I've been away from my blog for entirely too long. While gone, we published a cookbook! I am very proud of it, and I hope it helps some dogs, somewhere, lead healthier lives. You can find things about the cookbook and how to purchase at www.backtobasicspetcare.com Be on the lookout for new publications this year. The next book should contain cat recipes.
It seems that almost every day, more food recalls are announced. Apparently this is a particularly bad year for aflatoxin. Aflatoxin, a fungus, is one of the most toxic substances known. It grows on mostly on corn crops, in storage silos of corn, and cottonseed meal. Only corn is used extensively in the manufacture of dog foods.
If your dog is eating a dog food with corn in it, I'd highly recommend a change of food. A small patch of aflatoxin in a huge corn field, or a multi-ton storage silo can be very hard to detect. Since the toxin is so deadly, just a tiny amount is all that is needed. I'd rather be safe than sorry when it comes to fur family safety.
What physical signs would you see if your dog were affected by aflatoxin in their food? Dr. Sharon Center of Cornell University College of Vet Medicine tells us that
"Early signs that a dog has been poisoned by aflatoxin include lethargy, loss of appetite and vomiting and, later, orange-colored urine and jaundice (a yellowing of the eyes, gums and nonpigmented skin that reflects substantial liver injury). Severely affected dogs produce a blood-tinged vomit and bloody or blackened stools. "Since dogs can take several days to three weeks to exhibit serious signs of illness, all animals that consumed recalled lots of food should be examined by a veterinarian as early as possible."
I will begin posting FDA recalls on this blog. Check daily for updates.
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