The FDA has released a damning report following an extensive investigation into Purina, one of the most well-known pet food brands in the country. The findings have left pet owners reeling and questioning the safety of the food they’ve been feeding their beloved companions.
As the disturbing details of the FDA’s probe come to light, it’s becoming clear that Purina has some serious explaining to do. If you’re feeding your furry friend Purina, you’ll want to pay close attention to these concerning findings.
Hundreds of Complaints Spark FDA Probe
The FDA launched its investigation after receiving over 500 complaints from concerned pet owners who reported their dogs and cats becoming ill after eating Purina products between November 22, 2023, and April 15, 2024.
Symptoms ranged from vomiting and diarrhea to more serious issues like kidney failure and even death in some tragic cases.(ref)
According to data obtained by Truth About Pet Food, the FDA received a staggering 971 pet food complaints in January 2024 alone, with 91% of those complaints involving Purina products. The total number of sick pets reported to the FDA that month was 1,312.(ref)
Purina’s Troubled History
This isn’t the first time Purina has faced scrutiny over the safety and quality of their pet foods:
- In 1978, Purina recalled Cat Chow due to possible PCB contamination.
- In 1983, Purina mistakenly labeled cat food cans as “Chicken of the Sea” tuna.
- In 2013, Purina voluntarily recalled some dog treats due to potential antibiotic residue.
- In February/March 2023, Purina recalled Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets EL Elemental dog food due to potentially elevated vitamin D levels.
FDA Findings Reveal Serious Issues
So what exactly did the FDA uncover in their latest investigation? The details are troubling:
- Inspections of Purina manufacturing facilities found numerous violations of food safety regulations and unsanitary conditions.
- Testing of Purina pet food samples revealed the presence of harmful toxins, including aflatoxins and vomitoxin, in some products.
- Interviews with Purina employees raised concerns about inadequate quality control measures and pressure to cut corners to save costs.
- The FDA received approximately 1,300 adverse event reports for various Purina pet foods between November 22, 2023, and April 15, 2024.
- Most reported symptoms in dogs and cats included gastrointestinal, kidney, liver, and/or neurological issues like seizures.
Purina’s Response Falls Flat
In response to the FDA report, Purina issued a statement claiming they are “committed to producing safe, high-quality and nutritious products.” However, many pet owners feel this generic response is too little, too late and are left wondering if they can trust Purina with their pet’s health and well-being.
Purina publicly stated on January 15, 2024, that the online rumors about their pet food were false.(ref) Critics argue Purina’s denial of such overwhelming complaints is highly irresponsible.
What Pet Owners Should Do
If you currently feed your pet Purina foods, experts recommend:
- Transitioning to a different pet food brand that has a better track record on safety and quality
- Monitoring your pet closely for any signs of illness and contacting your vet immediately if symptoms appear
- Reporting any issues with Purina products to the FDA to aid in their ongoing surveillance
The health and safety of our pets should be a top priority. This FDA report is a wake-up call that we must hold pet food manufacturers to the highest standards and not settle for anything less than the best for our beloved companions.
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Davin is a jack-of-all-trades but has professional training and experience in various home and garden subjects. He leans on other experts when needed and edits and fact-checks all articles.