Important
News
Dear
Friends,
We
all have many concerns and misgivings during this recent tragic
food recall. I am aware of many of my patients that have been sick
or even have died as a result of the melamine tainted wheat gluten.
Many
people do not realize that the United States imports 70% of all
wheat gluten used in both human and animal food from Asia and
the European Union. These countries often use pesticides and
insecticides that are banned for safety reasons in our own country.
I believe
that the FDA is now realizing that our current established methods
of food inspection are inadequate in light of our global economy.
It will not be surprising if we do not find the human food supply
is tainted as well in the future.
I
am encouraging our legislators to change the current laws in New
Hampshire to reflect the fact that most of us consider our
pets to
be part of our family, and not just a “belonging”.
This will help us have more recourse in the future if wholesome
foods
are not being sold to our beloved pets.
In
the meantime, I am recommending that my clients, who are concerned,
feed a homemade diet at least temporarily, until
we see how this
unfolds. Keep in mind that to feed home-cooked food to pets
long term is difficult to do with the proper balance of calcium,
phosphorus,
and special amino acids like Taurine. But for short term
feeding, chicken and rice or boiled hamburger and rice is fine
for our
dogs, or canned tuna and salmon is appropriate for most cats.
In the
next week, I will be posting some links to homemade diets
that are more
balanced and that can be used on a long term basis.
If
you are at all concerned about your pets' health, a physical exam
and some screening blood work can be very helpful to
put your mind
at ease. Don't hesitate to call me, of course.
Sincerely,
Dr. Diane
Recall
Information 1-866-895-2708
