Wednesday, the Food and Drug Administration said that so far, the deaths of sixteen animals appear to be linked to the recalled products from Menu Foods.
Menu Foods issued the recall on Friday, March 16th. Another company, Proctor and Gamble recalled their pet food on Wednesday.
It has been heart-breaking for the owners of 16 cats and dogs around the country. Their beloved animals died suddenly from acute kidney failure.
These deaths are believed to be linked to Menu Foods' pet food, which supplies ingredients to nearly 100 brands of popular pet food.
Louis Drake, a dog owner rushed to check her food as soon as he heard about the other animals dying.
"She's an older lady. I don't want her to go any sooner than necessary, so I certainly wouldn't give her bad dog food," said Drake.
"We've gotten a lot of calls," said Dr. Peter Gerlach, a vet at a Norfolk cat and dog hospital.
Vets have been flooded by worried callers.
"We're telling people not to panic," Gerlach said.
Gerlach suggested to first, check your cans and pouches of wet dog food. Then look at the date on the product, and compare it to the list of recalled products on wavy.com on the links page.
Dry food buyers should not worry. Dry pet food is not being recalled.
Vets said to watch your pets for any warning signs of kidney failure. These include increased drinking and urination, vomiting, loss of appetite and anything out of the ordinary.
If you notice any of these signs take your pet to a vet as soon as possible.
"There are reversible kidney diseases. So if you catch it early enough you can prevent end stage kidney failure," said
Ten On Your Side will continue to monitor the situation and keep you posted on the very latest.
