PET FOOD RECALLS

RECALL OF ‘YEARS’ PET FOOD

Last week ‘Years’ annouced a recall of their dog food due to a suspected link to ‘dry eye’ in dogs. Pet owners, GP vets, and opthalmologists noticed an increase in ‘dry eye’ cases and noticed many of these new case were eating ‘Years’. Improperly processed buckwheat is the possible cause, but investigations continue.

‘Years’ is a fairly recent entrant to the pet food market, selling fresh food on a subscription. Their marketing suggests fresh food is the most healthy option, and will add years to your dog’s life. It rated very highly on dog food comparison websites, so what has gone wrong? And how can you choose a safe food for your pet?

OTHER RECENT PET FOOD RECALLS

It’s not just ‘Years’. In recent years legume rich ‘grain free’ diets have been linked to a form of heart disease, a cat food brand was linked to severe immune suppression in some cats, and recalls for salmonella and ecoli contamination have happened across kibble, fresh, and frozen raw foods. Any manufacturer can suffer from a problem with ingredients, contamination, storage, or processing.

UK PET FOOD

Previously known as the Pet Food Manufacturers Association, UK Pet Food’s aim is to set standards for all pet food. Manufacturers who are members must meet strict standards for quality and safety, and any complete diets must meet the european minimum nutritional guidelines. With new ‘wonder diets’ being launched on a regular basis, my first question is always, “Is this company a UK Pet Food member and does the diet meet FEDIAF nutritional guidelines?” This is not to say that other diets aren’t safe and well balanced, or that member companes can’t run into problems, but it is a good starting point in finding a safe diet.

UK Pet Food don’t just support companies making cans and kibble. They even certify raw food companies!

I don’t usually put links in my posts as I would love you to stay and browse my content, but this time it is too important not to share UK Pet Food’s website. It really has a wealth of information, however you want to feed. https://www.ukpetfood.org/

VETS ARE HERE TO HELP!

Good nutrition is the absolute foundation of good health. If your vet doesn’t remember to ask what your pet is eating, go ahead and tell them! At Four Seasons Holistic Veterinary Care we support all types of diet from home-made raw to prescription kibble, but if your vet doesn’t you can ask to be referred to someone who can help. Like us…