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Canidae Pet Foods

A statement from Canidae:

September 2008
We apologize to all who have voiced their concerns with our new formulation. Canidae distributed letters to retailers, breeders, updated packaging, and provided in-store signage, however it appears that this message did not reach all of our customers.

The new formulation, with increased levels of meat protein, lowered carbohydrates, and an increased overall complex carbohydrate quality, provides the most nutritious, all natural, palatable products. Canidae never uses soy, corn, wheat, by-products, grain fractions, or fillers in our food.

If you believe your pet has experienced challenges related to the new formula we suggest feeding smaller portions multiple times a day. Adding warm water can decrease the chance of pets eating too quickly and not chewing thoroughly. It’s not unusual for pets to experience some digestive issues when transitioning, but if your problems persist, contact your veterinarian to rule out any underlying health concerns. For more tips, visit canidae.com/transitioningfromorig.html.

Due to increased commodity costs, we’ve changed our packaging sizes, reducing the overall weight by approximately 3-5 pounds per bag. The new sizes are more consistent with other brands and allow for easier handling.

We are committed to bringing quality products to pet owners and in June that commitment led us to Diamond’s manufacturing facility. Diamond facilities have rigorous quality control processes, utilizing a 141-point ingredient test protocol. All products are subject to a 10-point final product safety review and Canidae has also implemented hourly testing to confirm quality and product safety in our onsite laboratory. All Canidae products meet or exceed AAFCO nutrient profiles in USDA and FDA approved facilities.

At Canidae, we are committed to providing you and your pets the highest standard of excellence for product quality, palatability, and customer satisfaction. Please call 800-398-1600 or visit www.canidae.com to let us know what we can do to serve you better.

Canidae
Scott Whipple and John Gordon
Owners
PO Box 3610
San Luis Obispo, CA 93403

Connie of Hooper, UT October 8, 2008

Connie of Hooper UT (10/08/08)
We have fed Canidae All Life Stages for years and am on their breeder program. I've NEVER been happy with their customer service, so contacting them at this point seems senseless. Yet I would like my experience to be heard so it might help others.

My dogs began to have similar symptoms described by others on this list. After only the second feeding on the new Canidae All Life Stages formula I began seeing changes in their stool, sever vomiting, and an over-all change in well-being. The severity of vomiting by my dog with the worse reaction was so shocking I took pictures. It was alarming how quickly this new formula caused such a sever reaction. Changes were made immediately, and I will not continue feeding Canidae products.

I fail to see how transitioning, or a lack of, could cause such violent and/or debilitating reactions like the ones Im reading on this list. I just hope I changed soon enough to avoid any serious health problems.

Cindy of Springdale, AR October 7, 2008

Cindy of Springdale AR (10/07/08)
I think that it's safe to say that all of the frustrated people who have entered these complaints would agree that we will NEVER be so trusting of a company that produces food for our beloved pets. EVER. I had Canidae on the highest of pedestals. I based this on them making a food that seemed to work for everyone regardless of how sensitive their pet might be. I would even go as far as saying that their food was OUTSTANDING.

What blows me away is this... after all the clamoring from so many people with identical symptoms, people that have spent hundreds of dollars in vet bills, plus countless hours of worry and heartache, how can this company not admit that they made a mistake? Instead the fault is turned on the customer for not being able to read their minds and on the uninformed retailers for not getting the word out which simply adds insult to injury. There are many examples of transition from the old to the new that still went badly. And yeah, not all dog foods are for every dog, but their old formula seemed to be!

In my case, I changed formulas (old formula ALS to new formula ALS Lamb/Rice) so the different look or smell was not even an issue. Every time I try to talk to the people at Canidae I only get the standard, scripted insults. Finally my point: Not long ago, I bought an edible bone treat from a company that caused my dog to have the runs for 2 days and once it was out of her system she was fine. I called the company, being sure that it was their product that caused all of the mess, just to let them know about the reaction my dog had. The person I spoke with was speaking to me pleasantly and personally and very sympathetically. She asked me questions and finally stated that on rare occasions, certain sensitive dogs react this way to their product. She then told me that she would be happy to send me a refund. I told her that I no longer had the receipt or the package and that I was not calling for compensation. I thanked her for her time. In a couple of weeks I received a large package filled with dog toys, bathing and grooming products and treats for sensitive tummies. Amazing! That, Canidae, is customer service.

Kathy of Sebastopol, CA October 7, 2008

Kathy of Sebastopol CA (10/07/08)
After Canidae changed their Chicken & Rice Dog Food formula, I ended up with Diarrhea and/or bad gas with all of my dogs. And, it was ongoing through 3-4 sacks. The last sack of Canidae that I opened turned out to be the old formula, and everyone's stools went back to normal. After I finished that sack, I switched brands to Prairie Chicken and Rice and have had no problem ever since. I posted Canidae to complain and was offered coupons for another of their brands, a bunch of excuses, and no apology. I posted back and told them I was off thier food and what didn't they understand about this! The again posted me back offering more coupons! They made a big mistake and now they won't listen to the consumers who have to deal with their mistake!

No physical damage fortunately, from this round as I am smart enough to cut my losses and run, no thanks to Canidae.

Sonya of Oakland, ME October 7, 2008

Sonya of Oakland ME (10/07/08)
I purchased the Canidae all life stages for my dane pup. The second bag I purchased was smaller and a different appearance. My puppy has had a problem with super loose stools and began vomiting for several nights straight. I have been to the vets and we have been treating her with meds. I feel strongly that the new food is not agreeing with her. I had even gradually worked the new food in slowly. I will not continue feeding my dog this food. I feel so bad that my pup had to suffer so much!

My pup has been very sickly for the last week. Stomach problems, hives and constant diareah, anal glands issues. Not to mention unnecessary vet bills.

Linda of Finksburg, MD October 6, 2008

Linda of Finksburg MD (10/06/08)
I breed and train Belgian Sheepdogs. I have been feeding Canidae Adult Chicken and Rice Formula for probably 13 years. During this time, my dogs have thrived beautifully with very little health problems and beautiful coats. About 2 months ago, the Candidae Dog Food Company began distributing a new formula of dog food to their retailers. I had received an email from a friend describing the new formula of food but truthfully, many emails are bogus and I could not imagine that Canidae would switch formulas when they had so many loyal customers.

In August, I bought a new bag of food, and when I opened it up, the kibble looked and smelled totally different. I was sure that the rumor was true about the food change. I had no time to transition my dogs to the new formula since the new food was packaged the exact same way as the original formula. Who new that this was the new formula except the ingredients were different. I was a member of the breeder program so Candidae did have my address and email information.

I began to feed my dogs the new Candidae formula, and after their second feeding, they became quite sick. My three Belgians had very loose yellow stools. The stools were soft and like a yellow pudding. Prior to the change, my dogs never had any problem with loose stools. I added rice and potato to the food and removed any cooked food that I normally added to the kibble. The dogs became extremely sick and had to be treated with antiobiotics to calm their intestinal tract.

I now found my self at the mercy of the dog food company. I immediately called Canidae and they said I should have transitioned. I told them there was no way to know when the new food was going to be packaged. I told Canidae that I was quite annoyed with their new product that they claim is better. Several of my friend's dogs had the same occurences. My dogs are long haired and you can only imagine the mess besides the sore stomachs of my canines. This all occurred right before my wedding and was a total inconvenience. I have since switched my dogs to Eagle Pack Holistic and they are doing terrific. I would never use another Candidae product. I feel very violated and feel that Canidae misrepresented their product. What a way to lose loyal customers.

I had to treat all of my dogs with antiobiotics and find a new food that agreed with them.

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