[bensmom]

I'm doin one-armed pecking here, so bear with. I suspect an 87 pound Doodle had something to do with injuring my shoulder and now it's immobilized 24/7 for two weeks

Old Mother Hubbard provided the following info today:

"Our ingredients are primarily sourced from the United States and Canada. We choose to source some ingredients internationally in order buy the best quality available – for example, lamb from New Zealand. Our ingredient breakdown by geography is as follows:
• U.S. and Canada: 95%+
• Australia and New Zealand: 4%
• Asia: less than 1%
• Europe: less than 1%

There are many high quality ingredients available in the U.S. However, sometimes ingredient quality is higher from other countries – such as Venison or Lamb from New Zealand and Australia; in other cases, sourcing from the U.S. isn’t an available option for us (or even the vast majority of pet food companies) because, for example, supplies are limited.

Please visit our website www.omhpet.com; we have updated it with information regarding the recent recall. You will find information about the sourcing of our ingredients, our quality assurance program and additional food safety measures."

I had already visited the website, of course, and had not found the answers I wanted there, nor did I later find specific references to the recall. Doesn't mean it's not there -- the website is really a community of interconnecting sites.

The company has a number of product lines of which OMH is only one, so it's difficult to tell which general statement applies to which products. For instance, there is a general statement that products contain no wheat, yet the first ingredient on Ben's OMH cookie bag is wheat flour. I don't think they intend to deceive, I just think the website is a horse created by a committee.

At any rate, I am satisfied that their products contain no toxins and will most likely continue to buy the OMH Assorted small bone biscuits as general treats (the kind you get for coming back inside promptly after a poop!). I will also continue to make treats from scratch for training.

Re chew toys, etc. The vet I had when we first got Ben warned against rawhide, pigs ears, etc., so I've not used them. She said pressed rawhide was safe, but I have since called the companies involved and found that there is no pressed rawhide manufactured in the U.S. So, no rawhide at all for Ben.

Now we are hearing that tennis balls contain toxins from the Chinese manufacturing process. Although Ben does not get free access to them at home, we do use tennis balls in flyball, catch, and his Chuck-it. Just be aware that you probably should not let your Doodle chew on tennis balls. Bring it back to you and give it up!

I'm told that Kong tennis-type balls are non-toxic, but my experience with them is they don't bounce well and they have squeakers which give up their squeak fairly quickly and then can be heard rattling around loose inside the balls.

Arghhhh!! It was not this dangerous to raise my child (now 38 yrs old).

Mary in AK
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It's all about the dogs!

[lmtoth2]

[sessa35]

The red rubber Kong balls are GREAT!! They are our favorite!!
BUT--watch out, they are VERY BOUNCY!!
At the dog park, coupled with the chuck-it, that Kong ball could easily bounce and travel over a mile--LOL--with Mija chasing the whole way!!!

p.s. THANKS for sharing the info on Old "Mutt" Hubbard treats I'll bet Ben is most happy for keeping those yummies around!!
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REASON #50, "Why I love my doodle so": My doodle teaches ME new things EVERY day!

[Jac]

Wow, Leslie...thank you!
You know, even if it is more expensive, I will do business with companies like that! I plan to look at their products as soon as I can take the time to browse...thanks again!
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jacque.bayley.lexie.chase.rosie.nitos.amelia.dupree.madison.sherwood.gerry www.backporchlabradoodles-jacque.blogspot.com www.backporchlabradoodles.com