Tag Archives: dog treat recalls

RECALL: Pig Ears for Potential Salmonella

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EuroCan Manufacturing of Ontario, Canada, is voluntarily recalling one lot of its Barnsdale Farms® Pig Ears due to the potential presence of Salmonella contamination.

The products were packaged as individually shrink-wrapped packages in quantities of 6, 12 and 25 under the following brands:

  • Barnsdale Farms®
  • Barnsdale Farms Select®
  • Houndstooth®
  • Mac’s Choice®

The recalled products are all from one Lot (#84) and were distributed throughout the United States and Canada.

Barnsdale Farms® 12-pack Pig Ears

For images of all the recalled pig ear products, click here.

Salmonella and the Risks

Salmonella can affect animals eating the products and there is also a risk to humans from handling contaminated pet products, especially if they have not thoroughly washed their hands after having come into contact with the products or any surfaces exposed to these products. Symptoms of possible salmonella poisoning in humans include: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramping and fever. While rare, Salmonella can result in more serious ailments, including arterial infections, endocarditis, arthritis, muscle pain, eye irritation and urinary tract symptoms.

Pets poisoned with Salmonella may exhibit lethargy, diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever and vomiting. Some pets may only show signs of decreased appetite, fever and abdominal pain. Infected, but otherwise healthy pets can be carriers of salmonella and infect other animals or humans.

Contact your vet or doctor if you suspect salmonella poisoning for immediate help.

Why the Recalls

While there have been no reports of illness, the company suspended distribution of the affected products while they, along with the FDA, continue to investigate the source of the problem.  Routine testing revealed the presence of Salmonella in the recalled products.

What to do Next

Consumers who purchased any of the recalled pig ear products (Barnsdale Farms®, HoundsTooth® and Mac’s Choice®), should return them to the place of purchase for a refund. Consumers with questions should contact the Company directly at 888-290-7606 (Monday-Friday, from 9am – 5pm EST).

To learn more about this recall and to see images of the recalled products, go to:

Bake Some Homemade Dog Treats in a New York Minute!

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egg-944495_640With all the recent dog food and treat recalls, you may be thinking about making your own treats for your K9 family member(s).

A few simple ingredients (you might already have in your kitchen) and five minutes in the microwave and you have yummy, homemade dog treats with NO preservatives, additives or questionable ingredients or chemicals.

And, from the reaction of our resident Great Danes (who of course volunteered to taste-test), it’s a home run!

Quickie K9 Treats:

  • 2 chicken bouillon cubes
  • 1 cup boiling water
  • 2 cups whole wheat flour
  • 1/2 cup stone ground cornmeal
  • 1-1/2 cups powdered skim milk
  • 1 cup quick cooking rolled oats
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 2 eggs, beaten

Dissolve bouillon cubes in boiling water and set aside until room temperature.

In a large mixing bowl, combine all dry ingredients. (I added parsley; you could also add mint, chopped nuts, garlic or carrots or some other favorite ingredient your dog loves.)

Make a well in the dry ingredients and gradually stir in oil, eggs and cooled bouillon until well-blended.

Knead dough on a floured surface, about 4-5 minutes, until dough sticks together and is easy to work with.dough-529948_640

Roll dough to between 1/4″ and 1/2″ thickness.

Cut-out treats with your favorite cookie cutter (or just use a shot glass like I did) and place on a microwave-proof surface in the microwave (I used a dinner plate).

Microwave for 5 minutes.*

Remove and cool. Store in sealed plastic bags or containers.

* Here’s the cooking directions from the original recipe: microwave 5 minutes at medium heat. Turn over each biscuit and then microwave for another 5 minutes and turn again. Microwave another 2-5 minutes. Remove, cool and store. I found simply microwaving at 5 minutes full power worked nicely, so why spend extra time? My microwave is small (just large enough for a dinner plate) and only 900 watts.

Are Holiday Treats Dog-Friendly?

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The holidays are quickly approaching with mouth-watering smells and delectable seasonal treats!

Something else is coming too … sad, SAD puppy eyes!

While most of us will probably indulge during the season, it doesn’t necessarily mean our dogs should follow our lead.

You may actually be surprised by some of the holiday foods and/or ingredients your four-legged family member should not partake of; below is a quick list.

Want to know about additional foods and WHY they are bad for your dog?

Click here to email us for a copy of our November Newsletter!

Want a dog-friendly treat you can make in advance for those oh-so-sad puppy eyes?

Click here to email us for a copy of our November Newsletter!

iStock_000013402168XSmallAnd remember … the smaller the dog, the faster – and more toxic – the adverse effect.

So keep these items out of reach of your inquisitive (and always  hungry) resident canine!

  • Pumpkin Pie, Filling or Mix
  • Avocados and/or guacamole
  • Onions and garlic (included powdered, raw, cooked and dehydrated)
  • Grapes, raisins and currants
  • Fat Trimmings
  • Unbaked yeast dough

Want to know more? Click here to email us for a copy of our November Newsletter!

Are ALL Healthy Snacks Good for Dogs?

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You’re probably just like me, I only want the very best for my dogs!

With the recent upswing in dog treat recalls, many dog owners are turning to healthy and natural dog treat alternatives for their four-legged family members.

But, do you know that not all snacks (even the healthy ones) are good for your dog?

Below is an infographic illustrating which natural foods are good … and not good … for your dog. Print a copy, review with your family and then post on your refrigerator as a simple reminder in keeping your beloved dog safe!

Did You Know that All Natural Snacks are Not Created Equal for Your Dog?

All Natural Snacks are Not Created Equal for Your Dog!

 

Thank You Petco! NO more Chinese Pet Treats!

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Petco has finally stepped up to the plate and removed any remaining Chinese-made canine and feline treats from its stores and website due to fears that thousands of pets have been sickened and killed since 2007.

(There have been more than 4,800 complaints of pet illnesses, including deaths, from Chinese-made chicken, duck or sweet potato jerky treats.)

Read more

Staying on Top of Pet Food and Treat Recalls

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The health of one’s beloved pets is a priority for any pet guardian. But keeping up with all the recent recalls on pet food and treats can be a full-time detective job! So what can you do to keep your pet safe from possible health threats in their food or treats?

PetMd.com has the answer! Sign up for their instant email alerts on recalled products and keep your beloved pets safe from potential health hazards!

Go here for more information: www.petmd.com/news/topics/alert-recalls.