Finally – Media and business are beginning to take notice of the slick marketing practices of the pet food industry! The National Advertising Division (a division of the Council of Better Business Bureaus) recommended in a statement yesterday that Proctor & Gamble needs to modify some of it’s advertising for the Iams product line. “Procter & Gamble Co. needs to change its ad claim that ‘four out of five veterinarians recommend Iams to help dogs and cats live healthier longer,’ according to the National Advertising Division.”
My guess is we won’t see any changes happen quickly – but at least someone is beginning to take notice.
And the other ‘caught red handed’ comes from an article posted yesterday on ConsumerAffairs.com. They discovered that the FDA blocked a shipment of Nutro pet products from entering the US through the port of Los Angeles. Nutro corporate office told ConsumerAffairs.com that the products were being returned from other countries because they were part of the melamime recall and that they were to be destroyed.
We have to take Nutro’s word on that – I have a tough time believing that any pet food manufacturer would intentionally distribute poisonous pet food. Here is the link to the full article if you would like to read it – http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/08/pet_food_recalls69.ht
An additional problem to me on this comes from another issue discussed in the article. ConsumerAffairs.com reported that it took over a week for Nutro to respond to their questions on the blocked shipment of pet food and when a pet owner who feeds Nutro questioned them about where those products were made and what ingredients the FDA determined to be harmful – the pet owner NEVER got a response.
In my opinion, if I have a question or problem with a product (any product but especially something regarding my children or my pets) and I don’t get a timely answer (right away!) – then I am done with that product. A pet food manufacturer (treats too) owes pet owners answers – direct and timely answers. If I’m worried about my pet – I don’t want to be put on hold for 3 days and I don’t want to wait weeks for an answer to an email. If you can’t call the manufacturer and get answers to ANY question you might have on their products – find a new pet food. The company that makes the food my gang eats not only has very nice and informed Customer Service Reps but the veterinarian that formulates all the foods and treats answers questions from customers or potential customers. I’ve stayed with this company for over 3 years now – more because of the quality of the products, but I assure you it gives me a great deal of comfort to know that I can speak to the ‘Big Dog’ if I needed to. To my knowledge, this is the only pet food company that does this – all others should take notice and do the same.
Wishing you and your pet(s) the best,
Susan Thixton
Pet Food Safety Advocate
Author, Buyer Beware
Co-Author Dinner PAWsible
TruthaboutPetFood.com
PetsumerReport.com
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