magnesium levels in pet Food
Scroll to bottom of page to view Urinary/Kidney support remedies

It is far more important and beneficial to prevent alkaline urine by feeding a high protein/grain-free/low carbohydrate diet in order to minimize the risk of crystals.

Don’t be fooled into thinking that "prescription/low magnesium" diets are the solution, nor are they healthy. High protein/low carbohydrate/grain free foods are the optimum diet for dogs and cats with or without crystals, for both prevention of, and recovery from, crystals.

Urinary PH levels are optimized by avoiding grains, therefore preventing the risk of alkaline/magnesium reactions.
Grain-free/low carb diets also support healthy kidney function, amongst the many other health benefits of feeding a high protein diet to your pet.

The most common cause of Urinary Tract/Bladder Infections is stress, or bacteria as a result of many possible causes like contamination from diarrhea, unclean litter box, or dust/particles from cat litter. Urinary Tract/Bladder Infections are rarely food related and can be easily treated with prescribed antibiotics, homeopathics, and natural herbal antibiotics. (although not common, an undersized badder/urinary tract system, or deformity may also be the cause).

NOTE: Hydrangea-a flower essence, helps to naturally dissolve stones. A safe, natural alternative treatment, to be used in conjunction with a grain-free diet for pets. Available at Creature Comfort Pet Emporium-where your pet's health is our priority!

Pets with a compromised immune system as a result of poor diet, over-immunization, exposure to harmful chemicals/preservatives in commercial foods, excessive environmental stress (more common in outdoor pets), or a history of disease, may be more prone to suffering chronic infections as a result of their weakened immune system.

Kidney stones may also cause urinary infections –another possible side affect resulting from a grain-based/lower protein/high carb diet.

	Hydrangea Hydrangea-a flower essence, helps to naturally dissolve stones. A safe, natural alternative treatment, to be used in conjunction with a grain-free diet for pets. Kidneys, urinary diuretic, eliminates swelling and fluid retention, increases the flow of urine Will dissolve/remove bladder & kidney stones and relieve the pain they cause Relieves pain caused by formations from the kidneys, alleviates backache due to kidney distress.
KIDNEY PLUS (E) Our Kidney Plus combination has herbs to help with various kidney problems. The kidneys can be damaged by disorders such as high blood pressure and diabetes or by various toxins and drugs. Stones, tumors or other problems that block urine flow can also damage kidneys. If the kidneys fail, toxic wastes build up in the body, which can lead to coma and death. This formula has been used successfully for problems with incontinence, bed wetting, kidney stones, back pain caused by the kidneys and can help when the urinary system seems sluggish. It is a wonderful combination to flush out the kidney and help it deal with all the toxins that our modern world has surrounded us with.	KIDNEY PLUS (E) Following is a list of the herbs contained in this formula: Juniper - strong diuretic, works as a tonic and antiseptic within the urinary tract, also relieves catarrh of the bladder, helps to dissolve kidney stones and prostate sediment, blood cleanser Parsley - a natural diuretic, helps in obstructions of the kidneys and rebuilds the urinary tissue. Parsley is very rich in vitamins A and C. There are over 22,500 units of vitamin A in an ounce of parsley, but the same amount of carrots has only 1,275 units of vitamin A. Parsley has about four times as much vitamin C as an equal weight of oranges and pound-for-pound, there is about five times as much iron in parsley as there is in spinach. This beautiful green herb has more calcium and phosphorus than most herbs. It's also a good source of manganese, potassium, some B-vitamins and it's loaded with chlorophyll. Uva ursi - is able to dissolve kidney stones, healing to the genitourinary organs, treats bladder infections Marshmallow root- healing to the kidneys, a very soothing herb, anti-inflammatory, anti-irritant, high in vitamin A Lobelia-Used by herbalist for inflammatory disorders, and to subdue spasm. Ginger is a restorative agent, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant which boosts the immune system and naturally increases energy. Goldenseal root has acquired a considerable reputation as a natural antibiotic and as a remedy for various gastric and genitourinary disorders. Goldenseal is used in many combination formulas and is reported to enhance the potency of other herbs. Preparations have been marketed for the treatment of menstrual disorders, urinary infections, rheumatic and muscular pain and as an antispasmodic. The active ingredients in Goldenseal are the alkaloids hydrastine and berberine. Similar in action, they destroy many types of bacterial and viral infections.
Kidney Plus Description:	A wonderful kidney and bladder formula for rebuilding and strengthening. Gives relief for hemorrhaging, bleeding or severe infection. This is an effective urinary antiseptic and has mucilaginous properties which soothes and heals an inflamed urinary tract. Helps rebuild the entire urinary tract.
Composition:	Juniper berries, Parsley root, Uva ursi, Marshmallow root, Lobelia, Ginger, Golden seal.
Synergy:	BCL detoxifier to be used before, during, and after. Cleans blood and helps remove toxins. A cleanse is recommended twice a year.

Did you know...dogs and cats, especially those who suffer from allergies, gastro sensitivity, urinary illness, hotspots, ear infections, paw biting, skin itching, or hairballs, should never be fed food containing corn & wheat! Be an informed pet owner, read and understand the ingredients in pet food before you make a decision on what to feed your pet. Their health depends on you.

ORIJEN Pet Food
Biologically Appropriate Real-Food
Kibble for Cats and Dogs
70%
Veterinary-inspected fresh meat
30%
Fruit, Vegetables & Beneficial Botanicals
0% GRAIN!

Read the facts about Orijen (18page pdf)

Dogs and cats did not evolve
to eat grains...
so why include grains in pet food?

Frequent Buyer Benefit=
Buy 12 bags/Get 1 Free

Grains first appeared in pet foods about 70 years ago when consumers wanted the convenience of pet food in a bag and manufacturers wanted to reduce costs with inexpensive calories from grains.

Although grains such as rice or wheat provide low-cost calories, their high carbohydrate content contributes to obesity, diabetes and a host of other health problems in cats and dogs.
Grains are also attributed as one of the leading causes of
Urinary Tract Crystals in cats!

Cats and dogs are simply not evolved to eat processed cereal grains, which is why ORIJEN's grain-free, reduced-carbohydrate diet more closely matches the diet Nature intended for your dog or cat. Biologically Appropriate Real-Food Kibble!

Indeed, veterinarians and pet professionals are increasingly citing grains and carbohydrates as primary causes of health problems common to dogs and cats.

And although it overlooks the most fundamental purpose of pet food (to provide nourishment) the “grain-and-carbohydrate” approach to pet nutrition is still widely practiced due to the lower cost, ready availability and long shelf life that grains provide. Unfortunately, dogs and cats
care nothing for these benefits and suffer as a result of them.

Innova EVO Dog & Cat Food

Innova EVO...What to feed when you can't feed raw.
The Innova EVO line of pet foods are specially designed to provide all the key nutritional benefits received from the feeding of raw food diets but with the benefits of 21st Century nutritional research.

Innova EVO canned food contains all of the natural nutrition and benefits of Innova EVO Dry food, in the convenience of a can. Innova EVO canned food formula is based on ground chicken & turkey meat, bones, fat, cartilage and connective tissue. It includes whole, raw fruits and vegetables which contain health promoting phytochemicals and micronutrients. Hi-Protein, Low Carbs and Grain Free.

At Natura, we understand that it isn't always possible to feed your pet a raw diet. This is until now. Innova EVO is a convenient, complete and balanced supplement to a raw feeding program.

Evo is available in Dry or Canned formulas for Dogs and Cats

NOW AVAILABLE IN CONVENIENT FLIP-TOP STORAGE PAILS

Your 11th pail is always free!

PROSERIES HOLISTIC PET FOOD
TOP GRADE PROTEINS –
Ocean caught fish meal (Herring and Anchovy)
and hormone free chicken meal.

CORN, WHEAT & SOY FREE – For grain sensitive dogs we use whole barley, whole oats, whole brown rice, whole green peas, whole flaxseed and whole millet. Ground fennel, ginger and sage are added for further digestive health.

QUALITY PET FOOD & SUPPLIES for Dogs, Cats, Birds, Fish & Small Animals

Ask about our FREQUENT BUYER BENEFITS: Earn FREE PRODUCTS & SERVICES!
Available on premium pet food including Dog food, Cat food, Rabbit/Guinea Pig pellets & Wild Bird Seed.
Join now & start saving! Call or visit us for details.

We also recommend:

As an independent retailer, we are proud to continue offering Suzie's Tartar Liquid in all sizes at competitive pricing.

Eliminate bad dog breath with Suzie's Tartar Remover, the ultimate pet dental product.

Use Suzie’s regularly and your dog and cats teeth will be fresh & clean! It's a pet mouthwash, and more! It actually cleans their teeth! How? Suzie's Tartar Liquid is scientifically formulated to safely remove tartar, which freshens breath of dogs, cats, and other animals.

Are you a Pet Lover, but afraid to put your pet to sleep for a dental cleaning?

Is your pet older and have bad tartar buildup and bad breath?

Tired of Bad Dog Breath? Can’t stand your cat’s breath?

Try Suzie’s today & eliminate bad dog breath – and bad cat breath too! Use it for 4 - 6 weeks and you’ll be amazed at the results! 100% Satisfaction Guaranteed or your money back! Your pet will thank you, and you’ll save $$$ at the veterinarians office.

Tested and approved by the Ontario Veterinary College in Guelph, Suzie's Tartar is guaranteed to work or your money back! No odour, no taste, and naturally safe effective tartar removal.

NATURAL SUPPLEMENTS, HOLISTIC REMEDIES, FLOWER ESSENCES

NAIL TRIM SERVICES: for dogs, cats & small animals
Only $8 plus every 10th service FREE!

HEALTHY NATURAL TREATS

We proudly offer a great selection of natural, holistic pet treats that do NOT contain
corn, wheat, soy, beet molasses, animal fat or eggs.
Ideal for pets with allergy concerns.

PET SUPPLIES & ACCESSORIES for Dogs, Cats, Birds & Small Animals
Knowledgeable, friendly service Competitive pricing
Local convenience Natural products & More!

VISIT OFTEN TO SEE WHAT'S NEW IN OUR STORE!

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Easy-Reach Raised Pet Bowls, Wall-Mount Raised Feeders , Canine Comfort, & Pawsitively Purrfect are exclusive
products & trade marks of Creature Comfort Canada. Unauthorized reproduction prohibited.

Royal Canin Canada adds specialty diet pet foods to recall list

$50M lawsuit filed against pet food company Royal Canin

Last Updated: Tuesday, March 20, 2007 | 4:22 PM PT

CBC News

Company issued recall