HOW SUSAN THIXTON EXPOSES PET FOOD

Posted on by Regina D.F. Burdett

Since 2006 she is on a mission. Susan Thixton exposes pet food industry injustice and is a fierce advocate for all pet food consumers. That was the year she launched her website TruthAboutPetFood.com. And, in order to stay up-to-date on all aspects of this sector and keep us informed, she regularly attends industry seminars across the USA.

Susan Thixton exposes pet food industry injustice by talking to consumers across the USA
Susan Thixton exposes pet food industry injustice by talking to consumers across the USA

From A Personal Mission

When I met her recently, I asked why she is such a fighter. This was her answer. “When my Rottweiler, Sam, died from bone cancer in 1991, my vet Dr. Bruce Catlett said that the probable cause was her food.” He had mentioned the chemical preservatives in the food, principally ethoxyquin. 

“Sam and I had a mutual worship, we were best friends,” added Thixton. “One of those extra special dogs that could see into your soul.”

To A National Platform

When Thixton speaks, people listen. That’s because she is a pet food advocate who demands the truth. While traveling across the country she is educating pet guardians. The wide range of topics she covers includes harmful ingredients, production failures, manufacturer coverups, associations interference and government indifference.

High Profile Expo Participants

So, why do people listen to her? Because she has earned the respect of her peers. For example, she’s speaking at the next HealthyDogExpo to be held in Albany, N.Y. on April 4, 2020. Susan Thixton and others like her are determined to empower pet food consumers. By fighting for industry transparency and putting an end to negligence and deception, more companion animals will stay healthier longer. That is their goal.

She will be participating at this natural dog health education event together with well-known personalities such as:

  • Dr. Karen Becker, holistic veterinarian, the first vet in the world to give a TEDx talk on species appropriate nutrition 
  • Rodney Habib, film maker, award-winning blogger, founder of Planet Paws, the most followed pet health page on Facebook 
  • Dr. Kendra Pope, veterinary oncologist with extensive training in holistic modalities, and
  • Susan Garrett, world class trainer and agility competitor, and pioneer of online dog training

For more details, go to HealthyDogExpo.com 

The health risks caused by our pets ingesting contaminated food are real, and they are rampant
The health risks caused by our pets ingesting contaminated food are real,
and they are rampant

Susan Thixton Is Exposing Pet Food Contamination

Pet food consumers are worried, and they certainly have every reason to be. When our companion canines and felines ingest contaminated food —dry, canned, raw and treats — the health risks are real. And, sadly, they are also rampant. 

It’s an ongoing discussion I will be presenting to you in the coming weeks and months. For now, however, here are some snippets that will make you reflect and want to learn more. Because, if I haven’t already got your attention, that’s all about to change.

Food Or Feed?

All states in the USA regulate pet food as feed, yet Federal law says it’s food. For it to be called food, however, it must be human grade food made under USDA inspection.

Contaminated Grains

How do contaminated grains find their way into pet food? Quite simple. They can lie in a mound in an open field for three weeks, exposed to the weather, birds and animals.

Consumers Group Files Citizen Petition

The Association for Truth in Pet Food (ATPF) has filed a Citizen Petition in the regulatory system. It has requested that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) stop allowing illegal ingredients in pet food.

This is how far 89 million cans of pet food contaminated with Pentobarbital would stretch
This is how far 89 million cans of pet food contaminated with Pentobarbital would stretch

Euthanasia Drug

In 2017 and 2018, the recalls of canned pet food that contained the euthanizing drug Pentobarbital amounted to more than 30 million pounds. Shockingly, this means that the ingredients came from animals that had not been slaughtered.

To Sum Up

Due to the fact that pet food is such a hot topic, please look out for many more articles like this on a regular basis. That way you can stay informed with news you can trust. 

Together, let’s keep our precious pets healthy, happy and safe!  

If you want fast, accurate details on the latest recalls of pet food, you need to check this out: https://petpeevesunmasked.com/tracking-pet-food-recalls/

If you want to know how marketing is used to influence choice, go to https://petpeevesunmasked.com/unethical-pet-food-marketing/

DRY PET FOOD FICTION AND EXTRUSION DELUSION

Posted on by Regina D.F. Burdett
This blog show you that what dogs and cats eat is absolutely not dry pet food fiction
This blog shows you that what dogs and cats eat is absolutely not dry pet food fiction

What better way to introduce today’s topic of dry pet food fiction than show you the first of two videos. This is because I believe in setting the stage so that pet parents can decide for themselves. It’s not an attempt to persuade. There is no marketing agenda. 

All pet caregivers are faced with the same decisions when it comes to choosing what to give their dogs and cats to eat. Being informed helps you decide what is best and what is affordable. Each family has its own unique circumstances. Nevertheless, I’m sure you all want your pets to be happy and healthy, and lead the kind of life they deserve.

THE REALITY BEHIND PET KIBBLE

What Are The Ingredients?

Let’s take a look at what actually goes into making pet kibble. The following list shows the main ingredients.

  • meat
  • meat by-products (parts not generally for human consumption, by-product meal either named or unidentified)
  • grains (corn, wheat, rice)
  • pulses (chickpeas, beans, lentils, soybeans)
  • potatoes
  • vegetables
  • synthetic vitamins
  • synthetic minerals

Please take note that this type of dry food is high in calories. As a result, it’s very easy for a pet to become overweight. This usually occurs if it free feeds (grazes) and doesn’t get measured quantities at specific meal times.

Exactly How Is Kibble Made?

After studying the manufacturing process in considerable detail, I have been calling the marketing and sale of these products dry pet food fiction. That’s because they have really low nutritional value and frequently contain ingredients that cause harmful health effects, both long term and short term. 

As you may have already realized, dry food for both dogs and cats is highly processed. That translates into a diet that does little to provide the body with the nutrients it needs to function properly.

With the exception of a very small number of businesses that make commercial oven-baked dry food, around 95 percent of all kibble is manufactured by extrusion. Prepare yourself for what comes next! This is the reality behind pet kibble!

The Extrusion Delusion

In the extrusion process, the dry and wet ingredients are mixed together and pulverized to form a dough-like consistency. It is then fed into an expander for cooking and subjected to extreme pressure and high temperature.

In the next step, the dough is extruded (forced) through a specially shaped die, cut into pellets, and passed through a dryer. The pellets are then sprayed with fats, oils and synthetic additives such as vitamins, minerals and amino acids. This step is aimed at replacing these natural substances which the food will have lost during the manufacturing process.

Finally, the finished product is packaged ready for shipping to stores. 

Despite the fact that kibble is not the best option out there, these are the main reasons why people choose to give it to their pets.

  • convenience…open the bag, scoop and serve
  • time-saving…no preparation required
  • relatively long shelf life before spoiling
  • can be used in automatic feeders
  • can usually be left out in the food bowl all day before it starts to go rancid
  • generally more economical than other food alternatives

To Sum Up

This article is just one of many more I intend to write on the topic of mealtime foods, snacks and treats. In a couple of weeks you’ll be able to read about a presentation I attended in Florida given by a nationally-respected advocate for pet food transparency. Her name…Susan Thixton. What she told us is life-changing!

Together, let’s keep our precious pets healthy, happy and safe!  

If this article aroused your concern, wait till you see what’s next: https://petpeevesunmasked.com/rawhide-bones-safety-warning/

If you want fast, accurate details on the latest recalls of pet food, you need to check this out: https://petpeevesunmasked.com/tracking-pet-food-recalls/