The WolfDog Howl

According to an U.S. government report and news article:

"U.S.: Pet food ingredient mislabeled," by CHRISTOPHER BODEEN, Associated Press Writer on Friday May 4, 2007.

The Chinese exporter of the contaminated pet food ingredient melamine, blamed for the deaths of dogs and cats in the United States, may have avoided Chinese export inspections by labeling it a nonfood product.

It appears that the use of the mildly toxic chemical melamine as an additive to animal feed is a common practice in China. It is illegal to add the chemical to food in the U.S.

According to Bodeen:

"Although it has no nutritional value, melamine is high in nitrogen, making wheat gluten and other vegetable products to which it is added appear to have more protein. That allows it to be sold at a premium to farmers and those who use wheat gluten and other additives to make pet food." Thus it seems logical to conclude that the exporter knew what they were doing and purposely mislabeled the product to avoid Chinese inspections and profit more.

The FDA has announced that as of April 26, they have received reports of 1,950 deaths of cats and 2,200 deaths of dogs related to the complaint so far prompting concerns all across the U.S., Canada, Europe and the U.K.

The animal deaths in the U.S., where pets are often considered members of the family, has caused one of the largest pet food recalls in U.S. history — more than 100 brands. The recall has also been expanded to include pet food products sold in Canada and Europe.

Our heart goes out to all the bereaved pet owners that have lost their beloved pets!