
Nutro Dog Food Reviews
- We require contact information to ensure our reviewers are real.
- Our moderators read all reviews to verify quality and helpfulness.
- We use intelligent software that helps us maintain the integrity of reviews.
About Nutro Dog Food
Click "Shop Now" to visit a retailer.
The Nutro Company has been committed to creating natural and delicious dog food since 1926. As pioneers in the natural pet food industry, each ingredient is carefully chosen with a purpose, to provide the best nutrients for man's best friend.
- Lists meat as first ingredient
- Suitable for all life stages
- Grain-free options
- Contains meat meals
- Difficult for some dogs to digest
Nutro Dog Food Reviews
Filter by Rating
- (683)
- (261)
- (88)
- (115)
- (898)
Popular Mentions
- 4,913,341 reviews on ConsumerAffairs are verified.
- We require contact information to ensure our reviewers are real.
- We use intelligent software that helps us maintain the integrity of reviews.
- Our moderators read all reviews to verify quality and helpfulness.
Recent
- Recent
- Oldest
- Most helpful
A link has directed you to this review. Its location on this page may change next time you visit.
- 4,913,341 reviews on ConsumerAffairs are verified.
- We require contact information to ensure our reviewers are real.
- We use intelligent software that helps us maintain the integrity of reviews.
- Our moderators read all reviews to verify quality and helpfulness.
Reviewed Nov. 25, 2008
I had been feeding my cats Nutro Max dry cat food for the past 25 years. Last August one of my cats starting urinating outside the box so I took her to the vet. Within one month, she couldn't walk or eat and I had to euthanize her. Renal failure.
One week later another cat started open mouth breathing. Took her to the vet. Kept her in isolation, nebulized her many times per day, gave her antibiotics. No improvement. Had to euthanize her. Most likely heart chamber problems.
One month later a third cat had an ear infection. Cleared with antibiotics. Two weeks later she was losing her balance and had a head tilt. Took her to the vet and she had a tumor in her ear which subsequently spread to her neck and her breathing indicated it had gone to her lungs.
The common thread to losing 3 otherwise healthy cats in 2 months - Nutro Max. I called and was told there was no recall and no other complaints about the food. Heartbroken and thousands of dollars later I have lost my pets. Nutro denies any responsibility.
Reviewed Nov. 25, 2008
I began feeding my dogs Nutro Natural Choice in 2001 and had been very please with the product. However in August 2008 my dogs began snubbing their noses at their food and not eating. I did not think it was the food as they did not all do this at one time. I had at that time 3 Great Danes and 3 Labs, and 2 cats. I continued to feed all of my animals Nutro thinking this was an exceptional product even though the price continued to increase. In late August, I noticed all of my animals began eating grass excessively and had diarrhea. I thought they were eating something out of the yard causing this. I continued to feed them their normal diet of Nutro and they continued to eat only a moderate amount of it before walking away from it.
In September my Harlequin Dane became very sick. She began urinating excessively in the house, vomiting, still had diarrhea and overnight gained 9 pounds of fluid on her belly. I immediately took her to my vet, who then referred me to a specialist. I took her to the specialist the next day. He did X-rays, ultrasound, blood work, and drew fluid off of her belly to test. He put her on six different medications to control liver function, because her liver enzymes were through the roof, and medication to help relieve the fluid on her belly. He could not drain the fluid because it would of depleted her body of all its potassium, and electrolytes. I was told to bring her back in one week for a check. I gave her medication faithfully and continued to feed her a mix of Nutro and canned food to encourage her to eat. At first she ate the soft food from around the Nutro and left the dry food. The next day she would not eat at all and became anorexic within six days.
I took her back to the vet. She had lost weight, but had gained another 7 pounds of fluid on her belly. The vet drained approx. 10 pounds of fluid and sent her home hoping this would help with the medication. The next day (Saturday) she still would not eat, and fluid continued to drain from her belly. By that evening 7pm she started having bloody diarrhea. At 7:30pm she tried to get up and walk and her back legs went out from under her. She could not get herself up. I called my sister to come help me load her to go to the emergency vet. They got there at 7:55pm. She (Dottie) died at 8:03pm.
I never thought my dog food was the problem. Until I read these complaints with similar symptoms and outcomes. At the beginning of October, I switched all of my animals to a different food and they have all started eating like they used to. And they have all put back on the weight they lost. I cannot tell you how horrible I feel knowing I may have been feeding my animals a food that was making them sick and possibly caused one of my companions to die. Dottie was only six years old and full of life and energy. And in two weeks she went from full of energy to dead.
Reviewed Nov. 25, 2008
I had been buying Nutro Ultra Large Breed Puppy food for my 4 mo old lab/southern cur puppy since June 2008. I noticed in July that she wasn't eating her 3 meals. In beginning of August she was 6 mos old, I cut her back to 2 meals a day but she still wasn't eating the food. I had to doctor it with table scraps to entice her to eat. By the end of the month she became very ill, lethargic, drinking as much water as she could get and then urinating uncontrollably. After several vet visits she was diagnosed with possible diabetes inspidus. They still had to do more tests, my bills were already over $800. I asked if it could possibly be her dog food. I was told by 2 vets, twice, that it was highly unlikely. By mid-Sept 2008, I took matters into my own hands and took her off the dog food. Within 1 feeding she perked up. By 3 feedings she was dancing around my kitchen. (She is a high energy dog and I had actually forgotten how much energy she had before the dog food made her ill). I almost got the impression that the vet was not happy with my diagnosis of poisoned dog food. Their continued tests would have cost me another $1000+.
I am looking for a new vet. A vet that listens to the dog owner. I am as in-tune with my dog as I am with my children. I took my dog to a vet nutritionist specialist who formulated a diet for my pup's dietary needs and now she eats home-cooked food. I returned the balance of the bag to Pet Smart, was refunded but kept my proof of purchase and a portion of the food in a plastic bag just in case someone wanted to test it. I won't go back to any commercial dog food. I lost my 8 yr old lab mix April 2008. I believe she was also poisoned by her food. Pet owners, observe what your dogs are telling you by their actions. If they won't eat their food, maybe there is something wrong with it!! My family is so thankful we saved our pup from a sure death.
Reviewed Nov. 24, 2008
We had, for some time, been mixing a small pouch of wet food in with our dogs dry food to add some oils to his food for his skin and coat (which were very dry when we got him). Recently, we switched the pouches to Nutro from the other brand he'd been eating. After eating only TWO pouches of Nutro brand food, he began vomiting, acting lethargic, not eating, having bladder incontinence, etc. We rushed him to the vet who initially thought it might be leptospirosis, but those tests came back negative. His liver values were off the charts as far as our vet could test on site (ordinary levels were under 100, his values were over 2,000 and when the lab tests came back from the off-site lab, the value was 5,500).
After four days at the vet, with IV's, a negative Lepto test, and multiple medications, he was sent home and seems to be doing much better. Bottom line? He became sick after eating Nutro. He got better after stopping eating Nutro. The tentative diagnosis of Leptospirosis was unfounded, and the only thing we can find that could be at fault is the food.
Reviewed Nov. 24, 2008
We used to feed our 2 boxers Nutro Natural Choice dog food for years and about a year or so ago we switched their food. Out of old habit, which turned out to be a huge mistake, I went into Petco and picked up a bag of Nutro Natural Choice Lamb Meal & Rice Dog food. We started feeding this food to our two dogs on 11/8/08. On 11/15/08 we noticed our male dog having an extreme case of diarrhea. A few days later we noticed our female dog having diarrhea as well, but not nearly as bad as our male dog. By 11/19/08 our male dog was so sick he had completely stopped eating and drinking. Our female dog was vomiting and not keeping any food down. She also wasn't drinking anything. We took both dogs to the vet first thing on 11/20/08 and our male dog was admitted to the vet for an overnight stay. They ran some blood tests and he was diagnosed with dehydration and he had developed Pancreatitis from the infection.
At this time we took our female dog home but she quickly worsened as the night went on. We took her back to the vet first thing on 11/21/08 and they hooked her to IV of fluids as well. Both dogs were given antibiotics, pain medication and raglan to stop the vomiting. We are positive that it was this bag of Nutro Natural Choice Lamb Meal & Rice dog food that made our dogs sick. As of now our dogs are home and are doing better but we are keeping an extremely close on them. We will never feed our dogs anything made by this horrible company and I hope that this story can help anyone else who is experiencing these problems.
I was shocked when I found this website with all these people who have had similar stories. Please spread the word so we can help save other animals and their owners from going through this. Please advise the place where you purchased the food as well, hopefully they will pull the product from their shelves. As advised by our vet, we are now feeding our dogs Science Diet ID dog food for at least a month. It is a bland dog food that will help ease their stomachs back into regular dog food.
Reviewed Nov. 24, 2008
I heard good things about Nutro food for my dog, a yellow lab. I went out and got a 40 lb bag of Nutro large breed puppy food. When I began to wean him from his normal food to the Nutro he had explosive diarrhea. I only gave him the Nutro 3 times with the same effect each time. The last time I gave him a very small amount of Nutro mixed with his normal food and had the same results. That's when I went online and researched and found many people had the same issues with Nutro, sometimes far worse. I have had my pup since he was 9 weeks old and he has never pooped in the house, he did twice when I gave him Nutro. Now he is back on his regular Eukanuba and is fine.
Reviewed Nov. 23, 2008
My dogs quit eating and had vomiting and diarrhea. I had them on antibiotics and as soon as I quit the antibiotics their problems returned especially their loose stools. So after 15 years of feeding Nutro Max Puppy I changed them to Eukanuba and their poops firmed up and they started eating again. I own 12 Chihuahuas and two of them are still picking at their new food. I was told by PetSmart that Nutro had changed their formula. I returned one of the bags when I figured out what was causing the problems.
Reviewed Nov. 23, 2008
I began feeding my 3 dogs Nutro natural choice chicken and rice formula 9/07. By summer of 2008, all 3 dogs began having problems. The symptoms included loose stools, bloat, urinary incontinence, thirst, hot spots, very sore peds on 1 dog's feet and 1 dog (our youngest) suffered several seizures. Approx. 10 days ago, we changed food and already all 3 dogs appear so far to be doing much better. I am sure that something with this food has changed because in the beginning we were very happy with this product.
Reviewed Nov. 23, 2008
Been feeding my Labrador Nutro Max for years. No problems. In fact, the only time my dog has had problems is when I've fed him something else, like Purina One. Great product in my experience. Hard to believe all of these other reports.
Reviewed Nov. 21, 2008
By coincidence I came across this website - was looking for Nutro dog food to order through the web - and started to read all the horrific stories. Here is ours. My Doberman now 4 years old is being fed with Nutro since we got him (3 months old). Never any health problems until this July '08 when I noticed blood blotches in his inner thighs. First I thought he had run through nettles and got burned by them. As he was limping at the time I decided to get his hips x-rayed for which he had to be sedated, for which the vet had to undertake blood tests, only then to find out that his platelet reading was near zero. Poor Paulus at that time was full of blood blotches - mainly gums, inner thighs, his whole back, and his ears.
Hips were x-rayed and normal. Paulus was put on antibiotics, steroid, and medication for his stomach for 4.5 months. We had to attend the vet for 3 months once per week for repeat blood tests, last one was on 19 November which showed that his results are back to normal. Having read all the information makes me wonder. I certainly will stop feeding my dog Nutro.
Reviewed Nov. 20, 2008
After feeding Nutro Natural Choice dog food to my 2 dogs, they both were sick with vomiting, diarrhea, and dehydration. My Black Lab was sick 11-05-08. My Terrier was sick 11-19-08. Both had 3 nights stays at my vet's office with treatment of electrolytes, Reglan, Tagamet, and B-12 complex. Both are at home now.
Reviewed Nov. 18, 2008
We began feeding our two dogs Nutro Natural Choice Dog Food in August 08 per the recommendation of our veterinarian. He claimed it would help our labrador retriever with his yearly skin allergies. It is now mid-November 08 and last Friday, both of our dogs began vomiting and having diarrhea and not eating. At first, we thought it was just the lab, but observed our small terrier mix vomiting as well and realized it was both dogs. We thought it could only be a couple of things, viral, something found and eaten in the yard/trash, or their food.
My husband googled 'Nutro complaints' and immediately found hundreds of complaints. We immediately began feeding them home cooked food, rice, chicken stock and now have added one thing a day, eggs and sweet potatoes. They have stopped vomiting and their stool is improving. We are researching what food to switch them to, but in the mean time will feed them home made food. According to research, this is not just Nutro, it's many so-called 'high quality' dog foods. This industry needs better regulation! We are replacing our downstairs carpet with hard flooring at approx. $3000 dollars from the vomiting. Our poor pups were being poisoned by their own food that was supposed to be good and healthy for them!
Reviewed Nov. 18, 2008
We have fed Nutro dog food products to our dogs for years. We have always been happy and satisfied with the product and never had any problems with it until recently. One morning, we woke up and our dog was extremely sick. She was vomiting, had no appetite, rested on her elbows with her bottom in the air like she was stretching, as if she had a stomach ache. So we took her to the vet immediately, she was diagnosed with severe pancreatitis and is in recovery right now with a rice and cottage cheese diet. Now at this point we had no suspicions of Nutro causing the problem, until our friend's dog died and was diagnosed with pancreatitis around the same time our dog was diagnosed. We asked what dog food he fed - He said Nutro, same as us. He is also located less than 45 minutes from us. Too ironic. So we looked on the internet and found this site with several other of the exact same cases. Now we are convinced it is the food. All of these cases are too coincidental. It is quite possible they could all be all linked to Nutro. Her pancreatitis was not due to a viral infection because she had just finished a course of antibiotics for an injury on her leg.
Reviewed Nov. 18, 2008
My dog has became severely ill when she was eating Nutro Natural Choice Lamb and Rice Adult Food. My dog became deathly ill with symptoms including weight loss (over 10% of body weight in 2 weeks), excessive thirst, incontinence and vomiting. She was unbelievably ill. We took her to the vet and had blood work taken and found that her liver enzymes were extremely elevated. We followed with an ultrasound and x-rays as well. We switched her diet and within days she was feeling better than she ever has. We thought she was a finicky eater but it just turns out that the food made her sick. We were so upset to search the web and find out that so many pet owners have experienced the same issues.
We nearly lost our dog as she was near death. We spent $120 on a vet visit to get blood work taken to find out about her extremely elevated liver enzymes and then spent $500 on an ultrasound and x-rays. We are now spending extra money on the Hill’s Science Diet and Marin supplements in hopes of getting her enzyme levels back in order.
Reviewed Nov. 17, 2008
Is this a site, dedicated to just Nutro Bashing? Or can good things be mentioned about it as well? I have used Nutro for dog and cat for 5 years. I have not had to take either of them to the vet for anything other than a well visit.
I have concern for some of the other foods mentioned here -- Science Diet -- full of corn and chicken by-products (heads, feet and whatever!). And Blue Buff -- with those little black kernels -- life source bits. Where all the nutrition is supposed to be? People I know who fed that had their dogs spit those pieces out -- so basically they were paying high price -- for, well...nothing! I can't believe there is a whole site just for knocking one product.
Reviewed Nov. 16, 2008
WE have been feeding our Weimaraner, Roo, Nutro foods since she was a pup without any problems until Sept. 2008. I purchased a large bag of Lamb and Rice at Petco. She ate several cups from the bag. Then one day we found a kernel of food with a piece of white foreign particle (looks like plastic) twisted out of one end of a kernel. We saved the kernel and thought little of it at the time. Meanwhile, Roo vomited early morning a few times a week and we all thought it was related to her enjoying a snack of tomatoes and cucumbers from the family garden during the day, that she so enjoyed.
One Sunday night when she vomited repeatedly and did not stop for more than 24 hours, we tried to figure out what would be creating such a problem. She was weak and did not eat or drink. Monday morning, we took her to the vet. Laura ran a series of tests, blood work and took X-rays. After 48 hours, she was still vomiting and weak. The kernel with the foreign material came to mind. We told the vet about it but she heard nothing of tainted food from Nutro since the moisture pouches sometime back. Our Vet gave her a shot to stop the vomiting and we started Roo on a prescription diet. She starting getting better by the fourth day and we returned the food to Petco.
Reviewed Nov. 15, 2008
NUTRO IS MARS!!!! Please watch your beloved pets if they eat Nutro. We have four Golden Retrievers all under the age of 5. They were all in fantastic shape and I always feed my dogs Nutro Natural Choice Lamb and Rice or Chicken and Oatmeal dry dog food. I almost lost all my dogs within the same month. Their coats went from velvet to straw almost overnight! None of the dogs or the puppy would touch the food. When they did eat the food, they were so sick I had to run them to the Animal Urgent Clinic and give them IVs and immediate care. The local Rescue facility in Illinois had the same problem. I have contacted Nutro and have not received any response. I have also contacted Petco and Petsmart about the problems. The employee at Petco told me that the Nutro Rep was at another location and would check out the complaint. Once again, no response.
People are losing their pets over this and Nutro/Mars refuse to pull the product? Mars just issued a recall on their cheap brands but they don't on the more expensive brands even though dogs are dying? If a company is aware that Dogs are getting ill and they are worried that it may cost them money to pull product, do you really think they care about what goes into your pet's food?
I will NEVER use or recommend this food again! I will make sure no matter what it takes that the public is very aware of how this company does business! My dogs are still recovering. I was lucky to have caught the problem early. If my dogs were not in the healthy state before they were poisoned, I don't think they would be here today. Mar's-Nutro, You have not only cost me thousands of dollars at the vet but you have lost my trust and respect for any of your products.
Reviewed Nov. 14, 2008
Both our Brittany Spaniels became severely ill and died after being switched to Nutro Max adult large breed dry dog food. They suffered anorexia, vomiting, incontinence, excessive thirst, seizures, lethargy and kidney failure. The vet said it could be anti freeze poisoning, however many of their symptoms did not coincide with anti freeze toxicity. Anti freeze poisoning is a quicker death, my dogs lingered having bad and good days for weeks. They both had to be euthanized....first our eldest dog, then 3 weeks later our youngest. It never dawned on me that their food could be to blame.
They had been on various Nutro dry dog foods since 1/07 with out incident. It was not until this past summer when I had purchased Nutro Max adult large breed that they began to show signs of illness. I spoke with Nicole at Nutro and she was very polite while I told her of our unfortunate losses. She is sending me testing bags (for samples of the Nutro Max) and paperwork (for the vet to fill out). At this point, obviously the damage has been done...we'll see how they respond after they do their testing. I just feel in my heart of hearts that it had to be their dog food. Nothing else seems to fit. I would hate for anyone else to have to go through what our family did. I want Nutro to recall their products until a more thorough investigation has been completed.
Reviewed Nov. 10, 2008
My dog, Jasper, is an otherwise healthy 3-year-old English Setter, who had been fed Nutro Large Breed Lamb & Rice since shortly after he came to us in May 2006. I didn't notice any problems until this past spring, when the food went out of production, and we switched to the Natural Choice Lamb & Rice formula at the suggestion of our local pet food store. For a month or two, there seemed to be no ramifications from the change, until I noticed a change in the color/consistency of the kibble. Shortly thereafter, our dog began having runny stools, and he started eating a lot of grass and vomiting.
Thinking it was probably just something that he'd gotten into in the woods, I didn't really think too much about it until one morning, when he sat down in the middle of the path on our morning walk and began howling loudly in obvious pain. Because it was so unusual, I checked his heartbeat and it was very rapid. I thought he might have bloat, as our last dog which was also an English Setter almost died from it. After a few minutes, however, he was able to get up and slowly walk home. We took him to the Vet right away, but they couldn't find anything wrong with him, and while I thought about the changes in the food that I'd observed, I didn't do anything about it until about a week later, when the same symptoms developed, again after his morning feeding.
That's when I went online and discovered all of these complaints. Naturally, I contacted the store management right away, and they, in turn, contacted Nutro. The regional representative for Nutro got in touch with me right away and asked that I bring a sample of the food to the store for testing, which I did (at the same time that I purchased an entirely different brand of food). Since that time in early August, I have been in contact with the Consumer Services Dept. at Nutro, who conducted their own testing of the food (even though I had been assured by the regional rep that it would be done independently). Of course, they said that they couldn't find any problems, although they also failed to test for food-poisoning.
Being skeptical of their in-house testing process, I pressed for an independent lab to do further analysis. At first they didn't want to do it, and then they relented after I agreed to let them contact our Vet for information related to our visit last summer. Just last week, I received the so-called results, which consisted of a letter stating that both Salmonella and E-coli tests were negative, although they did not provide the actual laboratory name nor details of the analysis. To add insult to injury, they stated that they would not pay my claim for reimbursement, even though I'd never asked for any economic settlement other than whatever my Vet might charge for giving them the information about our dog's exam. Based on the MANY statements made by other individuals who have experienced problems with Nutro products in the recent past, it is my sincere belief that this company is purposely covering up this extremely serious situation in order to avoid liability. What a disgusting example of putting profit ahead of people and their pets!
Reviewed Nov. 10, 2008
I've been feeding my cats Nutro Natural Choice for years. A few months ago, my kitten, Dexter, now seven months old, started vomiting and having diarrhea uncontrollably. It was so bad that I came home one night to find 10 piles of puke and excrement all across the floor... It was a minefield. The whole house smelled like bile. I had to steam the carpet, as well. I took Dexter to the vet the next day, and he figured that he must have caught a virus or something. He suggested Hill's ID for a while.
I put him on that and confined him to the bathroom. The next night, upon my return from work, I arrived to find more crap on the floor! One or more of my other four cats was also sick. Within two weeks, this was all cleared up, and I chalked it up to a flu bug. Today, I was browsing online for Nutro products to order via the Internet, and I came across the myriad of stories on this website. Unbelievable. I am convinced that it was a bad bag of Nutro that sickened my kitties. It's a shame, because they absolutely love the taste, but I am switching brands immediately.
Reviewed Nov. 10, 2008
Our beloved pet dog, Josey, a female spayed Lab mix, SUDDENLY developed vomiting, bloody diarrhea, weakness in her hind legs, blindness, and lethargy a week ago. We took her to the vet, and he suspects kidney failure. Due to her age, (10) he said to take her home, love and comfort her, and bring her back when we decide to euthanize her. In his opinion, there is no treatment for her. She went from a very young-acting, smart, energetic, large-appetite, housebroken dog to one that cannot drink enough water, has urinated huge puddles of totally clear, odorless urine, has vomited when trying to eat anything, will not touch her Nutro food or even smell it, which she ate voraciously after we switched her over to it upon the advice of friends this past summer. She has not eaten in a week, and we are basically just waiting for her to die. We are totally heartbroken.
Reviewed Nov. 10, 2008
The food that we purchased for our 2 dogs (Nutro Natural Choice Chicken Meal, Rice and Oatmeal Formula), the same stuff we have bought them for over a year, had started to affect them in a bad way - Vomiting and diarrhea. After researching on the internet and finding the Consumer Affairs website, I decided that the most logical and least expensive thing to do was to replace their food with a different brand. Lo and behold, it has now been two weeks on the new food (Purina Pro Select Salmon and Brown Rice) and all of the symptoms are gone. The dogs are more vibrant and happy, and they have stopped trying to eat the grass when they go outside. No vomiting or diarrhea.
Reviewed Nov. 10, 2008
We just read your story on Nutro-brand dog food and can report the same issues with our seven year-old Jack Russell Terrier. She has never eaten another brand, but recently developed severe stomach irritation, vomiting, diarrhea, uncontrollable urges to go, drinking excessively, and ultimately lost 25% of her body weight. After reading this story, we switched her to another brand and the symptoms disappeared. We are very concerned and disappointed with Nutro, and understand that some varieties have been linked to the Chinese melamine scandal.
Reviewed Nov. 9, 2008
Two years ago I lost my 10 year old Brittany Spaniel, Chance, to liver cancer. I had been feeding him Nutro dry dog foods for about 7 years. The more I research this product the more I think it may have been the reason he died a terrible death way too young. I now have 2 Brittany's and they to have been on Nutro. I am changing their food today and will NEVER feed another pet any Nutro product! They also will be going to the vet to have full tests done to try to find out if there has been any damage to their liver, kidneys or digestive systems.
I can only pray that I have not caused them any damage by feeding this poison. I have found that there are many!! pet owners out there that have concerns with Nutro products causing health problems with their beloved family members. I feel that Nutro must be held accountable for their actions and knowingly producing and selling their poison to the public.
Reviewed Nov. 8, 2008
My 3 year old Bernese Mtn. dog has eaten Nutro Natural Choice dog food, the Chicken meal, rice and oatmeal dry food for the last 3 years. Three days ago he refused to eat the food and the next day I’m guessing out of hunger ate his dinner. He started throwing up shortly there after. He vomited 4 times, and acted very dizzy. He had some loose bowels earlier in the day but I didn't think much of it at the time. I went to bed that night knowing that if the dog got worse I would take him to the vet first thing in the morning or the emergency clinic if necessary overnight.
I woke the follow morning to a dog that died in his sleep. I heard him whimper once during the night and started to get up to go check on him, I then heard him lay back down so I went back to bed. I can now never forgive myself for not checking on him. If I had just known, just how sick he was. I would of done anything. Now it's too late. And after reading all these articles against Nutro I am fully convinced that it was the food. He had no known health problems and had all his regular vet visit were up to date. I am devastated and so mad. My family has lost a dear family member and a best friend to my 5 year old son. And to think that it may have been due to the food he ate, it is just awful.
Reviewed Nov. 3, 2008
In May of this year, I adopted two older dogs, a Shepherd and a corgi mix. They were both great eaters and loved their Nutro. This is the only food they were fed since I got them in May 2008. The were only fed senior kibble mixed with Nutro senior wet food. On the third day, after opening a new bag of kibble, Emily (the shepherd) refused her food. I was quite alarmed, since she has never seemed anything less then happy with her food. I made an appointment for the vet later that afternoon. When I came home early from work to take her in, she seemed fine so I didn't take her in. I did decide to check on-line for any problem with the Nutro - imagine my surprise when I check on-line on Oct 29! I was shocked and immediately went to the pet shop and got something different. My dogs have not had one single kibble of Nutro since and never will - they seem to be doing well now.
Reviewed Nov. 1, 2008
I had two cats. I used to split a small can of Nutro cat food between them along with their dry food every morning. One cat would eat the canned food, one would not. After a few months, the cat that ate the canned food stopped eating altogether. I took him to the vet, who said his kidneys were now twice the size than they were before, and tried everything to help him.
I spent eight hundred dollars and did things I didn't even think I could do, like giving my poor cat fluids with a needle. Within two weeks, I had to have him euthanized. Then, I read in the newspaper a few weeks later that Nutro was one of the companies who were using that poison Chinese melamine in their food. I'm sure that was what killed my cat. He was only eleven years old, and in perfect health until he started eating that Nutro poison food.
Reviewed Nov. 1, 2008
Jinx is a 10 year old great dane bull mastiff female. She has always been a healthy 95 lb. dog until about Sept. /08. Oct.17/08 she started with a lot of mucous filled bowel movements. Later that day she started bleeding heavily and more diarrhea. The vet put her on 2 different kinds of antibiotics. We took her off her Nutro Pro senior dog food on the advice of our vet. We put her on a rice and beef burger diet for 4 days then put her back on her dog food. She improved while on rice and beef diet and then became sick again after going back to the Nutro Pro. The test results came back and the white blood cell count was twice as high as normal indicating severe infection. The dog is back on a burger and rice diet which is helping to gain her weight back and she is steadily improving.
Reviewed Oct. 29, 2008
I have been buying my large cat Nutro max- gourmet Salmon for about 3 years. He has always seemed healthy and we've only given him this food since we have owned him, we got him when he was 2. At the beginning of the summer, the cat lost his winter coat, and shaved off a few of his winter pounds. When the fall came, I noticed he was not putting weight or fur back on. I started to carefully watch his bowel movements, they were infrequent. For one day, he had bloody stools. The vet informed me that it sounded like bad food because his appetite was not the same. At this time, I had just bought a new bag of food, and nutro had changed their packaging. Instead of using Egg protein or whatever, they changed to cranberries. I informed my vet of this, and she told me to fast him for 24 hours, slowly weaning him on rice and nutro. This seemed fine, the cat did wonderfully with the rice, but picked at his food. I brought him directly to the vet, he opened his mouth and there was a large sore in his mouth.
Because he was a stray, the doctor said that she was sure it was FHIV or FELV. Tests for that and other things all came back negative. We have had him on Gastro/hypoallergenic food, wet and dry and he has done FANTASTIC. It was like a complete 360. It has seemed like he was almost instantly better. This cat has lived indoors since we have gotten him. He lives a stress free, cush life. We take him on supervised walks and I feed him Plain boiled fish from time to time.
Reviewed Oct. 29, 2008
I believe my dog may have gotten sick from a tainted bag of Nutro Naturals Chicken and Rice Formula. I've fed him the food for 2 years without incident. But about 4 weeks ago my little guy started throwing up. It started off just once to twice a week, but soon he wasn't able to hold food down at all and became very fatigued. I took him to the vet, who discovered some tenderness in his belly. He suspected pancreatitis. All blood work came back normal (aside from signs of dehydration). Then x-ray proved there was no obstruction. $800 in vet bills later, vomiting continued without explanation, so I withheld food for 24 hours, then switched him to I/D prescription diet wet food (a very bland diet). Within a day or two he was back to his old self! In retrospect, this all started when I bought a new 20lb bag of Nutro Naturals. So I Googled it and found all these complaints!! I've since switched him to HealthWise dry dog food and he's doing MUCH better. I have no proof it was the food, but given the evidence here and with my own experience, I really suspect it was.
Reviewed Oct. 29, 2008
My great Dane (nearly 3 years old) has been fed Nutro brand dog food (different types-- age related) since the day I brought her home 2 1/2 years ago. Recently, within the past 4-6 months, she has not been eating well, had begun to vomit (undigested food, even 12-14 hours later!) and have loose stool. She also developed a ravenous appetite for grass. 2 weeks ago, she also developed a high fever. We recently had her at our vet, who did a range of blood work, and could not make a diagnosis.
We were referred to a specialist (AVS Specialists in Maitland, Fl) where she underwent another battery of tests, including blood, urine, x-rays, and ultrasounds--(1300.00 worth) all with normal results thus far. We have stopped the Nutro over 1 week ago, and she has improved greatly. I contacted a rep at Nutro to file a complaint. They have asked me to send them a sample of the food (I have also kept some for further testing, if necessary). They asked me to submit all my vet bills and findings, which I certainly will.
My dog has suffered greatly, and had had to endure many tests and some overnight stays. I am just grateful that she is so much better. I have spent approximately $2000.00 to get some answers, which I have not yet received. Willow is my child and this has caused my husband and I a great deal of emotional turmoil, and many sleepless nights, not to mention a house full of destroyed carpeting.
Reviewed Oct. 29, 2008
Last April 08 I bought a new bag of Nutro Natural Choice Small Bites. Within a couple of days of feeding 3 dogs the 20 pound dog began to vomit repeatedly. A day later my 35 and 55 pound dog also began to vomit. I immediately took away the Nutro food as that was the only thing I could find that all three dogs had been exposed to. I had noticed prior to that incident that my largest dog was throwing up stomach acid before he and the small dog ended up vomiting. I have since been feeding my young dogs a raw diet of chicken, brown rice and a small amount of greens and a bit of apple cider vinegar, and my elderly dog gets cooked chicken and green veggies as she is 16 and can't eat bones.
My dogs are healthier than ever since I took them off of dry dog food. No skin or digestive issues. Bulk chicken is actually CHEAPER than premium dog food without the junk fillers. I was fortunate that I stopped feeding as soon as I realized all dogs were sick and I have a pet care experience so my dogs were only sick about three days and recovered fully with home care & feeding strategies.
Reviewed Oct. 29, 2008
New information concerning my 2-yr-old Yellow Lab, with pancreatits, diarrhea, vomiting, pigment change and massive weight loss. Found vet #6 who believed my dog's symptoms are food related and went above and beyond to find another vet who specializes in animal internal medicine and a hematologist. All of these doctors agree that 5 dogs with heart disease, pancreatitis, eye problems, elevated liver enzymes, bladder enzymes and ate grass like they were cows, had to be fed a food that was contaminated.
The vet ran additional pancreas tests, B12, cobalamin and folate and found that Harley has massive bacteria overgrowth. He also has a bacterial eye infection as well. Either the bags were contaminated during shipping or in the warehouse (Nutro said they had a bag issue) or the food was contaminated. All I fed was Nutro dry, canned, biscuits and snacks. All 5 dogs were diagnosed in February. If they were exposed to a bacteria, it would explain why all 5 dogs had normal, healthy exams the prior year. Bacteria can cause heart valve damage (which killed 3 of my dogs in June and July). My Pom also has heart valve damage. Harley's heart rate is very slow for a 2-yr-old lab. If your dog is eating a huge amount of grass, our vet said that is an indication that the dog needs more fiber due to an irritation in the small intestine. Your dog should be checked asap.
Reviewed Oct. 27, 2008
I have been feeding my 11 month old Yorkie Nutro Max wet and dry food for the past few months. Beginning September he began to only eat about 1/2 to 1/4 of his food. Occasionally he would vomit about 12 hours after eating and sometimes have loose stools. Eventually, When I would get his food out of the cupboard he began to actually run away or hide under the kitchen table. Expensive trips to the vet yielded ZERO information. All blood tests and fecal tests were negative and he did not have any foreign items in his stomach. He was noted as dehydrated and possibly a few extra bacteria in his stool and I was given antibiotics. More time went on and he was very inconsistent, eating sometimes and not others, lethargic, sleeping alone in the corner, still only eating very small amounts of Nutro, vomiting here and there.
If I fed him chicken, cheese, baby carrots and dog treats and he ate all of these items hungrily (didn't run away or hide). If I mixed chicken in his wet Nutro, he would try to eat around the wet food and pick out the chicken. I thought he was being finicky but that wouldn't account for the lethargy, vomiting and loose stool. After $2,000 in vet bills and a month of an inconsistent and sometimes sad puppy, the only answer I had was well vomiting and diarrhea can be symptoms of many things (brilliant diagnosis). No one suggested it could be the food or food related. They scheduled me for full blood work-up and x-rays. I angrily declined and figured I would try to simply change the food and see what happened. I mixed chicken, rice, baby carrots and cottage cheese in food processor.
The dog waited anxiously at my feet instead of running away or hiding under the table. When the food was placed in front of him, he ate every last drop. I have done this for the past 3 days and the pup seems like his old self again..running around playing, energetic and no retching, vomiting or loose bowels. There seems to be only one logical conclusion to this. Something is wrong with the Nutro food and the only one who knew it was the dog. Certainly the vets were clueless. Anyway...my suggestion is to save yourself some $ if your dog exhibits these symptoms (as many of you seem to have experienced already); avoid the medications and expensive tests and attempt a change in food first. If this doesn't resolve the problem, then I'd seek a vet opinion. Just angry that the vets never even suggested that the food could be an issue.
Reviewed Oct. 26, 2008
We have been using Nutro Natural Choice Lamb Meal and Rice Formula for years. On 10/13/08, I purchased a new bag and opened it later that week. That Friday, our Golden became very sick - both vomiting and loose stools. Not thinking that it was food related, we fed him dinner that night and he threw it up. We then switched his food to a Eukanuba canned chicken and rice formula thinking that would be easier on his stomach.
Middle of the following week, he was back to normal, so we fed him some Nutro again mixed with the Eukanuba and he threw it up...back to the Eukanuba by itself. He seemed to be better by Saturday (10/25/08), so we attempted to blend the Nutro food back in with the Eukanuba again. The vomiting and loose stools were back within 12 hours.
It is hard for us to believe that it is the Nutro food. However, every indication leads us to believe that the Nutro food is the root cause of his illness. We are now looking to see how we can have the remaining food in the bag tested to verify our hypothesis. Meanwhile, our Golden looks very tired, is not interested in food, and will be heading to the Vet.
Reviewed Oct. 26, 2008
When we adopted our dog, Abby from a rescue. she was 12 weeks old. Almost immediately we knew we wanted to feed that would be a higher quality dog food. As most labs experience, she had skin allergies from corn and other by products that were associated with low end dog foods. We researched and after talking with a NUTRO representative, felt fairly reassured that NUTRO was the best deal for our money. Shortly after Abby began have small digestive issues if she was given a treat or anything other than her normal diet food. We bought her NUTRO Chicken and Rice for sensitive stomachs. The problem however continued.
Shortly after Abby turned a year old she began experiencing severe GI problems, loose, bloody stools and severe vomiting. When the problems didn't subside after a day, we took her to the vet. When our vet asked us what we were feeding her, she immediately told us that the NUTRO was the problem. After a few hundred dollars in vet bills along with prescription medication, Abby has gotten better, but she still experiences a few lasting effects as the vet told us might happen. We were told that dogs that eat NUTRO from the time they're a puppy on have a much higher chance of continued GI problems throughout their lives. Abby can only have raw or holistic food now and we have to be careful what types of treats we feed her or she will become sick. This food is horrible, and the fact that it's continuing to be sold after so many known issues, needs to be reconsidered. Our dog would be much healthier today if we had never fed her NUTRO.
Reviewed Oct. 25, 2008
In October 2005, we went to Mud Bay pet store to buy our 5-year-old cat some new cat food. We ended up getting Nutro Natural Choice food because it claimed to have good ingredients. After only a few days of feeding him the new food, we came home to him in extreme pain. He was hissing, holding one leg awkwardly and making terrible noises that made us think he had injured himself while we were at work. We ended up taking him to the ER where he was misdiagnosed as having dislocated or hurt his knee, given injections of Ketofen and Buprenex and sent home to sleep.
Unfortunately, he was actually having a urinary blockage from the food that kept him up all night, even though he was heavily drugged and should of been sleeping soundly. The following night, it got worse and took him back to the ER where he had to be sedated, a catheter put in and given fluids and antibiotics. They kept him overnight until we could take him to our normal vet for another day of tests and observation. The vet said the condition is caused by food with too high levels of magnesium and ash.
He is now on Prescription Hill's C/D formula wet food and doing great. We will probably keep him on it the rest of his life to be safe that this doesn't happen again with another company, claiming to have great ingredients. The worst part is, before I made the connection with Nutro's food and what happened, I gave the bag of food to a friend with a cat who ran out of food, since we couldn't use it anymore, and her cat ended up in the ER with a similar problem a couple weeks later! I feel guilty for giving it to her, but that just shows (along with tons of complaints online) that THIS FOOD IS NOT SAFE!
Reviewed Oct. 24, 2008
We have fed our puppy Nutro Natural Choice Small Bites Chicken, Rice, & Oatmeal since we got him 4 months ago. He always did well with it until recently. Since I opened a new bag last week, he has experienced vomiting and loose stools, and is always eating grass and leaves. I wondered if it was his food, and now that I have read these complaints I know it is because of the similar symptoms.
Reviewed Oct. 22, 2008
For the past few months, my 3 year old golden retriever had suddenly been having bouts with vomiting and diarrhea, lethargy and just plain old malaise; he definitely wasn't himself. Just like everyone else who has complained, I assumed he'd ingested some type of foreign matter. He has been on Nutro dog food for 3 years so naturally I didn't give a thought to his food. Until I did some research online. Voila! I changed his food and for a few days he was fine - until yesterday when it was apparent there was a serious problem. I took him into emergency last night. His hemoglobin levels were off the charts both high mass and low volume), he was dehydrated and creatinine (exhibiting kidney function) was also high.
He was put on antibiotics, IV to reestablish fluids and sent home on a bland diet until vomiting & diarrhea subsides. Hopefully there has been no permanent damage. A follow-up visit to his regular vet in a few days will tell. It is truly unbelievable that Nutro (Menu Foods) continues to negate this enormous problem. Consumers need to be warned and this food needs to be pulled from the shelves. $750 later and continuous carpet cleaning, not to mention this poor dog's suffering, there is no doubt in my mind that Nutro is the culprit. He was on the Lamb/Rice formula. I have contacted the FDA to file a complaint. My heart goes out to those who have lost their precious pets.
Reviewed Oct. 20, 2008
None of the complaints about Nutro have ever been verified. There is nothing wrong with Nutro Dog Food. I've used it for years with my 5 dogs, and so are many of our adopters, with excellent results. These unfortunate people who have lost their pets, lost them due to illnesses not related to the dog food.
Reviewed Oct. 18, 2008
I was feeding my cats Nutro and 2 got sick. After switching the dry food but mixing the Nutro to get them use to a different brand, I finally stopped feeding the dry Nutro, and still had a few cans left which they also ate. I decided to not feed anymore Nutro. One cat got better but the other cat I had to take to the vet. She was diagnosed with Kidney failure. Strange thing was that she was just at the vet a few months back and she was healthy? Her kidneys were fine before she ate the Nutro. She ended up passing away. I am so angry because we lost her and a year ago we lost 2 kitties to the tainted food problem of 2007 and kidney failure! I do not trust anyone anymore. I lost my best friends and they never did anything but give so much love to me and my kids. They were the only ones there for us. Why would the pet food companies kill them? I hope God does something about this.
Reviewed Oct. 17, 2008
My dog suffered seizures from eating their Nutro Natural Weight Management dog food. No one suspected the dog food and this has cost me big $$$ in vet bills and prescriptions (phenobarbital and potassium bromide). Not to mention that we do not know the long-time effect that this will have on her.
Reviewed Oct. 17, 2008
Our 4-year-old dog is dying. She started a few months ago with loss of energy. When her back legs started collapsing on walks, we took her to the vet who ran a number of lab tests. All her levels were bad. The day after the vet visit, I realized it must be her Nutro large breed dog food. This site confirmed my suspicions. We immediately stopped feeding her Nutro, but it's been over a week since she has eaten anything on her own. I've tried everything but she just spits it out. We are now putting peanut butter in her mouth for some nutrition. If she has a BM, it is loose. The vet gave her antibiotics for her kidneys. She vomited daily while on these. I hoped her appetite would return after finishing her medicine; it hasn't. If she doesn't start eating soon she will starve to death. I don't want to put her down, but I don't want her to suffer. I keep hoping for a miracle.
Reviewed Oct. 15, 2008
My Boston terrier died yesterday after a progressive decline in health. He had been on a raw diet until October of last year. He lost weight at first then he lost interest in his favorite toys, and playing, going on walks or car rides. He was an alpha male in the house and turned into a weak unsure dog. He started having some small seizures in July and back and forth visits to the vet with no explanation, I could kick myself that it did not realize it could be the dog food.
Recently he began drinking water excessively and urinating in the house. He never did this. He had loose bloody stool last week so I gave him Parvoguard for this and Tripsy for his kidneys. Early Tuesday (Oct 14) morning he had Grand Mal epileptic seizures. This was the most painful thing I've ever had to see. He regained consciousness once then had several more cluster seizures. Even if I'd got him to emergency at 4 AM he'd never of made it. His heart could not take anymore. I made him comfortable but I knew he'd suffered brain damage after the first cluster seizure, and I have to say goodbye to my beautiful Boston Dooley. I stumbled upon this site and now I see things through new eyes. Here are known reasons for these seizures taken from website **. There's got to be way to stop this now.
Reviewed Oct. 15, 2008
Our dog had been throwing up for about a month until we finally realized it was the food after seeing on the news that the Nutro canned food was being recalled. Although our dog eats the dry food, it must be contaminated as well. At first we thought that the throwing up was due to NSAIDs that we had to put him on for arthritis, but after we stopped them for a week and he was still throwing up, we switched his food to boiled chicken and rice. The vomiting stopped so we gave him his Nutro dry food again and the vomiting started up again. The vet was no help and we only realized it when we heard about the recall of the wet food and did a web search and found this site (and others) that it must be Nutro dry food. He ate the healthy joints with glucosamine kind. I have contacted Nutro, let my vet know about it and the FDA. Hopefully someone investigates this soon.
Reviewed Oct. 14, 2008
We are in the middle of dealing with our 9-yr old Cocker Spaniel who stopped eating his Nutro food and was throwing up and had diarrhea. He had been completely healthy before this incident. He has eaten Nutro his whole life. The vet discovered that he had extremely elevated liver enzymes and after x-rays and numerous lab tests and an ultrasound, he is being treated for acute pancreatitis. We have spent hundreds of dollars on regular lab tests as well as clotting tests because these were irregular also. Altogether, we have spent about $1,500.00. His food has been changed to a low fat diet. He will be retested in a week and I will follow up this report but I was alarmed to see all the reports on Nutro. We had stopped his food and he ate the new food we gave him so we put him back on the Nutro and he got sick again. Now that he is on the low fat diet and antibiotics, he acts like his old self. I hope no permanent damage has been done to him. Please keep me informed if you discover any new information. I will update you, also.
Reviewed Oct. 13, 2008
I switched my cat to Nutro Natural dry cat food about two weeks ago, and have only put a few morsels a day with her previous food. She has thrown up four times since. My Aunt's cat was severely sick recently, throwing up, diarrhea, and lethargic, and she has been feeding her cat the same food. Something is wrong with this food, as my cat has NEVER gotten sick from switching food.
Reviewed Oct. 12, 2008
PET FOOD PRODUCT SAFETY ALLIANCE DID TESTS ON TWO SAMPLES OF NUTRO FOOD AND POSTED ON AUGUST 14th, 2008. THE RESULTS WERE HIGH LEVELS OF COPPER AND ZINC. The symptoms are consistent with the majority of those reported by consumers suspecting problems believed to be associated with feeding Nutro dry dog food.
While Nutro may view a shiny coat as desirable on sick, dead or dying pets - whether well founded or not - the Pet Food Products Safety Alliance does not share that view.
There is no way to know which dogs will be affected immediately and/or how long it will take for others to be affected. It's playing Russian roulette with your animals' lives by using Nutro.
Reviewed Oct. 9, 2008
Nothing. Our 19 lb. Westie has been on Nutro Max Beef Meal & Rice for years and never suffered ANY of the described symptoms. He is now on Nutro Max Senior variety of kibble and loves it. He's a healthy 8.5 years old...active...playful... Something doesn't add up here. If the food is contaminated, it should affect all dogs similarly.
Reviewed Oct. 8, 2008
I have left a couple of messages on here about losing my 3 dogs to mitral valve prolapse, pancreatitis and adrenal insufficiency. My 4th dog, a 6 year old pom, is losing the battle to mitral valve. After the news of the possible zinc and copper poisoning in Nutro dog food, I took my 2 year old yellow lab in for a physical. I took him to a specialist who had not treated by other 4 dogs. Sure enough, the lab work and tests shows heart problems and was positive for pancreatitis! He has lost 25 lbs, the pigment in his ears and belly has turned black and the vet said he looks like an old man. He is dying. I was feeding him Nutro Max large breed puppy then Max large breed adult (purple), Nutro cans, biscuits and treats. I have had my home checked for mold, bacteria and carbon monoxide and nothing was found. I also had my cats and birds checked, and they are fine. My husband, daughter, grandson and I all had physicals and we are fine. The only thing all 5 dogs had in common was the Nutro dry food, cans, treats and biscuits.
Reviewed Oct. 8, 2008
My 7 year old rottie, Cagney likes Nutro dog food. She has been eating it without any problem for the last 4 months. I opened a new bag last Thursday. I started feeding it to her Friday morning. By Sunday, she started having explosive diarrhea. Since then, she has no control of her bowels and is going to the bathroom in the house 1-2 times a day. I also noticed she wasn't eating all her food. I thought it was because she wasn't feeling good. It didn't worry me too much. Yesterday, I realized she didn't eat at all. I called our local pet store to see if they heard similar stories. They did! They said they have been trying to get people to switch to a different brand of dog food. Yet, it wasn't mentioned to me when I bought a new bag of food. Cags has a vet appt. tomorrow morning. I hope Cagney isn't as bad off as some of the other dogs I have been reading about.
Reviewed Oct. 8, 2008
Purchased a bag of Nutro lamb and rice meal for HEALTHY 3 year old Standard Poodle. Developed severe vomiting of bile and loose stools along with being very sleepy and a bad odor from her breath. She wouldn't touch the food after that so I made up white rice and boiled chicken since she wouldn't eat the Nutro (this went on for 6 days). After not eating the Nutro, she became better almost immediately. I have since switched to Canidae Chicken and Rice Formula and have not had any problems at all. I will not consider feeding Nutro ever again to a pet. Pay a little more money for better food and you will save in the end on vet bills and possibly a beloved pet's life!
Reviewed Oct. 7, 2008
Nothing happened with our food yet. Our cats have been on Nutro for about 3 months now and their fur is just like silk and we recently got a collie and put him on Nutro also. An animal Nutritionist told us about it and we are trying it. Hopefully we don't have any problems with it. If we do, it will definitely end up on this complaint list. I can't believe all the complaints! I wish I would have read them before we switched to Nutro.
Reviewed Oct. 6, 2008
Opened new 20 lb bag of Nutro Natural Choice Large Breed Adult. My dog did not want to eat it at first. She has been throwing-up and just not herself. This all started about 1 week after I started a new bag. She has not had any major illnesses. She has always been a healthy dog. She is 9 years old and very active. Now all of a sudden she seems ill. Please check out the DRY dog food from this CO. I have been using it for years. Never had a problem before. Please help. exp date 11/24/09. LBA20-01. 80891-01. Proof of Purchase # **. Thank You
Reviewed Oct. 5, 2008
We purchased Nutro Lamb and Rice dry dog food in January of 2007. Our cocker spaniel became very ill after eating the food. He vomited and had very loose and bloody stool. Our poor dog, Dawson, felt awful. He was lethargic and ashamed that he couldn't control his bowels. We were scared and frustrated. Financially, we had to spend money on dog food and vet visits. Physically, our carpets were damaged and we had to hire someone to come and clean our carpets twice.
After 3 days, we discontinued using the dog food and switched him to Science Diet ID. His symptoms cleared instantly once we changed his food. After 3 days on the science diet, we switched him and our new foster dog to Flint River Ranch Trout and Potato. We have never had any problems with the new food. We contacted Nutro and sent them a sample of the food. They told us that there was nothing wrong with the food and refused to reimburse us. We want Nutro dog food to have to take responsibility for their inferior and harmful pet products.
Reviewed Oct. 5, 2008
I've been keeping track of the posts on this website. I'm still horrified that our pets are still getting sick off of Nutro Pet Foods. I'm even more aghast that Nutro still claims it's food is safe and not the culprit but I'm not shocked or surprised either. They ignored me when I first reported complaints back in March and April. But can I say something to help those of you pondering which food is better? First things first, get your dog off of Nutro or your cat. Then do your research. First of all when you switch foods, switch to a food that has a low amount of grains or grain free. Grains like wheat gluten, wheat, corn, corn gluten, rice gluten, barley, etc can be contaminated with chemicals and other toxins.
Not to mention, many dogs are affected with allergies to grains because they produce an alkaline environment in the dog and cat's body which can lead to yeast infections, urinary tract infections and other maladies. Be very careful going to a food with a lot of grain. Read your ingredient labels and not just the marketing on the package. READ THE INGREDIENT LABEL and READ THE GUARANTEED ANALYSIS. Many veterinarian recommended foods contain a huge amount of grain. And some of you have mentioned it on this page, Science Diet. Iams, Purina, Eukanuba and many other so called premium and grocery store pet foods have a lot of grain in it which can be contaminated by toxins. (pet Food recall 2007) Read the labels. If you want to know which foods to buy, go to DogFoodAnalysis.com and read the reviews of the foods that you feed your animal.
Pick foods in the four to six star rating. (4-6 Star) You will be selecting a higher quality of food. Most pet store foods are only 2 Stars YES! 2 Stars and lower! Its a shame. These companies use grains to boost the protein content of the food. Not a good idea. Do your research. I currently recommend a rotation diet which is grain free this diet was rated 5 and 6 stars by Dog Food Analysis.com. I know that higher quality dog food is more expensive and times are tough right now. But you will thank yourself in the long run because you will have to feed your dog less, the dog's coat will look better, less skin problems, less health problems and obesity. Which means less visits to the veterinarian.
Many of you care deeply about your animal family members. Make a commitment to keep your dog and cat on a healthier diet. I used to think Nutro was a healthier diet for years I promoted it. I was proven wrong this year and I'm upset. So for those of you switching back to a lower quality of pet food, or grocery store pet food think again. You are not doing your dogs or cats a favor. Dogs are primarily carnivores, but can be omnivores, cats are obligate carnivores. Feeding pet foods with a high grain content only leads to health problems, diabetes, and other issues. This also goes for dog treats too. Many dog treats on the market are not healthy for your animal, read those labels too and opt for corn free, wheat free and soy free treats. Your dog and cat will thank you. So will your wallet due to less veterinary bills.
Reviewed Oct. 5, 2008
We have been feeding Nutro and Nutro Max pouch food to our cats for at least 6 months. The 3 boys really loved it. One male started urinating all over the house about 4 months ago. The vets couldn't figure out what was wrong. We eventually had to keep him outdoors, and the coyotes got him... The 2 other boys just got sick very violently 4 days ago. They started being lethargic and vomiting. One had a little bit of blood with the vomit.
After x-rays and quite extensive tests, the vet indicates that the most likely cause is salmonella. These are all indoor cats, so we couldn't figure out what was wrong! Then the vet called late in the evening and told us to stop the food. Unfortunately, it was too late for one of our poor cats. He basically became paralyzed, was having trouble breathing, and starting twitching all the time. We had to put him down yesterday... The other one is starting to bounce back but he is the younger male, and was always a strong cat. He is still gagging and vomiting after 4 days.
Curiously enough, the other 2 cats in the household didn't get sick. Now we know why, the girls didn't like the pouch food. They stuck to dry food (not Nutro). I just feel so guilty that I bought this food for them...
Reviewed Oct. 5, 2008
Our wheaten terrier is now five. Until this year he threw up his food regularly though he seemed to be healthy otherwise. Veterinary tests found nothing. Then we read about the melamine poisoning and our pet food store, after not receiving Nutro products for a while, said he was told that Nutro had changed its formula. Our dog has not thrown up this year.
I am convinced that Nutro was contaminated prior to this year. We are lucky our dog suffered no permanent illness and didn't die. There is no question in my mind that it was his food that caused him to vomit. It's a good thing he has good vomit reflex. Pet owners need to be vigilant and exchange information. How can we find out what is really in our pet food?
Reviewed Oct. 4, 2008
My dog, Sheila Mae, WAS a healthy and vibrant and beautiful Rott who was four years old when she died on September 23, 2008. I began feeding her Nutro dog food about three months prior as it was recommended by other people who told me it was high quality food. Initially, I was very satisfied with its performance but, noticed when it became Nutro Max, it had a different smell and consistency. I did not become concerned until approximately a month ago. She began having runny stools, became lethargic and refused to eat at all.
My wife and I took her to the vet and they were able to find a urinary tract infection. She then got pneumonia and an intestinal infection. Her liver began to fail and she became extremely weak. She finally expired on the above date crushing us both. Beside her pain and suffering, we incurred an extremely high vet bill which made us feel that she had suffered for no reason. We were able to find the Nutro site with the complaints from other owners. Most of their dogs suffered as Sheila Mae did and we know the owners suffered as we did. I know that the company admits no culpability in these situations but, so much is the same in each event.
Reviewed Oct. 4, 2008
Death of my dog after getting sick from eating Nutro Natural Choice for Seniors.
Reviewed Oct. 4, 2008
My two-year-old Shih-Tzu has been on Nutro for a few months now, and not until recently was I able to put two and two together. At first, he refused to eat the food or ate very rarely. I began feeding him soft food from the vet because he was having soft stools and began bleeding from the anus. He was checked by the vet, nothing abnormal, but still would only touch the Nutro Lamb & Rice when mixed with soft food. He has a tendency to vomit for no apparent reason though his stools have returned to normal. I will be switching his food immediately.
Reviewed Oct. 4, 2008
My wife and I had both of our cats on Nutro for the past two years. First our cat who was eating Nutro indoor cat food in the brown bag all of a sudden started throwing up, got diarrhea and was lethargic. After many visits to the vet, he was found to having liver damage going towards liver failure. After 1500 dollars in vet fees and antibiotics, we switched his food and he has made almost a 100% recovery. Now my dog, who has ate Nutro since he was a puppy, 2 years now, has started vomiting, frothing at the mouth, diarrhea, and won't eat the Nutro.
After a couple vet visits which they can find nothing wrong, they gave him some antibiotics and we have switched his food. After 2 days he is no longer lethargic, not frothing at the mouth, and will eat this different food. Stay away from Nutro as something has changed and they are not admitting it yet. I have written the company and am waiting for a response.
Reviewed Oct. 3, 2008
I have been feeding my mini-dachshund Portabello Nutro foods since I got him in March of 2008. As of yet no problems have occurred but after reading about these other dogs and cats neither my dog or two cats will ever eat this food again. My heart goes out to everyone that has lost their beloved pet or shall I say family member. Thank you for putting this out there. You all have truly saved my Portabello's life.
Reviewed Oct. 2, 2008
I have been feeding my dog Nutro Natural Choice Weight Management for large breeds for over 2 yrs. However since July 2008, I noticed my dog weakening, 1st difficulty rising, tiring easily & lethargic. In September 2008, he was having trouble swallowing. I began mixing his food with water. He began vomiting. There were numerous visits to the Vet, test were done, blood, Diabetes, Myasthenia Gravis, Addison's Disease - nothing abnormal. We were referred to a Neurologist, where an EMG & spinal tap was done. He was kept overnight at the neurologists & consequently not fed Nutro. He seemed like his old self. Initially I thought it might be the anesthetic. The next day he would not eat the nutro. That's when it occurred to me it might be the food so I purchased some Science Diet chicken & rice, which he ate & is doing well. I have spent over $3000, to determine what the problem was & it appears to be the food.
Reviewed Sept. 30, 2008
Update: My initial report on Nutro two months back unfortunately had a very bad ending. My golden retriever puppy got very ill after eating nutro natural choice puppy food.
The day after my last report, my dog had to be put down due to illness so far gone. Her nervous system completely shut down and she was lifeless. I opted to have a necropsy performed to try and figure out the cause. I got the necropsy results back and she was diagnosed with an awful case of pancreatitis. The vet said it was one of the worst cases she'd ever seen. She said that some dogs develop this disease without real reasoning and that she couldn't say it was because of her Nutro dog food.
With 100's of cases that seem to be very similar to mine, I cant help but wonder how many companions will we lose before we figure out whats wrong with Nutro. I have given a large sample to my vet for testing and she is trying to find someone to test it. My hope is that we can figure it out soon. Until then, those people feeding their pets nutro should be VERY careful and switch food immediately if you see any signs of problems with the food. I wish I had found this sight sooner so I could have tried switching her food much earlier.
Reviewed Sept. 29, 2008
I bought the Nutro Natural Choice Senior since I felt like my dog was getting older and would benefit from the ingredients that would help her joints. She is almost 9 and has never had any digestive problems at all, however, within 24 hours of feeding her the Nutro Natural Choice Senior, her stool became very soft and not formed at all. I called the vet and the vet said buy her the Nutro Lamb and Rice. She had eaten the regular Nutro before and had not had any problems, however, her stool now got worse instead of better. After it turned to diarhea, I took the dog to the vet.
The vet ran tests for parasites and the tests were all negative. The dog went from 68-64 pounds in 10 days. The vet also ran a week long stool test-that too came back negative. This was a very scary time since my husband and I were leaving the country for a week and needed to have the dog stay with our neighbors.
I warned the neighbor about the problem and showed her all of the medicine and made a chart for when to give her the medicine. It was the neighbor who found the info that some other pet owners were having very loose stools with their animals because she could not believe how my dog had diarhea even on several meds. My neighbor bought a bag of natural dog food and the stool is returning to normal. I will consult the vet again this week.
I have two bags of Nutro that I can not use with my pet. This food has made my dog extremely sick with loose stools. I have been to the vet 3 times, have several bills including Xrays, tests for infections, parasites etc. My dog is very thin and still on two medications. It has been one month that I have been dealing with this and am extremely frustrated at the costs of over $700 and still have a dog that is not better!
Reviewed Sept. 28, 2008
We switched our 1 1/2 year old lab mix to Nutro Natural Choice Large Breed Adult in late August 2008. In the second week of September she started having explosive diarrhea, was vomiting, and stopped eating her dry food and began to try to scavenge off our plates. We took her to the vet who thought perhaps this was brought on by some salmon she nabbed in a flash. We have been diligent in keeping table food out of her reach. She is still avoiding her dog food, but when she does eat, she drinks A LOT. She is also vomiting just about daily, sometimes twice. I have been suspecting the food after last year's recalls and the recent melamine reports related to baby formula etc. in Asia and the South Pacific. After reading all of the submissions here, I am more suspect.
The Nutro is going back because they have a 100% guarantee on the bag. I am also calling my state FDA rep. You can get yours at http://www.fda.gov/cvm/contactCVM.html .
Both bags we had of Nutro Natural Choice were labeled as 79105 20105 with this additional code LBA20-01 81185-01. One use by date was 27 Dec 2009 and the other was 18 Jan 2010.
Reviewed Sept. 27, 2008
My 8 yr old german shepherd had been sickly the past 1 year or so (not wanting to eat her food, always vomitting, bloodshot eyes, clouding of eyes, not playful). The past 4 yrs she's been on Nutro (blue bag with GSD on front). I had noticed that sometimes the kibble was small cylinder shaped and at other large rounded disk shaped. I didn't really think too much about it. All I knew is that Petco said Nutro is good & Petco has an on-going promotion for all their dog foods where they give 1 bag free after you purchase 10 bags. This was my 3rd/4th year.
It was only by chance that I was awake to watch the 11pm news out of Philadelphia, PA about a week ago. There was a report about Pedigree dog food making dogs sick. What struck me was that they were showing Nutro dog food (not the front of the bag, but you could tell it was Nutro). The next morning I looked up the news station's web-site & the report was about Pedigree not Nutro. I looked on-line just to be certain.
I read the stories here about what has been happening to Nutro fed dogs. I was horrified. I had just spent over $40 for a 40lb bag a couple of days prior to the newscast. I immediately threw away the Nutro & purchased another brand. Since last week, my GSD has done a 180. Her eyes are clear the cloudy film is gone, the bloodshot eyes are gone, she's playful, no vomitting & she wants to eat. I hope that someone finds out what is in Nutro that is making the dogs ill. I trusted Nutro, never again.
Reviewed Sept. 27, 2008
My 8 yr old german shepherd had been sickly the past 1 year or so (not wanting to eat her food, always vomitting, bloodshot eyes, clouding of eyes, not playful). The past 4 yrs she's been on Nutro (blue bag with GSD on front). I had noticed that sometimes the kibble was small cylinder shaped and at other large rounded disk shaped.
It was only by chance that I was up to watch the 11pm news out of Philadelphia, PA about a week ago. There was a report about Pedigree dog food making dogs sick. What struck me was that they were showing Nutro dog food (not the front of the bag, but you could tell it was Nutro). The next morning I looked up the news station's web-site & the report was about Pedigree not Nutro. I looked on line just to be certain & I read the stories here about what has been happening to Nutro fed dogs. I was horrified. I had just spent over $40 for a 40lb bag a couple of days prior to the news cast.
I immediately threw away the Nutro & purchased another brand. Since last week, my GSD has done a 180. Her eyes are clear the cloudy film is gone, the bloodshot eyes are gone, she's playful, no vomitting & she wants to eat.
I hope that someone finds out what is in Nutro that is making the dogs ill. I trusted Nutro, never again.
Reviewed Sept. 26, 2008
I very sick of what they are doing to are Animals ,and yes some thing is very wrong the pet products and the pet food. I work at a Pet store and i see this all the time now that i have read all this.This just confirm it .I am right do not trust them or Banfield pet hospital they own Mars which make thier Nutro products.If you go to Banfield complaint are they working together?My dog is now very sick and in the hospital he was on Nutro Natural Choice Venison and rice my dog was smart and stopped eating when he did he has lost a lot of weight and trying to treat him 12 shots a day
They should not be allowed to make any kind of food My dog might not make it this is my kid not just a dog Please do not sit back and let them do this to are family members i am not i will not stop till thier food is not sold any more Lets save a life tell everyone
Reviewed Sept. 24, 2008
My Dog Buddy became extremely ill and diangosed with Pancretitis this past week (vet hospitalization and costs $1800) This is most recent with latest bag of Nutro Ultra Holistic Senior. Buddy has been on this product since a puppy but never had these problems prior. The most recent bag of Nutro's purchased seems to be the cause.
Buddy is only one of my four dogs, my other dog is showing signs of losing weight and the other one is starting to throw up. Three out of four dogs getting sick seems very odd. Vet changed food and dog is slowing recovering.
Reviewed Sept. 24, 2008
I told her about these sites and after looking at them decided to change his food, I spoke with her today, she was calling to thank me for showing her these reports including the one from Consumer reports about Nutro, her dog was doing much better and the symptoms he was experencing before had vanished after the change, she was able to get a full refund for the price of the food, but this poor dog and im afraid many others suffered greatly, I hope everyone can be informed about this problem, its pretty clear theres a serious problem with this food.
Reviewed Sept. 23, 2008
I have been feeding Nutro dog food to my Springer for almost over a year. On the 11th of September I bought a new bag of Nutro Max Adult dog food and When I opened the bag it did not smell right. I fed it to my Springer and aproximately 8 days later he got sick.
He started to have Diahrea and became very lethargic. I took him and a sample of the food to my vet and after lab work and research the vet said that my Springer had 3 X's the amount of Bacteria in his stomach found thru a fecal test. I gave my vet some of the food that I have been feeding my dog and after doing some test confirmed that the only way he could have got sick was from the food. I have all the Vet's lab reports and lot # of the dog food. My springer is on Anti biotics and is doing much better. I have contacted Nutro and I am waiting for them to contact me.
My vet bill was over $260.00 which I hope they will cover
Reviewed Sept. 23, 2008
Update on Salty - we picked up Salty from the emergency room vet last night (9/21) and while we were waiting to talk to the vet a woman brought in her Rottweiler. She told the receptionist that her dog had been vomiting blood and had bloody diarrhea. I waited until she had checked in and went over to ask what food she was feeding her dog. She told me that he always eats Nutro Lamb and Rice Dry food. This has been enough evidence for me. Nutro is not responding to our emails - please call the FDA, call the news stations.
Reviewed Sept. 21, 2008
My 3 1/2 year old very healthy Great Preynees, Salty, was rushed to the emergency room last night bloody diarrhea. He first had diarrhea, then he vomited. He never had a problem with his stomach - ever. He then went out again about two hours later only to have bloody diarrhea. We immediately took him to the emergency vet and they diagnosed him with HGE and said it could be diet related. We recently switched him to Nutro Sensitive Skin Lamb and RIce dry food (within the past two months). He has never had trouble before.
He is on an IV and had to stay over night. We don't know when we can pick him up and take him home. I called a friend who also had trouble with Nutro - this time the large breed puppy formula dry food. His dog vomited and had diarrhea but no blood.
What is going on with Nutro and why has nothing been on the news? Salty does not have a senstive stomach, he suffers from sensitive skin sometimes and was getting hot spots from swimming and that is the only reason why we tried the Sensitive Skin Nutro Lamb and Rice - now I feel that that sent him to the emergency room.
Salty has HGE and had to be admitted to the emergency room to have an IV with fluids for him. The first bill from last night totalled $735. We have to see what else needs to be done. The vet said it could easily total over $1,000.00.
Reviewed Sept. 19, 2008
I have been using Nutro Natural Choice, Lamb Meal & Rice Formula, Small Bites for over 7 years. Now all of a sudden my dog has diarrhea and vomiting. Nutro will not take the calls when I call. Vets offices have been receiving all kinds of mail about dogs being sick from Nutro Natural Choice, Lamb & Rice. I have the Proof of Purchase code.
Trust me, I am involved in many of dog clubs where people are feeding this and when I get through telling them about this they will no longer be buying this food. I have show dogs and travel a great deal with the dogs. What have [they] done to the dog food?. Why are all the animals getting sick?
Vet bills, sick dogs, gas bills going to and from the Vets with the sick dogs.
Reviewed Sept. 18, 2008
I switched my cocker spaniel to Nutro Lamb and Rice and she continues to have loose stools. I'm concerned that there is a problem with this food, since she was doing fine with Duck and Rice, though quite a bit more expensive. As I tried again to re-introduce the Nutro lamb and rice she again had loose stools. Now I have 40 lbs of dog food that is suspect.
Reviewed Sept. 16, 2008
I purchased a case of canned "Nutro Max, Senior, Check & Rice Dinner" around 9/5/08 at Petco on 2nd Street in El Cajon, CA.
I had taken my 5-year-old spayed female Australian Cattle Dog to her vet for a routine exam and annual shots on 9/3/08. My vet said my dog Shasta was over weight and needed to lose weight, he suggested a low-cal food. I bought a small bag of Pro-Plan dry "Weight Management" kibble and the Nutro food.
I mixed 1 1/4 cups of dry with 1/3 cup of Nutro and a little warm water and gave it to my dog twice at day - at 6am and 6pm.
Yesterday she developed very liquid stools, got to where she wouldn't move, walk or come to me. When I insisted she come, she moved with great difficulty, unstable on her feet, very stiff legged, and don't drop down into a sphinx-like position and again refused to move.
By the time my 15-year-old had dragged her bed with her lying on it into the bedroom, her legs were sticking straight out - I was horrified that she was going to die.
We quickly dressed, rushed to the pet emergency facility where they put in an IV to rehydrate her, took blood samples, did an ultra sound blood pressure test, etc. All the test came back within normal ranges but no answer as to what may be the problem.
She has had none of the above mentioned foods, I cooked up a big batch of white rice and boiled chicken breasts and have been feeding her small portions of rice, low-cal cottage cheese and minced chicken starting this morning at 6am.
She is getting better!!! I feel as though we caught this early hopefully before any permanent damage!
Reviewed Sept. 15, 2008
I switched my 10 mth old GS to Nutro Natural Choice Large Breed Puppy food on a recommendation that it was a good quality food. After starting the second bag we noticed all three of our dogs with diarrhea, one with puddles of blood, and my puppy became very lethargic, wouldn't eat and lost 8 lbs. I switched her to a hamburger and oatmeal diet and she gained weight and became her bouncy self again. In the meantime the other dogs stopped having problems as well. In addition, a hymalayan cat who was munching on the dog food also had diarrhea. He is now much better as well. I haven't tried to give them more of the Nutro food as I'm not about to experiment on my animals and I am just using the facts to theorize the food is bad. We've switched to another food and all are doing well now.
Reviewed Sept. 14, 2008
As she has always been a finicky eater I never put 2 and 2 together. After reading the letters on your site I am more inclined to believe it was the food rather than coccedia(sp).As I have a new litter I will not be putting the pups on Nutro products and I'm researching a new food for the adult dogs.
Reviewed Sept. 13, 2008
My Toy poodles Bailey and Shelby both came down with a mysterious illiness, and behavioral problems of urinating in the house ******* in the house, which I began to think was behavioral even though they have been amazing dogs for over 11 years. Then Bailey became very ill with diarreaha, vomiting and I knew something terrible was wrong.
I spent 10 days back and forth at the vet spending over a $1000.00 trying to figure out what was going on. Their blood counts were way off and had the Vets stumped as to what it could be other than an infectious disease of some sort. Without getting online and reading other peoples compliants about Nutro Dog food (MAX MINI CHUNK) I would of never suspected it was the food. Both dogs have been eating the food for over 11years without any problems. And Nutro has no posting of any recalls or issues with their food.
So thank you to all the pet owners who have shared their stories. My heart breaks for those of you that actually lost a pet to this Dog food. Both my dogs for the time being are ok however I will be taking them in this week for more blood work and testing to be sure.
more than a $1000.00 in Vet Bills
Reviewed Sept. 13, 2008
Tonight as I was feeding my dogs their normal food Nutro Lamb and Rice, which they have eatten for 3 years now, I noticed a peice of blue rubber. I of course made sure that they didn't have any in what they are eatting but after reading this website I wish I would have went to the store and bought a different brand of dog food. I only have one problem my female can't eat anything with corn, or chicken... She throws up everytime. Before I came to this site I emailed Nutro. I'll let you all know if they respond.
Reviewed Sept. 12, 2008
I am withdrawing my complaint below as the loose stools were found to be something else and cured with appropriate treatment. I feel that at this time I am unable to further make a choice on this food.
Reviewed Sept. 11, 2008
I have been feeding my 2 Chihuahua's Nutro Natural Choice Small Bites. The last several weeks they have had severe diarrhea. Per vet instructions I began feeding them rice with cottage cheese and some ground beef and had them on medication. The vet said to slowly introduce their regular food back as they get better. Every time I've tried to do this the diarrhea gets worse. I finally decided to do some research and found the article on your website that pet illness and death have been connected to Nutro pet foods. I wanted to report this incident.
Reviewed Sept. 11, 2008
My doggie has been eating this for 6 years and now effective the last bag i purchased 07/08 he is suffering from constant diarreah. When i take it away he is fine.
Reviewed Sept. 11, 2008
Please, everyone, contact the FDA and poison control, give this information to your vets. I would also like to hear from anyone who has had any of these symptoms personally, as well. I have been experiencing medical problems that cannot be explained and they are very similiar to those mentioned here. I am very curious to know if handling the bags, the food and then my pets, is making me sick right along with them.
Reviewed Sept. 11, 2008
Well here is an update, ,Mia my pomeranian had the puppies. We thought she would abort them as our other pom did. From the beginning it was cler that Mia had to have sensed that something was wrong.
They did not seem to want to eat as all her prior litters did. She had four puppies. One by one yeterday three died. One is just hanging on. Its a little girl that struggles to eat as all the others did. Yesterday Mia was shaking and crying as she could not help her babies. Last night as each one died she shook and cried and I sat next to her as she snuggled the dieing puppie untill it was gone. Mia has had three other litters and all were heathy.
This is a sad experiance for our Mia that loves to be a mom and is a great one. She just stares at me to help her and I can do nothing but love her up. She has not left them since five PM last night. I am giving her spoonfulls of food as she lays with the last one. This is so wrong not only due to the costs I have encured but the strss and sadness that Mia is feeling breaks my heart.
I have talked to the FDA and WILL keep pushing for answers. Please if anyone has issues going on with animal foods make a report to the FDA. It is the only way we will be able to stop this.
The two litters I shold have had would have brought about $7000.00 to our income. Then I have about $700.00 worth of vet bills and thrown away food and treats. Nutro should have to be respasable!
Reviewed Sept. 11, 2008
Because Nutro dog food was recommended to me as one of the best by my pet store, I decided to put my four-year old female dog on it. She has been eating it for about a year. Today I took her to the vet after finding blood in her urine and she was diagnosed with an acute urinary tract infection. Her tests also showed the possibility of kidney stones. Besides blood in her urine, her symptoms include vomiting and very strong smelling urine. She has always been extremely healthy and has never exhibited these symptoms before.
I immediately took her off the Nutro dog food, after learning that Nutro dog food has been found to have harmful chemicals in it. I thought the dog food problem had been taken care of after the big scare last year. Now I understand that more dogs are dying. Because we caught it so early, her prognosis is good.
What about other dogs? What is being done to prevent this, and why wasnt it taken care of last year when so many dogs died? I am one of a lucky few who caught it in time before any real damage was done. My dog is my life, lots of owners have the same love based realtionship with there dogs. I can't even begin to imagine what I would do without her in my life, and what those families who have lost there dogs are going through right now. Nutro needs to step up before more family members are lost.
The consequences? We have a huge vet bill to pay on a limited budget. We have a sick dog who is a mjor part of our family. We also have no faith in the dog food manufacturer, or in the system which is supposed to regulate such things. So what else is new?
Reviewed Sept. 10, 2008
I board dogs, last week, one Papillion and three Chinese Cresteds came in with new bag of Nutro Small Bites Lamb and Rice. Opened bag, upon first feeding, dogs were reluctant to eat. One dog vomited that night and the next two nights. All dogs refused to eat and were lethargic, after consuming the food. They readily ate other kibble bits offered or treats. I switched them to another food four days later and they ate ravenously, and recovered. One of the Papillions that usually comes along is in the animal hospital with recently diagnosed cancer of the ureters,kidney; unoperable.
Reviewed Sept. 10, 2008
I posted previously to let you know that my dog, Sadie, had been diagnosed with struvite crystals in her urine. I switched her to Blue Buffalo for several weeks after that diagnosis and on her follow-up urinalysis (done Friday before last), no crystals were found. The Blue Buffalo worked! My vet then did an ultrasound to see if any stones had formed from the crystals. Fortunately there were none, BUT during the ultrasound, it was discovered that Sadie had a huge mass on her spleen! Subsequent x-rays revealed a softball-sized tumor. Last Tuesday, Sadie's spleen and the attached tumor were surgically removed. Today we received the pathology report which stated that Sadie had a grade II, fibrous histiocytoma. It is a relatively uncommon tumor in dogs and at grade II, it is considered benign (Yay!)
What I'm wondering about though has to do with Cheryl's post concerning her findings on copper toxicity and its effect on connective tissue and associated problems. My dog's tumor developed by way of abnormal lymphoid cell growth encapsulated in connective tissue. Maybe this is purely coincidental, but it certainly makes me wonder. I will be asking my vet if there might be a correlation.
Economic damages? Approximately $2,400.00
Reviewed Sept. 9, 2008
I have been feeding my cats Nutro products for many years. I reserched this food as I do most products and decided that this was the best food I could afford for a quality food. Not so anymore. Ever since they sold there company there products have really taken a dump. I used to feed my cats Nutro Max Hairball formula. I always buy the 16# bags when they are on sale so I usally have enough to last a couple of months.
Well two weeks ago I was running low and went to get some. I found out that they no longer make Nutro Max Cat Hairball formula but have replace it with Nutro Indoor Cat formula. I thought it was going to be ok because I have feed them this for years. Well it was not ok. My cats have diarrea, throwing up. So I took them to the vet, they asked what type of food I was feeding them and I told them. My vet told me to discontinue IMMEDIATLY. The company had been sold and they now use grocery store quality products which is VERY bad.
I had to pay over 1000.00 to get them healthy. I would not feed this food to my kids anymore let alone my cats. I have switched to Innova EVO and they have had NO problems. I hope this reaches people before it happends to them. Please take this food back now and invest in some decent food. I have contacted customer service but of course they are no help, they tried to offer me coupons!! Ha I told them to stuff it, I would NEVER feed them this crap again.
Vet bills of over 1000.00 to rescuse them from this crap food.
Reviewed Sept. 9, 2008
I lost 3 dogs to mitral valve prolapse in June and July. 5 vets and the FDA said it had to be from an outside source. I read the article today about Zinc and Copper toxicity in the Nutro food, (see Pet Food Safety Alliance report). When I googled copper toxicity this is what it says:
COPPER AND CONNECTIVE TISSUE
Copper is required for collagen formation. Copper deficiency is association with atherosclerosis and other cardiovascular conditions. Excess copper or biounavailable copper often cause connective tissue problems, interfering with the disulfide bonds in connective tissue. Symptoms may include stretch marks, tendon and ligament weakness, mitral valve prolapse, skin and hair problems and other conditions affecting connective tissue.
Along with eye problems, liver, kidney, and/or pancreas failure, CANCER, gastritis, diarrea and vomiting.
I called Nutro today and spoke to Sharon about this article and she said it's just a blog and is untrue. She also said Nutro has contacted EVERY PERSON who has filed a complaint. No one has contacted me from Nutro, period. She also said the food is fine, they are just experiencing a lamb shortage. (why isn't Science Diet, Eukanuba, Blue and Purina experiencing a lamb shortage?). My dogs were on the Senior Natural Choice Chicken/Rice, treats and biscuits.
How many dogs have to suffer and how many people who have handled this food and gotten sick, have to suffer? When will someone from the government step in?
Please read the article concerning zinc and copper toxicity from Pet Food Safety Alliance. Share it with everyone you know.
3 dead dogs, thousands of dollars in vet expenses, another dog who also has mitral valve prolapse not expected to survive, cremation expenses. HEARTACHE!
Reviewed Sept. 8, 2008
After we purchased our last bag of nutro lamb and rice dog food in july OUr dogs spent the next 3 weeks very ill dehydrated, vomiting diarrhea all of the same symptoms that all the other people complained of, We also took our dog to the vet who put them medicationt to stop the diarrhea, iv fluids for the dehydration and told us to feed them rice and cottage cheese and yogurt, after about a week they greatly improved i started to give them the nutro and they got sick again. they just finally have formed stool and a new dog food
Reviewed Sept. 8, 2008
After reading all these complaints I have a 4 yr old Boxer who has been on Nutro Lamb & Rice since a puppy just until recently as he has had red infected paws, infected ears and very bloodshot eyes which started about a yr ago, he has had some incidents of vomiting and at times would just look at his food and not eat it, I took him to the vet several times but my vet just kept saying it was some kind of allergy but she did not understand why he would vomit and drink alot of water and not eat which was not like him, I thought maybe he just had the doggie flu but after reading these complaints I am starting to put two and two together thinking it was the food.
I have had him on Natural Balance Sweet Potato & Venison just over a month and his feet, ears and eyes have cleared up, the vomiting stopped and his **** is solid and he has twice as much energy
Reviewed Sept. 8, 2008
The vet found no parasites or fever, and decided that Pip must have eaten something that did not agree with her. She prescribed an antibiotic and a powder to be mixed with rice (or other food) which she would take for 5 days. Pip was very tired and did not have much of an appetite, but the diarrhea stopped. After 4 days, I thought Pip was fully recovered and began to feed the Nutro again. Immediate diarrhea and lethargy. I went online and searched for problems with Nutro and was appalled to see so many pets had exactly the same experience. I will never feed a Nutro product again, and will spread the word to as many other pet lovers as I can.
Thank you for posting these complaints. I contacted Nutro last year following the pet food recall and they assured me that they had the highest quality standards in the industry. I want to know how I can help prevent other pets from being poisoned by Nutro.
Reviewed Sept. 7, 2008
I have two dogs a 2 year old Weimaraner/Shar Pei mix and a 1 year old English Springer Spaniel. My 2 year old has always had allergies to wheat, beef, and gluten. I had a hard time find a food for him until 02/2008. I bought him Nutro Natural Choice Chix, Rice and Oatmeal. It worked! His stomach problems subsided and so I switched their food to it.
Then around the beginning of Aug I bought a new bag (same food just a new bag) and within 12 hours both dogs had severed diarrhea and vomitting.
I didnt think it was the food at first. But what else could it have been they hadnt had anything different but a new bag. I stopped them on it and the diarrhea and vomitting stopped. I changed them to a new food California Natural Chix and Rice and they have done excellent on it. Its been about 2 weeks now and no problems.
However, I still had some Nutro treats laying around the house and my husband accidentally gave the dogs the Nutro treats and within a few hours the diarrhea started again w/ both dogs.
That just proves to me that it MUST be the Nutro. I am so disappointed in this company. Luckily I did my research and found California Natural and I will stick w/ that.
My moms dog was on Nutro Natural Choice Large breed senior and after hearing my story and then reading all the complaints she switched her dog to Wellness Senior.
Reviewed Sept. 6, 2008
PET FOOD PRODUCT SAFETY ALLIANCE DID TESTS ON TWO SAMPLES OF NUTRO FOOD AND POSTED ON AUGUST 14th, 2008. THE RESULTS WERE HIGH LEVELS OF COPPER AND ZINC. The symptoms are consistent with the majority of those reported by consumers suspecting problems believed to be associated with feeding Nutro dry dog food.
Reviewed Sept. 6, 2008
I spent $2000 in vet bills for 'toxicity' in my dog causing liver enzymes that were 'off the charts'. I've had my dog on Nutro Natural Choice his whole life and he's an indoor dog and there's no way he got into anything else. I reported this to Nutro since I'm convinced it was the food. They had me send a sample and called my vet and they were supposed to call me back but hae not. I still have 1/2 the bag of dog food that I'm saving in case it needs to be tested further.
$2000 in vet bills.
Reviewed Sept. 6, 2008
As soon as I made the switch George's appetite improved dramatically. He went from maybe eating a third of his food at a time, to cleaning his bowl! I feel very fortunate that I was able to make the switch before any of my dogs became ill, and my heart goes out to all the people who have posted on this site.
Reviewed Sept. 5, 2008
I have been feeding my 8 yr old Golden Retriever Nutro Natural Choice Large Breed Senior dog food for 2 years. She has been eatting Nutro since she was a puppy. After the last bag I bought, she started throwing up and now stares at me when I put the food in front of her and will not eat it. I bought a bag of different food which she devoured. She has also been drinking a lot of water. I also have a 4 yr old Shetland Sheepdog who also eats Nutro and she has been having UTI issues. She too has been removed from Nutro Food.
Reviewed Sept. 3, 2008
We have been feeding our dogs Nutro Choice for almost 2 years now and hadn't had any trouble until now. For this brand I noticed in the bag before the nuggets have changed to smaller and darker. Then this last bag they were bigger and tan nuggets. With this new bag within 4 days my dog had diarrhea, bad and still has it today. My thought was this 'new' nugget was the issue and finding this site proved me right. Needless to say he will be off this food now.
Reviewed Sept. 2, 2008
I have been feeding Nutro lamb and rice Natural choice for years. I recently purchased a small bag of nutro lamb and rice and took it with me out of town to a dog show. It was kept in a bin, and in the motel room the entire time. My schipperke, got very ill, vomitting, diarreha and forturnately I did a ton of research years ago before I made the switch to Nutro.
Gave him pepto and after 4 days came home and put him on Merrick and he stopped having diarreha and the vomitting stopped. I feed 10 dogs and I am not willing to take any chances. I will not be feeding this product to them again. And I have heard a valid rumor that since Pedigree has taken over Nutro that, they failed to find a Lamb supplier, so no thank you Pedigree, I will not be feeding your New product ever again. I will miss you Nutro, not pedigree. See ya.
Reviewed Sept. 2, 2008
I have been feeding Nutro Large Breed Adult for many years. I also feed Nutro Natural Lite food to a couple of the older, less active dogs. I have noticed in the last few months that they sometimes don't eat like they usually do. They have days where they turn up their noses at the food.
But what concerns me the most, is that one of my dogs has started having seizures. She's had at least 5 in the last 2 months. There may have been more, but I work during the day, and no one is home to witness them. This dog is now 21 months old, and has been eating Nutro large breed since she was 4 months old. Has any one else had dogs that have developed seizures using Nutro products? I'm wondering if they happened to get a bad batch of that corn gluten that was causing issues a few months ago with some of the other dog food companies??? I will be switching her food TODAY to a grain free food, to see if that might be the issue. And will probably switch the other dogs too (as soon as I take out a small mortgage on the house to pay the extra expense.lol)
Reviewed Aug. 31, 2008
I have a litter of puppie swho are being weaned to solids and have been given Canidae moist for two meals a day and free fed NUTRO small bites puppy during the day. they were fine until I added the Nutro to their diet. now they dry heave and vomit, coats are dull. puppies are just plain not healthy looking, local vet says all is fine with the first pup we took in on friday. And now Saturday more are felling ill and vet says all ok, but the only thing they have all had is the Nutro.
Puppies have also started to have watery stools. which were all solid and just fine before the nutro. the two adults that have gone into the puppy pen have also became ill, coats looking bad, and not wanting to do anything, not even play which they love.
HUGE vet bill to follow to check all the puppies out and testing to make sure there has been no damage to them, change of food, raw diet to clear everything out bad.
Reviewed Aug. 31, 2008
This is an update regarding our cat, Timothy. After 2 weeks of refusing to eat, we finally had to have our cat put to sleep. Thinking back, this illness all began after purchasing a bag of Nutro Natural Choice Complete Care Weight Management. He had been previously eating Nutro cat food with no problems. From the very beginning, he didn't want to eat the food. He would only eat a little (and this big boy loved to eat) or we would catch him eating the dogs food all of the time. I never made a connection that the food might be bad.
We purchased this food around the end of June 2008. He slowly lost interest in playing, eating and wanted to only be outside. The morning we found him sitting on the wet grass very early in the morning, we decided something was very wrong. Our Vet bill is over $600.00 with an unknown diagnosis. His liver functions were also messed up as others have stated. Most of the complaints have been related to dogs and I was wondering if others have had their cats affected. Nutro needs to fess up!
Reviewed Aug. 30, 2008
I talked about it in detail on my 7/14/08 edition of my show. Im not going to repeat here what I said, because its similar to everyone's story. All I will say now, and arrest me if you want, is that unless someone holds Nutro accountable for their [mistakes], I will. Ive had it with thousands of complaints and broken hearts here. And it seems that all Consumer Affairs does it make people post as a way to vent. I dont vent. I retaliate.
Reviewed Aug. 29, 2008
My pet started Nutro Natural Choice High Protien Large Breed formula June of 2008. I purchased a second bag in August of 2008 and after about two more weeks of the food he began to have uncontrollable diarrhea. This has happened to many other people, and in some cases it has caused death. This food should be removed from the market.
Diarrhea, vet bills, medication, and much worrying has resulted from the use of this food.
Reviewed Aug. 28, 2008
We have been feeding our German Shepherds Nutro Natural Choice with Glucosamine and Natural Choice Large Breed Puppy Formula. Since purchasing our latest bags in July, our 5 month old puppy has been vomiting after eating and our 18 month old has had diarrhea. Additionally, and I'm not certain if its related or not, the 5 month old female has had chronic UTIs since we brought her home (and subsequently feeding her Nutro Puppy food).
I have spent $600 in vet bills for the UTIs before I made the connection that it could be the food.
Reviewed Aug. 28, 2008
We have been feeding Nutro for about four years. I went online today to see about finding a new pet food due to the problems we have been experiencing. Once I read some of the complaints on this website I had to add my experience to the bunch.
We recently adopted a new puppy to add to our household of 2 dogs. I worked at an animal hospital for a short while during this holidays and this puppy came very sick, was almost euthanized, but the hospital staff agreed to foster her and she eventually became ours.
She was on Nutro Large Breed Puppy. Around April/May 2008 (the same timeline I've seen with others on this site) she started getting diarrhea and drinking water non-stop leading to accidents and real housebreaking issues.
We switched her to the Chicken, Oatmeal, and Rice that our other girls are on since it is for sensitive stomachs. The problems were solved for a while.
With the next food purchse (about a month ago) all three of our girls started having diarrhea and increased thirst. We are having ocnstant accidents and we are getting up several times in the night to take them out to have diarrhea.
I have switched to Innova EVO and expect that everything will rememdy itself given the change. Thank GOD I didn't lose on of my pets over this as I have heard that others have.
Reviewed Aug. 28, 2008
Purchased Nutro Max Adult dog food. Within a few days of feeding to our purebred cocker spaniel and to our shepherd/lab dog - both started with diarrhea, needing to go outside a lot, and then vomiting. We thought they had gotten into something outside. My husband thought something was going on with the food. They've never gotten sick from food. The cocker spaniel (who eats everything!) would not even touch the food after just a few days. The cocker spaniel has been the worse-listless/lethargic - wanting to lay in the bushes outside. He pants a lot and seems out of it. The larger dog seems to have recovered better. Fed both dogs a different brand of dog food this morning. The cocker spaniel ate and shortly after - threw up all the food. Something is wrong!
2 very ill dogs - throwing up, diarrhea, wetting all over the place, and not feeling well at all.
Reviewed Aug. 27, 2008
Our cat was started on Nutro Natural Choice Complete Care Weight Management cat food recently. He seemed to not like the food and slowly ate less and less. He began vomiting and wanting to be outside all of the time. He stopped playing and stopped getting on our laps.
After 10 days of very little to no eating, we took him to the Vet. Our cat has edema in all of his legs. They took all kinds of tests and blood work and can't figure out what's wrong with him. Could it be the cat food?
Reviewed Aug. 26, 2008
I just read all the reports about Nutro's pet food. Made a similar experience. My dogs got Nutro for more than 12 years. Now it's removed from the market in Germany due to a Merger, as Nutro was bought by Mars Petcare. This seems effecting the quality of the product. I had never any problem with the old Nutro. Since its impossible to buy in Germany these days, I got a brand new bag Nutro Adult Large Breed from the actual US production. I read that Nutro plans to produce not only in the US but also in a plant in Hungary for the European market. I started feeding the new bag of Nutro Adult Large Breed and first time in its life my dogs got diarrhea!
Of course we thought first of an illness and not of the food. Even with medication from the vet, the stool was still super soft. At some point we considered the food and did some research. I found many disturbing articles on the Internet, which fit to the time and date that Nutro was run by the new owner Mars Petcare ( the ones who produce Pedigree and Whiskas). Then I thought, maybe the outside looks still like Nutro but the ingredients might have chanced. And surprise!
The small list of ingredients from the original Nutro Adult Large Breed: Dried chicken meat, ground rice, corn gluten, rice barn, wheat flour, poultry fat, beet pulp, sunflower oil, potassium chloride, dried egg product, dried kelp
reads now like this:
Chicken Meal, Ground Rice, Rice Flour, Corn Gluten Meal, Wheat Flour, Rice Bran, Poultry Fat (preserved with mixed Tocopherols, a source of Vitamin E), Dried Plain Beet Pulp, Soybean Oil (preserved with mixed Tocopherols, a source of Vitamin E), Natural Flavors, Sunflower Oil (preserved with mixed Tocopherols, a source of Vitamin E), Potassium Chloride, Choline Chloride, Dried Egg Product, Lecithin, Dried Kelp, Vitamin E Supplement, Ferrous Sulfate, Zinc Sulfate, Zinc Proteinate, Taurine, Biotin, Ascorbic Acid (source of Vitamin C), Manganese Proteinate, Glucosamine Hydrochloride, Manganous Oxide, Chondroitin Sulfate, Niacin Supplement, Calcium Pantothenate, Copper Sulfate, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Vitamin A Supplement, Copper Proteinate, Sodium Selenite, Riboflavin Supplement (source of Vitamin B2), Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Thiamine Mononitrate (source of Vitamin B1), Vitamin D3 Supplement, Menadione Sodium Bisulfite Complex (source of Vitamin K activity), Calcium Iodate, Folic Acid.
Reviewed Aug. 26, 2008
After reading many, many articles on experiences others had with Nutro dog food I felt compelled to share my story as well. Around the April/May 2008 time period I purchased a new bag of the Nutro Max dog food. I'd already bought & fed 2 bags of the food to my Bassett hound and he appeared to be doing very well on it. Since it has glucosemine in it I decided to transition my older golden to the food as well.
I'd fed them both the new bag for approximately 2 days and noticed they both developed diarrhea. I didn't really consider the food as the source of the upset stomach so I continued feeding them the food for a few more days. Then my Bassett hound started throwing up and they both still had the diarrhea. I went to the pet store and inquired as to whether there had been any problems reported with the food. I was told no not lately however about a year ago Nutro recalled a batch but they didn't know why.
I purchased a soft lamb/rice combo since that always seemed to help my animals when they had stomach issues. Within 5 days they were both doing great so I went back to the Nutro Max and within 1 day they were ill again. I switched there food at that point because I knew without a doubt it was the Nutro Max doing this to them.
I contacted Nutro Max by email and 2 weeks later still had not received a response so I called them on their 800 #. I spoke with a rep who said they had not received any complaints but they definitely wanted to test it to make sure there were no issues. She told me she would send me a container via UPS and to put approximately 4 cups of the food in it and send it back. I've yet to receive this container and it's now August.
I was lucky and it only cost me the original bag of food, diarrhea medication & some canned food. Others have lost their pets over this matter and for that I'm so sad. I wish someone would put a stop to the sell of this companys dog food. With all the complaints I've read about this brand I do not understand how they can still be allowed to sell the product. You can tell me all day long that the food was tested and there appeared to be no problems but that's hog wash as far as I'm concerned.
Why are they telling people no reports of problems have been received but now Im reading all these stories about complaints being filed prior to my experience? They are obviously hiding something and dont seem to be very concerned in fixing it. Too many people have reported similar symptoms with their dogs and so many have even lost their pets to this horrible issue. Our pets are like family members and the loss is so painful. Please if you are using this food ---don't feed it to your dog anymore!!
Reviewed Aug. 25, 2008
This is an update from my 08/12/08 post. Since we've switched our two dogs from Nutro Max Senior dry food to Avaderm baked dry food, the dogs have improved tremendously. No excessive thirst, grass eating or runny stools. Hooray! We will continue to home cook their main meals of rice with human-grade beef or chicken breast. I urge everyone to inform their friends, co-workers, relatives, veternarians, etc. of the horrible and sometimes fatal consequences of feeding your pets Nutro Max and if they have any doubt, please refer them to the Consumer Affairs website.
Reviewed Aug. 25, 2008
Been feeding both my dobies Rambo & Rusty, Nutro Max Large Breed Senior for years and was quite happy with it. A few weeks ago I purchased another 35 lb bag. I did not really notice anything unusual for the first week but started noticing that their intake was less. And there were days when they would not eat at all. Rambo would smell it and walk away. He did the same thing with the Science Diet canned food last year that was in fact tainted. He was fine while Rusty, who kept eating it until I suspected a problem with the food, now has a kidney disorder. Rusty would eat anything but even his appetite now has decreased and he is very lethargic as well and two hours after he eats, he has loose, watery stools and the next day he is nauseous.
This would pass until he ate again the following day but the lethargy continues. Both dogs have lost weight.
The response I received when I called Nutro Max was very professional, supportive & helpful in telling me what to do with digestive upset (had to remind her I've had dogs all my life and knew all she was saying), to take my dogs to the vet and have them tested for worms, etc.
I told her if it was one dog I could see but both dogs have the same symptoms, both dogs are doing the identical thing, both dogs are eating the same thing and it just seems strange that with this bag of food the problems started. There was nothing new added except for this bag. I gave her the lot number, etc. (Used by 02 Dec 2009 and then under that 19:35 2B A 4 LP) just in case she gets other reports of same symptoms.
I asked if they had received any other complaints or problems and she said no. With the scare last year and ensuing problems, with the knowledge that people are greedy, corporate execs are greedy, denials are rampant (I had Science Diet deny any problems with their canned food which was recalled), even our gov't treats our trusted companions as though they were an ipod, or a set of dishes (personal property), I have little trust in the food we give our pets. Having said that, I also understand that this could just be a bad bag that was possibly left outside on a pallet in the hot sun, or something.
Were it just a problem with one dog, or if it happened just once or twice, I would say OK something else is going on but this is recurrent, with both dogs at the same time, after they eat, and by the 10th time, I realized OK, it's got to be the food. And I still think it's just a bad bag. So, I'm tossing the balance save for a few kibbles to put in a plastic bag in the freezer, just in case. With the other people writing in with their dogs experiencing the same identical symptoms, something is askew. Is Nutro Max keeping quiet when they know something or is it just coincidence? Not sure what I will feed my dogs next but have a day to think about it and will discuss with my vet.
Reviewed Aug. 24, 2008
Have my puppy on Natural Choice Small bites chicken meal, rice and oatmeal formula. Started to switch him with a to the adult version of this product chicken, meal, rice and oatmeal at the ratio of 25% mix of adult to 75% puppy. He had diarrhea everytime I tried. After several attempts and no other variables, I know it is the Nutro adult dog food. Just today, I found this website with other people that are having similar problems. While on the puppy food, my dog also has been drinking excessively and he's been eating grass. I've decided to switch to Blue. I'm also contacting Nutro becaue there is definitely something wrong with the product.
Consequences for me were the discomfort for my dog, coming home to a crate with diarrhea, cleaning the crate and the dog, and my concern that there was something else wrong. I decided not to take the dog to the vet until I tried another food. But, the Nutro Adult food was the only variable and the diarrhea happened within 2 days. Petsmart refunded my money for the dog food.
Reviewed Aug. 22, 2008
I left a post here a month or so ago. My dogs and cats have eaten Nutro foods for several years and I was a loyal and enthusiastic Nutro consumer. I truly believed I couldn't be giving my pets any better food with such remarkable results as they had experienced on Nutro.
Before my last post I was preparing to take my 13 year old dog, Sadie, to the vet for incontinence. She was also pretty lethargic and drinking excessively, but I attributed those things to the Summer heat. She ended up being diagnosed with struvite crystals in her urine and put on Proin for the incontinence. The vet did say the crystals are caused by a pet's diet.
Sadie had eaten nothing but Nutro dry food and treats for several years and six months ago she had a normal urinalysis report. I usually fed her the Nutro Senior Natural Choice Lamb & Rice. If the store was out of that I'd purchase one of Nutro's other varieties. Treat-wise she ate Nutro Chops. The vet recommended the Hill's Science Diet prescription food to resolve the urine crystals, but I told her I'm not a fan of anything Science Diet. I asked if I might try Blue Buffalo food instead since they are now selling it at Petsmart and I'd heard it was really good stuff. She said that would be just fine and that she is a big fan of Blue Buffalo having seen amazing changes in pets fed that brand.
I have since switched to BB for all my pets and they are doing great! Wow! I didn't realize how much ALL of them were sleeping before when they were eating Nutro. Well, I sure have some happy, energetic pets now!
I'm supposed to take Sadie back to the vet for another urinalysis to see if the urine crystals are still present. I have a hunch they aren't, but we will see. She is doing great now and no longer acting or looking like an old dog. The last couple of weeks she's fallen in love with all of her toys again and I hadn't seen her play like this for a very long time! I do miss the smaller stools the Nutro provided though. The cat stools are about the same, but the dogs are parting with some pretty sizeable landmines.
I do hope Nutro will come around and take a very hard look at the changes they have made in their foods. It's sad to see a very good brand go down the drain, and much worse than that, to see pets harmed or killed because of their ingredient revisions and/or negligence. If my dog hadn't been diagnosed with the crystals I still probably would have switched foods because of the lack of concern they seem to be showing to pet owners as reported here. Nutro is playing with fire when they downplay the consumer's distrust in their products. Even if the food went back to being as it was before, who here could ever really trust them or like them again?
Reviewed Aug. 21, 2008
Today August 21 2008 Nutro Corp. called stating the food was fine and that dogs get sick. On of my dogs is 15 years old and the other is 2. They both had diarrhea and vomiting. I will never buy their products again.
Reviewed Aug. 21, 2008
Bought Nutro Puppy small bites dry food for Oatmeal for sensitive stomachs. Fed 2 cups to my siberian husky. During the night she started whining and I woke up to find her soaked in diarrhea. We cleaned her up and she went back to sleep. The next day while I was at work, my daughter called to tell me that the dog had severe diarrhea again and that it had happened twice.
I will NOT be buying this GARBAGE again!! I cannot believe that they market this stuff as being good for your puppy and it makes them sick or can kill them.
I will go back to making their dog food--you CANNOT trust these people. They only care about profit NOT pets.
The damages that have been incurred are a very sick dog that prior to eating this crap was very active and healthy. Now she cowers in her crate and cannot hold her bowels.
Reviewed Aug. 20, 2008
I posted a letter a week or so ago. I stopped feeding Nutro a little while before that. I am a pet sitter, and want to stay informed, so I have been monitoring this site, to see if these problems have continued. These problems everyone is posting are so awful. I urge everyone of you that have had problems w/this food to please tell EVERYONE you know.
As I understand it, Nutro/MenuFoods is not doing a thing about this. I tried without success contacting Petsmart and Petco. Apparently, they say the food is flying off the shelves - well, all I can say is people have got to somehow find out what Nutro is doing! Even contacted the owner of a small pet store in my area, and he is not doing anything either.
I have spent hours and hours on the internet learning everything I can about dog food. I think what I am giving my dogs now is a good food - Natures'Variety - Prairie. I found an awesome website that is put out by a lady that is not trying to sell a book, or dog food. She is seriously interested in educating people about dog food. She does some consultations, but I really think her main purpose is to educate! The site is dogfoodproject.com
Please go to this site - it is really interesting what she has to say. The foods you think are safe are not necessarily the best. She has a very interesting story about Science Diet. Also, I found another site iamscruelty.com - it is so sad!, I cried. What Iams/Eukaneuba is doing to live dogs w/o anethesia is horrifying! Please, please, tell all you know about the bad Nutro and check out this site. I still feel so bad for all these people and their 4 legged babies, it is so unnecessesary!
Reviewed Aug. 19, 2008
I have been feeding three of my dogs canned Nutro - the Herring and Sweet Potato and the Sensitive Stomach. A few weeks ago, my Shih Tzu cross began vomiting liquid with some blood in it. As the day progressed - this was a Friday- he was defecating blood. He also would lean against me and sigh. We took him to the emergency clinic and he had to be admitted for pancreatitis. He had an IV drip, antibiotics, and stayed overnight.
The next day, we took him to our vets and they admitted him for the weekend. By Monday night he came home, and was on Prescription food, so he was fine. He stayed on that for about a week. When he returned to his regular food, he was eating Science Diet mature without any wet food.
Within the last few days I started giving him a small amount of the Nutro wet topping, and he started acting strangely again. Yesterday it looked like he was shivering - his bottom jaw was shaking. Today, the same thing. Then, another dog, who has always had the wet Nutro, started urinating every 20 minutes. She has had cystitis before, and it looks like it has returned. I decided to give her some blueberries, and yoghurt, and finally, she seemed better. My Nutro cans are gone, and I'm not buying anymore. I've switched to Halo, which is an all-natural food and I'm not going back to that GMO garbage they sell in the stores. You should do the same.
Reviewed Aug. 19, 2008
Then it got worse- he had blood in his fecal matter and we rushed him to the vet. Luckily, we caught it in enough time!!! He is going to be fine- $300 later but he is worth every penny.
I called Pet Co. right away to warn them that they should remove that food from their shelves and he asked me if I still had the bag.... I said yes and he wanted me to bring it in and swap it for another brand... I am so sure... the second that I gave them that bag every big of evidence that I had would disappear- he was very persistent that I bring him in the bag today to get my money back. I'll eat the $45... I am not getting rid of the bag in hopes that someone can help all of us.
I have an 18 month little girl that loves my dog to death... he sleeps in her bed sometimes and they are so close- if anything would have happened to him she would have been devastated. I cried and cried when I realized how sick he was and I felt so terrible that I was the one giving him what was making him so sick!!!! THIS IS RIDICULOUS!!!! WHAT IS GOING ON HERE!!!!
Get this horrible food off of the shelves and start saving our pets!!!! What is it going to take???
I'm drafting a letter to the Nutro manufactures, PetsMart, and PetCo.... it wont be very nice.
Reviewed Aug. 18, 2008
My is a two year old wheaten and has been on the same food for two years Nutro Natural Choice.There has never been a problem until lately.My Wheaten will not eat her food until she is good and hungry she is laying around alot which is not a Wheaten personality(But we thought it was the heat as they do not like the heat).She will follow you from one room to another and just lay down near you.not playing with her toys like she was.
Now she is sratching all over her body with paws and her teeth.She vomited about four times now in three days . She is going the vet tomorrow and I will find out what they think.I did phone Nutro and they ask if they sent me a container would I send a 2 cup sample of the food...and they would get back to me on what they found . The young lady said others on this site have not to the vet or called them and told them of their concerns...Well I am she is my baby.......
Reviewed Aug. 17, 2008
Our 8 yr.old Minature Schnauzer, has always been healthy and treated like a baby. She has been on Nutro Natural Choice for Overweight, Less Active Dogs to maintains proper weight for several years. She did great on this food but in May, 2008, we decided to change to Natural Choice Small Bites Lamb Meal & Rice Formula Nutro to improve skin & coat. Feed new food over a 2-3 day period but she got sick-vomiting, diarrhea, lethargic.
I rushed her to vet & she was hospitized 4 days. Medical treatment went from 06/04/08 through 07/25/08. After long range of teatment and test, we still don't know what caused this. I suspect after reading the previous reports on Nutro, the very same food I had purchased where dogs have died & sick, I feel the food could be the the cause.
She is now on Science Diet I/D canned Prescription Diet along with R/D dry food. She is doing very well but we are being so careful and still afraid to go back to old Nurto food. I would like to have this food tested and still have the whole 20 lb. bag except the small amount I fed Sasha before she got sick. We love her very much and were so afraid that she wasn't going to make it. Our vet of many years spent many trying days trying to save her.
Just as added note, Sasha had just been to vet for her annual checkup on May 12, 2008 and given clean bill of health. Her illness started June 4th.
I have all vet bills which total to $887.52. The 20 lb. bag of Nutro approx. $25.00. Made approx. 10 trips to vet during illness @ 15 miles per trip.
Reviewed Aug. 17, 2008
I have a 3 year old yellow lab and an 8 year old chocolate lab. I use Dry Nutro Oatmeal for sensitive stomach and Nutro lite, both of which are from their Natural Choice line. I purchased and opened both bags since I normally just mix the two together in the bowl. This time I only poured 1 (the oatmeal for senstive stomach) in the bowl and figured I would pour the other one later and mix. Within an hour my youngest dog went into her kennel and ****** a huge amount with clear liquid) My dog does not ****in the house let alone her kennel. She continued to have explosive diareha following.
Then I poured the Nutro light over the outmeal to see if it was just the dog food that perhaps not mixing caused her stomach to react. I poured the lite over the top and she ate from there and seemed fine. Once the top was eaten, later that night I went back and noticed my Chocolate lab (8) years old at the bottom which contained the oatmeal variety. Within 1 hour he was moaning and growning, I thought he was vomiting only to find out it was called regurgitation since the food was coming out in a cylinder like form where I almost thought it was ****. In large quantites this was coming out of his mouth every half hour or so. Then he drank some liquid and that purged immediately. There was no contractions to push the food out, the food and water never made it into his stomach.
I took my dog in to the vet that next morning since his belly still hurt and the grunting had been going on all night every few seconds. Once the tests were run, the elevated liver enzymes was one of the main concerns, the kidneys were not doing well either. Xrays were taken, blood work was done-- the whole work-up was performed. Still after 3 days, 7 bags of fluid, antibiotics--we had to take him home. The bill was over 1250.00 --
He has been home for 2 days now and still has orange runny **** and last night he seemed happy but he would have some problems walking on the wood floor. He was sliding his hind legs. This morning he could not walk at all on the floor and his hind legs do not seem to function well. I read another posting above where their dog did the same. Their dog pulled through and all symptoms are gone. I would like to know how long the hind legs will be like this?
I want to take the dog food back and yes I replaced Nutro with Eukanuba but neither dog would eat that. I am going to buy Science Diet tomorrow. If I take back the dog food-most people don't believe its the food and I am afraid that perhaps returned food would be shared with the animals at that facility since they have pets there for adoption. I will contact Nutro on this but not certain returning the food would not be given to another animal. Please someone tell me this is only temporary due to the dog food and not a stroke which due to his age I am fearing. The posting above has given me hope that this just needs to run its course.
1,250.00 plus now my dog can't hardly walk without assistance.
Reviewed Aug. 16, 2008
I would like to address Linda from Auburn NH. You are a complete fool if you believe for a second that switching your dog from ANY brand of food is going to make arthritis go away. Good luck with getting several more years out of a 12 year old German Shepard anyway. That is a fantasy, but apparently you live in fantasy land. Get real people!
Reviewed Aug. 16, 2008
My dog has lost his appetite, has been vomiting, drinking lots of water. He does not want to eat the dog food.
He's been very sick. Something must be wrong with their food.
Reviewed Aug. 16, 2008
I just wanted to say that we are having similar problems in the UK, I have been feeding my 2 year old Rottie Ruby Nutro for about 18months and over this period she has been sick on many occasions, always eaten grass and had a few occasions where I wasnt sure if she was going to make it but always put it down to stomache bugs or something she had eaten in the garden?!
I came across this site after looking to see if I could find Nutro cheaper on the internet rather than from my local pet shop and was absoultley stunned to read this... I thought I was feeding her the most natural and best food for her turned out I was sooo wrong. I felt sick and couldnt help but sit here and sob for all you who have lost your best friends/babies I couldnt beleive that I may have been killing my own baby!!
So I went to my pet shop and asked them what to do and the woman was whispering that Nutro had been taken over and was being made in Europe instead of US and that they had changed some ingredients that dont state exactly what they are, she also told me that she and other people who worked there had always fed nutro but now they too had changed onto Pro Plan or others as they had lost faith in Nutro even though they have no dea about this site?! I find it absoultley devastating and am so glad I found this site before it was too late for my baby (just hope it hasnt done too much damaged already)
These companies need to be sorted out I am disgusted to find they do NOTHING about it, it's all about there pockets I just hope enough people stumble across this site the same way I have done!! My heart really goes out to everyone i am so sorry for your loses or near loses. PLEASE STOP FEEDING NUTRO
Reviewed Aug. 16, 2008
I wanted to give you all an update after many $$$ for numerous vet bills and cremation of Mattie who didn't make it. I am a breeder and even the 8 week old puppies had blood in the urine. Every dog in my kennel was tested and they all had UTI. Some had bloody stools. After switching to BilJac food and rounds of antibiotics they all seem to be doing great. Thank God.
After reading the article from Cheryl of Ogden, UT dated 8/12/08, concerning salmonella infection/poisoning concerning dogs & humans & recalls from Pedigree who is owned my M&M Mars, like Nutro. After reading this I contacted my physician about my own health. In the last year I have lost 40 lbs due to diarrhea and kidney infections with no explaination. I have been in the hospital and they can't determine the problem.
Since I have switched my dogs from the Nutro food I have gained 25lbs and haven't had diarrhea or kidney problems. I always mix the dog food in the dog bowls with my hands. I didn't put 2 and 2 together until I read Cheryl's letter. I was so worried about my dogs but I was more concerned about my own health. My recent Ultrasound should everything back to normal! Coincedence? I don't think so!
Medical bills on myself, vet bills on 15 dogs, loss of my beloved dog. And denial of a major corporation
Reviewed Aug. 14, 2008
I wanted to add an update to the nightmare we went through with all of our animals. To reiterate, we have 30 rescued cats (20 feral) and 4 dogs. Our cats are all inside cats - our dogs are in a fenced in back yard with no possible contaminants. Tazz, one of our German Shepherds, will be 12 in November. She was fine when we switched to Nutro last fall. She did have some arthritis started that basically bothered her in rainy weather. It wasn't until early summer 2008 that we started seeing her legs become weaker.
July is when we saw her steadily go down hill. She acted confused, couldn't get up without help, would stumble and fall and need help to walk through the house. We would wrap a towel under her belly and bring it up on both sides of her so we could support her as she walked. We bought area carpets to help her with traction on some of the floors. We all were devastated that age was taking its toll on our beloved Tazz. It was obvious her legs were giving out and we worried that winter in NH would be too much for her. We had Rimadyl for those rainy days and started to give it to her more frequently. It didn't help. We knew we had to talk to our vet but we were all afraid. Sadly, we assumed it was age related.
A friend emailed me that she had read some disturbing stories about Nutro on www.consumeraffairs.com. I logged on and started reading. When I read the stories about other dogs with the same symptoms, it gave me chills. We didn't want to get our hopes up because it seemed unlikely this was what was happening to Tazz. Too much to hope for. BUT the stories and symptoms of other animals were too much of a coincidence so I immediately took all our Nutro back and bought Eukanuba. I still have cat food that I planned on throwing out. Now I want to have it tested if I can find out where and how to do this. I desperately want answers and want this serious problem dealt with. We were one of the lucky ones but we're still worried about any residual damage with all of our pets.
As I stated in my last letter, the symptoms are gone from EVERYONE! As I sit here and write this I can't help the tears that are filling my eyes because Tazz has recovered back to the point where she might be a little stiff on a rainy day! She's playing with the other dogs, running around the back yard, slower like a senior citizen but she's not falling, she's not disorientated, she doesn't need help getting up and she's got that bright look in her eyes once again! She was dying! If we hadn't taken heed of the stories that many are blowing off - we would have lost our beloved Tazz. We no longer feel we're on borrowed time with Tazz. We feel strongly with the way she's acting now that she's going to be with us at least several more years! That's a far cry from thinking we would be putting her down this fall!
Reviewed Aug. 14, 2008
After googling my dogs symptoms I realize that the reason he has been throwing up and drinking lost of water was due to this food. He was horribly sick in May and recovered after I switched him from canned food to dry food Senior formula. But then the vomiting and thirst returned and he pretty much throws up every day. I thought I was feeding him too much until I google. Nutro is a coward for not properly testing this food. I have samples of the canned food that made him sick and the dry dog food. Luckily he is still alive and I am on my way to switch his dog food right now!!!!!!
Reviewed Aug. 13, 2008
Please disregard my latest experience with Nutro dated 8/12/08. The difference size in food pieces is my error because the food was labeled adult and not large breed, which is what the previous food was. The packaging is very similar. Please do not post the 8/12/08 write up. Sorry for any trouble.
Reviewed Aug. 13, 2008
ON 08-08-08 I SUBMITTED A LETTER ABOUT OUR EXPERIENCE WITH NUTRO PET FOODS AND THE PROBLEMS ALL OF OUR CATS AND DOGS EXPERIENCED. I URGE YOU ALL TO CONTACT THE FDA AS I HAVE DONE TODAY. EMAIL OR WRITE TO PETCO, PETSMART AND ANY STORE THAT SELLS NUTRO PRODUCTS. WE NEED ANSWERS AND THE ONLY WAY WE'RE GOING TO STOP ANIMALS FROM GETTING SICK AND DYING IS IF WE RAISE AWARENESS AND GET TO THE BOTTOM OF THIS. MY HEART GOES OUT TO EACH AND EVERY ONE OF YOU WHO HAS LOST A BELOVED PET.
http://www.fda.com
OR WRITE:Food and Drug Administration
5600 Fishers Lane
Rockville, Maryland 20857
Reviewed Aug. 12, 2008
You recently published my previous complaint for all to see and thank you. This is an update. I purchased another bag of Nutros Ultra because I have to change foods slowly, and I purchased it with reservation. Upon opening the new bag, I checked for odor and color, still having previous food left to compare. The odor and color seemed fine. I then performed the ultimate test giving samples to both dogs. Both dogs seemed to like it. However, the size of the food pieces where almost half the size of the previous ones. For what ever reason unknown to me, I will go under the assumption that there is a problem with Quality Control.
I have the largest bag of that kind and I am now slowly changing foods. When the change is complete, I will dispose of the Nutro food no matter what is left in the bag. I need piece of mind and leaving Nutros will give it to me. Also, per my previous complaint. I still haven't heard from the Nutros Rep about the different size, color, ordor, of the previous food, Nutros Large Breed Adult.
Nutros I hear, is owned by Mars. I believe they make candy bars. Have you heard of a complaint about different size, color and smelly candy bars? I haven't. Because of the strange food in my first complaint, I had total blood work done on both dogs. Checking Liver, Kidneys etc. Yes there is a hefty price to pay for the tests, however, the tests were normal. Thank goodness. Good bye Nutros.
Reviewed Aug. 12, 2008
Healthy people potentially infected with Salmonella should monitor themselves for some or all of the following symptoms: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramping and fever. On rare occasions, Salmonella can result in more serious ailments, including arterial infections, endocarditis, arthritis, muscle pain, eye irritation, and urinary tract symptoms. Consumers exhibiting these signs after having contact with this product should contact their healthcare providers.
Pets with Salmonella infections may be lethargic and have diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever, and vomiting. Some pets will have only decreased appetite, fever and abdominal pain. Animals can be carriers with no visible symptoms and potentially infect other animals or humans. If your pet has consumed the recalled product and has these symptoms, please contact your veterinarian.
Coincidence? These are the same symptoms many of our pets have experienced, (and many have died from), and now we are told it can affect humans?
I want answers from M&M Mars/Nutro, now!
Reviewed Aug. 12, 2008
I switched our two indoor large breed (purebred Chow and chow/collie mix) dogs to Nutro Senior several months ago. I began to notice within the last month or so that they were both eating lots of grass, drinking more than usual, and one dog has been battling runny stools off and on. We also feed our dogs boiled ground beef or stewed skinless chicken breasts with rice twice per day and we leave dry food in their bowls for grazing 24/7. Thank goodness the dogs do not desire to eat dry food everyday!
Somehow I bumped into this website last week, noticed the posts and immediately stopped feeding our dogs Nutro. My husband returned a large bag to PetSmart and the PetSmart manager told him that the negative stories regarding Nutro were just rumors and that they (PetSmart) could hardly keep it stocked on the shelves. He obtained a refund and we switched to Avoderm. I am hoping for the best.
Regardless of the fact that Nutro and PetSmart will not admit to a problem, the Nutro postings of other dog/cat parents is enough for me to boycott this product forever. My heart goes out to all of those people who have lost their furry children.
Reviewed Aug. 12, 2008
Ok now I am really upset.This is a follow up complaint I filled a few days ago. I am s small breeder of Poms. We had two of or femals that were having puppies. One was 43 days and the other 36 days. Well we now only have one having puppies. A few hours ago we were snuggling Dori the female that was 43 days and I was rubbing her tummy. It did not take a rocket scientist to figure out that there were know puppies in her tummy. The last time I really felt them was on Saterday night at about 11:00 PM. SHe was panting really hard and I was conceared so I felt around. YHer belly was really tight but I could still feel three bumps for sure. Tonight there was nothing. This explains why she was following me all day today. SHE WAS SAD!!!!!!
I will be calling the vet right away in the morning. This is a dog that has not ever had a problum befor. Then I picked up Mia the other femal and she also feels smaller than she was last night when I was scratching her belly. I want answers from Nurto!!!!!
We take very good care of our beloved pets and I am now very conceared as to what the food dod to make one of the femals for sure loose her puppies. This is simply wrong that Nuto is not working with us to solve the issue. How many more dogs have to have problums befor something is done? I will keep you posted o Mia our other femal.
I want answers!!!!!!!
Reviewed Aug. 12, 2008
I used to use Nutro/Ultra for all 3 of my dogs. A friend told me to look at this site because she feared I may have a problem. After reading all of these horrible stories, I feel so bad for all of these poor people and their 4 legged babies that I cannot even tell you! This company must be stopped!
I sent an e-mail to Petsmart and spoke w/someone at Petco in their customer service dept. as I could not find anyone to write to. Apparently, Nutro is not giving any help to the poor victims of all of these problems. I thought if I was able to get some big pet food companies to stop carrying their food, it would hit Nutro where it hurt the most - in their pockets! Which apparently is all they are concerned about - they are obviously not concerned about the well being of our animals.
I took my unused bag of Nutro back to Petco and got a refund. I don't want my babies to suffer like these others have. I am now using Nature's Variety (Prairie). A little more difficult to find, but let's face it - these animals are like our family. Like our children to most of us reading this site. I hope people continue to find out about this site and continue to send their complaints to Nutro - also keep telling the pet food stores about these problems. If enough people complain, surely, eventually something is bound to get resolved.
I am a pet sitter and have told every client that I have not to use Nutro EVER. Also, told my vet today about this site and all the problems people were having. Wellness and Natural Balance are now carried by Petco. They are 2 good foods that should be easy enough to get. I am so sorry for all the families that lost pets, but mostly sorry for all the dogs that had to die a needless death and suffer needless pain and suffering. This company must be STOPPED!
Reviewed Aug. 11, 2008
I brought her into the Vet on Monday and he began hydration and medication. On Tuesday we rushed her to Tufts in Ma. They put her on dialysis and did it three times along with other treatments but she couldn't be saved. After all I have read about Nutro I firmly believe this was the cause of her death.
Reviewed Aug. 11, 2008
My husband and I have fed Nutro dog products for 7 years with our yellow lab, Nicki. Two weeks ago I purchased another bag of Nutro Natural Choice lamb & rice and also a bag of lamb & rice puppy for our 5 month black lab we recently adopted from our local Humane Society.
Within 3 days of starting my yellow lab on the bag of Natural Choice she began throwing up the dog food then vomitting clear flem and started urinating throughout my home which she had never done. Within a few days she appeared back to her normal self but continued with loose stools. Five days later she started to refuse to eat, was drinking water constantly and vomitting dark brown flem. I called my vet on 8/8 who advised me to hold her food and water and I was to take her in the following morning if she was not better.
I woke up on 8/9 at 7 a.m. to her vomitting up nothing but blood. I immediately took her to my vet where she again vomitted blood. The vet ran bloodwork on her which came back a little low on the liver test but otherwise fine and her urine test came back fine as well. Since she was lathargic, had lost 8 pounds in 3 days, was vomitting blood and could not hold liquid or food down, my vet kept her and put her on an IV, gave her an antibiotic injection and an injection to help ease the vomitting. As of tonight Nicki is still at the vet's office - the vet states she is doing a little better and has begn to drink water but he is waiting to start her on solid food - wants to take it slow.
Before I took her to the vet I got on the internet to see if Nutro had any recalls out recently I was not aware of. This was a truly healthy dog and for her to just go down so quickly makes no sense to me. I found no recall information but was shocked to find information on consumer affairs website that other pet owners in other states have had near identical cases with their dogs whom also had eaten Nutro Natural Choice lamb & rice. I'm sorry, but I find it really hard to believe that this is only a coincidence.
I printed off the information and took it with me to my vet so he could run the necessary tests and he agreed that it would be good idea to stop feeding Nutro so I have changed to a veterinarian brand he suggested for both of my dogs. My puppy at home had only showed signs of extreme thirst but has now returned to normal. I cannot believe that no one at Nutro is looking into this further! I am outraged at the ignorance Nutro is showing to their customers!
I have been a customer for 7 years and have always spoken highly of Nutro dog products until now. I am going to talk with my vet tomorrow regarding sending the dog food in for testing. I find it sad that the animals have to suffer or die because Nutro wants to possibly avoid another recall.
Emotional upset over the sudden illness and severity of Nicki and the impending veterinarian expenses. We do not yet know since she has not been released from the vet if she will have any long term side effects due to this or if she will resume to normal. At this time it is not certain.
Reviewed Aug. 10, 2008
I have been a loyal Nutro user for many years without any issues. In fact, my experience has been positive with both my dogs and cats. Since all of the recall disaster last year, people are too quick to blame pet food for everything. Not every case of diarrhea, kidney failure and liver failure are a result of contaminated food. I could be wrong, but I don't think that it's up to the companies to decide to issue a recall if they have a contamination issue. Especially since people call the FDA every chance they get.
If your pet is sick and you suspect the food, call the company. Have the food tested, and if you don't trust the company then have it tested yourself. It would be crazy for a pet food company to intentionally ignore complaints on their products, since it is their reputation on the line and chances are, they actually care about the animals that they are feeding.
Reviewed Aug. 9, 2008
Let me start by saying that I have used Nutro food in the past on my rottwieller alexis for 8 years, she has passed from cancer at 13 over 3 years ago.She never had any problems and I really liked the food and always told friends about it.One year later I bought my current mastiff "Ruby" and started her on Nutro lrg breed lamb and rice and still no problems. It wasn't till march 2008 she started refusing her food she had puppies in february and was still on puppy food herself. she would throw up occasionally about 20-30 min after eating.
I switched her and the 2 pups to Nutro chicken and rice lrg breed mainly because all the lamb and rice products were off the shelves. They seemed to eat okay but had occasional throwing up and diarrhea. In june about the 20th the dogs wouldn't eat unless I put can in it and even then they would eat around the dry. by mind july all 3 dogs had diarrhea, vomiiting at least 5 out of 7 days. I was giving them flaygl from the vet and that would only stop the diarhea temporarily then when the meds stopped it would come back. The dogs would go over and smell the food and walk away and seemed very legthargic,especially after eating the food they would sleep most of the day.
One day, mid july I opened a new bag and the kibble looked different, it was smaller,darker and had little black pepper like particles in it, I still had a little dry in the bin so I grabbed a kibble and compared...very different.We were going camping so we had to take the dogs with that food, The dogs ate very little all weekend and they continued with the diarrhea. One dog had blood in the stool.When I got home I talked to a friend about it and she said she read some complaints about dogs getting ill on nutro. She sent it to me and I found that my dogs had the same symptoms as the other dogs did. My dogs are 3.5 yr,and two 6 months olds. I immediatly changed them to a different premium food only bought in independent stores by Merrick. let me tell you we noticed an immediate positive change, they love the food and their energy is very high. They had some diarrhea from the switch and it has since past,
Now I don't have to worry about getting them ill or them dying on us like those poor other dogs and their owners. I will never use anything from Nutro again.I really wish that Nutro would pull all the food from the shelves and test it! I didn't get any real answer from Nutro customer service or upper management over this.The only thing nutro said is that all these reports are made up from ex disgruntled employees, I can guarantee you I am NOT! I wish they would just come clean and be honest about what is going on. My 3 dogs got very ill while eating the food and when I took them off and onto another food they got immediately better, no illness anymore.
Reviewed Aug. 9, 2008
I've been feeding my dogs (all three are 3 yrs old) the Nutro Natural Choice Dog Foods since I got them at 8 wks old. Hershey the Chi refused to eat his food about a yr ago so I switched him to Royal Canin (which I just found out is also associated with Mars, Inc and chi doesn't eat his food w/o chicken being added to it). But both the Beagles have been on the Nutro Natural Choice Chicken Meal Rice & Oatmeal, and Venison Meal & Whole Brown Rice which I switch up. I know there had been a recall on the Nutro a while back; but didn't seem to be a problem.
While looking over this website (actually was just looking for Nutro coupons and this website popped up) -- it just hit me like a ton of bricks that my male Beagle Newt who has been acting weird for months has been refusing to eat his food now for about 2-3 mths (just got 2 new bags two wks ago); the female Beagle Pixie eats everything that is put in front of her with no problem (she has a stuffy nose pretty much of the time so her sniffer isn't that great, runny eyes, rash on belly - allergies). So what have I been doing since Newt refuses to eat his food I'm mixing other foods (carrots, peanut butter, ground beef, rice, chicken, etc) in with the dry kibbles to get him to eat; he's been drinking excessive amounts of water (just figured the weather has been very humid here), and eating tons of grass when he's outside (jokingly say he looks like a cow grazing); not much energy for a 3 yr old beagle (would say how lazy he is).
Makes me sick to think that Newt knows something isn't right with his food and there I am doctoring it up so he'll eat it. For this past week I've been cooking chicken/rice for them. Researching all the dog food out there and I believe I've found a replacement. After taking the beagles off the Nutro their energy level, excitement at their feeding times has returned. The urinating in the house, eating grass, and drinking excess amounts of water has since stopped. I hope that there is no permanent damage to my pups. After reading everyone's horror stories my heart goes out to all those that still have sick pets or have lost them.
Cleaning rugs from accidents, Vet says just to keep an eye on dogs and see if any of their symtons improve after taking them off the Nutro & Royal Canin
Reviewed Aug. 8, 2008
I have been a user of Nutro dog food for years. I also am a small breeder of poms. All of our litters have been raised on Nutro. The last bag we bought at pet smart seemed to turn all our dogs heads. They were simply not eating much nor were they drinking water. We were getting conceared as the oldes seemed to be loosing energy, hair and wanted to sleep all the time. We also noticed that they were all snappy and cranky. A friend of mine who is also a nutro user and a small breeder stumbled on issues wih the product and told me. I called are vet right away and they confermed some issues and had me stop using all nutro products. If we o not see an improvement by Monday with Nemo are oldest we are to bring him in.
I bought a bag of Eukanuba Naturally Wild an all 8 of my Poms chowed down and then drank water for the first time in the two weeks we had the new bag. We defanatly saw a differance in energy in all but Nemo. The part that has me so up tight is that we have two femals that are expecting litters in the next three weeks. I want some answers!!! How can this keep happening and why is Nutro not helping here!!!!
We are not sure at this point. Are hope is that the two litters of puppies will be ok.
Reviewed Aug. 8, 2008
these posts are legitimate. Just because you have been feeding your dog Nutro for years doesn't mean that a really bad batch of food or packaging did not exist. I have spent over $1,400 in bills on one of my dogs. Something didn't agree with her system and it was in the Nutro bag. I already did the dish, toy, and anything that could have been changed. IT WAS THE FOOD, or the packaging. I have had my food tested and processed. If there is nothing wrong why won't Nutro or the Mars Inc companies respond to my letters and phone calls?
I have heard from the reps that there are changes in the food and packaging. What's the big deal with admitting it? I just want to know how the process was changed so I can figure out what harmed my little 8 pound Miniature Pinscher so we don't let it happen again. Guessing games are not fun when we are playing with lives. There is no need to tell the innocent people on this site that what happened to their dogs is not real. Until you have had a dog as sick as some of our dogs have been, don't throw stones.
Reviewed Aug. 8, 2008
Nutro has been around for years and has always been an excellent product. But I remember opening a new bag of food and the color was darker. The Nutro rep told me they had made changes to the ingredients. That was a few months ago and it seems to be about the time the complaints started. We have 30 rescued cats (20 ferals) and 4 dogs. We started using Nutro last fall for both the dogs and cats. We took several cats in for annual exams this year and they'd lost a couple pounds. Our vet was happy because they were on the porky side and needed to lose a little. But Nemo, one of the ferals has been steadily losing weight and we were going to have blood work done on him to see what was wrong.
It started to worry me when we took a couple cats in that didn't need to lose weight and they, too, had lost a couple pounds. We also had several cats that were losing the shine to their fur. And our cats were no longer were running to the food bowls when it was feeding time. I found I was throwing food out at the end of the day because they just weren't eating it! Well, amazingly, the cats acted like starving strays when I switched to Eukanuba! No more bloody stool in the litter pans, fur shiny again, and Nemo is eating like he hasn't eaten in months! He's already filling out!
The problem with our cats and dogs is we were seeing different symptoms in them that appeared to be other conditions so we didn't connect it to the food. Max, our Pit Bull, was very ill for 2 weeks after we tried Nutro's Lamb and Rice. Our vet said it was gastritis caused by something he got into and we put him on meds and boiled hamburg and rice. When we started the Nutro Lamb again, he immediately started with vomiting and diarrhea. We took Max off the food thinking he just couldn't handle the lamb. The other dogs were fine so we didn't realize it was the food until Tazz, our German Shepherd, became very sick after Max recovered.
We switched to Eukanuba dog food. The first night after changing food - Kaiser slept all night instead of whining and pacing! Tazz is brighter and though she's stiff when she gets up, she's not acting drunk! Max is having normal stools! Jada has stopped eating grass! AND they're drinking normal amounts of water now - not guzzling water like they were dying of thirst. No more vomiting, no more diarrhea, fur is shiny again. When there is weight loss in EVERY animal in a household, then something is wrong! We've been off Nutro for two weeks and every symptom we were seeing is GONE! I thank God we switched before we lost any of our precious babies! It breaks my heart to read these stories of lost pets. Something is wrong and we all need answers!
Reviewed Aug. 7, 2008
My 7 year Lab became ill in late April/early May after consuming Nutro Senior Lamb and Rice dry food. He became very lethargic and lost 11 lbs before I finally took him to the vet on May 12. I requested blood work to be done and it came back with elevated liver enzymes. She could not explain the results of the blodd work nor could not understand that with a needed weight loss he did not have any energy. I think what helped Wrangler to survive was his non Nutro treats and his people food. Not until reading the complaints against Nutro did I put the two together. Though Wrangler went on to a safe second bag of Nutro, I firmly believe that first bag was comtaminated. I do find it interesting that you can not find this particular food on the shelves. Does not boost my confidence in Nutro.
Reviewed Aug. 6, 2008
we bought a new bag of nutro large breed adult dry. Our dog Simon who is a 14 month old yellow lab ,who was never fussy about food, would not eat the new bag of food. We left the food in his bowl and eventually his hunger overcame his initial refusal of the food. Within 30 minutes he vomited the food up.He is fed twice a day and this was his morning meal.
In the evening we gave him the food again and he again threw the food up.We had a small amount of the old bag of food, which we compared to the new bag and found a difference in kibble size, color and smell. Upon inspection of the new bag , we found that someone has taken a black permanent marker , and crossed out, the 'made in the usa' that was found on the old bag located on the bottom left hand corner of the proof of purchase portion of the label.
This food made my dog sick. I will be going to petsmart tomorrow(which is where my Wife purchased this bag of food off of a nearly empty rack) ,and I will be looking for some answers about where this food came from and who altered the label.
My dog continues to be lethargic,has had bloody stools,and has an elevated temperature. He will be going to the vet today for an evaluation .
Reviewed Aug. 6, 2008
Well, I don't even know where to start. My dogs name is nika (knee ka). I rescued her from the s.p.c.a november 22, 2006. Since having her she became healthy loves to go to parks and loves people when I first got her she was skittish, scared as any abused dog would be.
July second of 2008 I went to pet smart to ask about her shedding. Which she is a chihuahua/terrier so she's small. The gentle man recommended NATURAL CHOICE lamb and rice and only this. I told the person she was on 2 cans of dog food a day plus kibble and bits, he said slowly take her off of that and just give her this product with the kibble then just feed her natural choice i said ok!! took it home and slowly took her off. 2 cans plus kibble and natural choice to one can and the kibble and natural choice to just the natural choice. Not until about 3 weeks later did she start acting weird as before when I rescued her.
She became skittish she peed everywhere and pooped INSIDE!! when she is very house trained she would scratch and jump up near the back door to let us know she needed to go outside. It became a concern when her urine was yellow and orange like. This was starting to worry me. Before the natural choice she weighed at least 22 lbs now she looks as if she's 10 or less her ribs are showing when she was filling out, she cant walk she falls over when she tries to walk.
Its heart breaking it really is and to look at my dog right now to only think any day she's gonna die makes me angry, upset, and depressed. I want this product off the SHELVES NOW!!!! everyone on here along with me did and do not deserve this heartache and the childish acts they are doing only make me more angry we all need to take a stand and do something ASAP!!! If any one would like to talk about anything with us please feel free to do so...thanks to everyone who wrote a review on here an HONEST review while pet smart only has 5/5 ratings and reviews for this product!
Reviewed Aug. 5, 2008
I understand Eppie's point of view (posted on 8/3/08) but I must say it IS the food that make my dog sick. My dog only eats the dried food and he started having diahhera since a week ago, I never would have thought that was his dog food make him sick as he's been eating Nutro for years and we both loved that. After few days of him having diahhera, I tried to gave him only write rice with cottage cheese, he was getting better then, so I again fed him with the same bag of Nutro (Adult fomular), his diahhera happened again! It proved that it WAS the dried to make him sick. He had no problem before, but this new bag did cause the problem. I will try to give him plain diet for few days again and slowly switch him on Wellness which his vet highly recommended. If the problem doesn't stop, I will have to take him to the vet.
Reviewed Aug. 5, 2008
Nutro Max has made my dog throw up for two weeks now. I am appalled that nothing has been done with all the complaints listed.
Reviewed Aug. 5, 2008
Dear Eppie from Brentwood - I hope you and your pets NEVER have to go through the pain and anguish that the good people who have posted on this forum and my wife and I have gone through. Im glad that your experience with Nutro has been exceptional. Others have had the same experience until their pet got seriously ill. Many died - including ours. I can imagine that many many many other families who know nothing of this forum have had similar experiences with Nutro but may not realize it.
Your arguments for other causes are comical. Allergies, bedding, toys, or a new bowl dont cause the combination of maladies (food poisoning, acute kidney failure, diarrhea, vomiting, weight loss, etc.) that have been reported here. This forum spreading panic - are you kidding???? 9/11 spread panic, Pearl Harbor spread panic, Orson Wellss radio broadcast of War of the Worlds spread panic, the Salem Witch Trials spread hysteria, the collapse of Wall Street in 1929 spread panic, the Bubonic Plague spread panic, Attila and Hun and Genghis Khan spread panic, Joe McCarthy spread panic. You know what spreads panic? Its the fear of the unknown, the lack of reliable information, and a feeling of helplessness. People sharing information and their personal experiences is spreading relief, and its spreading knowledge. People know that others are going through the same feelings, emotions, and problems.
And I loved the way you attacked this site because it is a DOT COM. Then you go on to praise The Whole Dog Journal (which Im sure is a fine publication) and lo and behold their site too is a DOT COM. I know my nose is not as good as a dogs, but I believe I smell a hasty generalization with a dash of hypocrisy in your comments.
I believe it is fair to question the validity of your involvement. I find it curious that a disinterested third party who ostensibly has no connection to Nutro would be so vehement and venomous about the posts on this site. Perhaps you are working in some capacity for or on behalf of Nutro. What association (other than a consumer) with Nutro do you have? Fess up!
I do agree with you that people should think for themselves. People - read information on pet foods and their ingredients, bacteria, acute kidney failure, intestinal problems, diarrhea, vomiting, weight loss, dehydration, lethargy, lack of appetite, and other problems you see posted here over and over and over again. Go to Nutros web site. Search the net, ask your vet, go to the library, and mull things over. Find out why our dogs are getting sick; find out why our dogs are dying; and post your conclusions here for all (including Eppie) to see.
Reviewed Aug. 4, 2008
My dog, a 12 yr. old sheltie, has recently been drinking water excessively and having bladder problems. She went on antibiotics for the potential UTI, and has a history of chronic liver and kidney issues. However, she had been doing well up until now. Her bloodwork showed her kidneys and liver were holding their previous levels. The antibiotics didn't work and she continued to worsen, developing difficulty in balance and seemed increasingly confused. I took her into her vet again this morning. All we had left was possibly an intestinal or neurological problems.
I was considering putting her down if she remains uncomfortable, and while searching treatments ran across this forum on Nutro. I have two dogs, both of which have been eating Nutro since the pet food scare. I'm wondering if it influenced the liver issues in my sheltie now. I do know I purchased new food (dry and canned) last week, when my sheltie's bladder issues started. She threw up her food this morning, and after reading this I just fed her chicken and rice, which is staying down. I will keep her on it for a few days and see how she does.
I cannot believe this is the first I've heard of the Nutro problems.
My sheltie went into the hospital dehydrated last Nov., liver problems, too, and treatment came to $2000. Problems from the recent purchase of Nutro include two vet visits, bloodwork, x-rays and antibiotics, costing $447. I will be throwing away a large bag of Nutro Lamb and Rice Small Bites, along with 14 cans of Lamb and Rice and Herring and Sweet Potato, costing app. $65.
Reviewed Aug. 4, 2008
I show and breed mini dachshunds, have always thought Nutro was a good food. But the last two months have been hell, I have had three of my doxies on the Nutro, Ruger my 1 1/2 your old male, starting with vomiting and diareah, so bad he bled!! I rushed him the to vet near my house and they couldnt find anything wrong. We thought he might have just found something in the yard that didnt agree with him, looking back we should have ran more tests!
Two weeks later the other two eating Nutro also got really ill. This was on and off for weeks! We were getting close to the bottom of the bag and started to switch to a better quality food. Once switched we had no more epsiodes. Now reading all of this I know it had to be the Nutro Natural Choice Lamb and Rice formula! It was slowly poisoning my fur babies!! I combed through my yard looking for some explanation, started to think maybe someone threw something over my fence! I was so worried that i wouldnt be able to find what it was. And it was me feeding them this food! I am getting the paper work from the vet and then contacting Nutro.
Reviewed Aug. 4, 2008
We were convinced by a guy named dave at a petsmart store to switch our dog from his GOOD pet food to thier dog food, he started with max and had diahrea and so we took it back and went to buy our old food, but there was dave stating he needed to maybe move up to natural choice, so since he would not leave us alone we did it and again diahrea and vomiting this time. so we took it back and then we saw this other rep from the same place and she said we needed Ultra so we put our dog on that because she said it was the best and we had bloody diareah vomiting lethargic acting dog.
We finally ran into a rep from another company whos food we are using now on our other dog who was very very very concerned and helpful she told us about this website and to check it out so we took our dog to the vet and she was so far in to kidney, liver and major organ failure we had to put her to sleep they stated it looked like she could have been poisoned this all started within a week AFTER we started with the initial nutro food I would rather feed old roy to my dog!
My dog died she was a rescued mutt but we loved her anyway [Nutro] should be ashamed
Reviewed Aug. 3, 2008
I have been using Nutro for YEARS. Both my dog and cat have thrived on it. Their coats are beautiful, and I have not had to take either of them, to the Vet, for anything other than a well visit. After reading with concern, the posts I see here, I realize that nothing has EVER been substantiated. Many Dogs and Cats (and people) get sick--- It could be an allergy--did you change anything--new food bowl? New bedding, new TOY??? It seems this area, is just a place to spread panic. I realize this post may never make your site....I am NOT being negative or accusatory, towards the company this site seems to want to bash.
I also, notice the site ends in a DOT COM Not GOV or ORG, which would seem to have more creedence to the absurd claims. If any of you have REALLY done any looking around, and not just buy into all this Nutro hate, you'd see it IS a good food. The Whole Dog Journal (specializing in NATIRAL pet food, training, etc) In the February 2008 issues, sites NUTRO as one of the top 12 BEST FOODS! The other brands, Science Diet (Made with chicken by products and corn, IAMS--LOTS of corn--And Eukanuba--Don't even want to talk about that one) didn't even make the list---
I am beginging to believe the validity of the claims on this site shoukd be questioned...where are the OFFICAL findings? Perhoas, this site was actually started by a Nutro competitor???? Please use your own brains, and look outside this box----there are MANY more cases of POSITOVE Effects of Nutro, than there are Negative---You just have to learn to look at more than one source, for your information.
Reviewed Aug. 2, 2008
have been feeding my dog, iggy, nutro for 5 years. the food we gave him was never part of the recall. just recently, we bought a new bag, adult formula, he has had been throwing up, and has diarrhea. seems to have had some weight loss as well. will be going to vet-
Reviewed Aug. 2, 2008
have been feeding my dog, iggy, nutro for 5 years. the food we gave him was never part of the recall. just recently, we bought a new bag, adult formula, he has had been throwing up, and has diarrhea. seems to have had some weight loss as well. will be going to vet-
Reviewed Aug. 1, 2008
I have fed Nuto dog food to my Greyhounds for several months and have also encouraged my clients (who have purchased puppies from me) to do so. In one year's time, I have had 3 (that I am aware of) clients whose puppies have suffered from diarreah, vomiting, weight loss and dehyration and fatigue due to the Nutro food.
My reputation has been affected due to my recommendation of this food, expensive vet bills paid by my clients, worry and alternate medicines that have also been costly.
Reviewed July 31, 2008
This is the first time I have bought anything other than Royal Canin from PETCO. I chose to buy this brand because PETCO can take me 30 minutes to get to, whereas the local store takes 5. After my dog Little Funk kept vomiting I looked into Nutro and have seen similar complaints. I thought it would be important to write this complaint. I have kept the bag of food, and have stopped feeding it to her. Tomorrow August 1st, I take my dog to the vet.
Reviewed July 31, 2008
I wrote a post in July about my story and what we think happened to our dog Miley from eating nutro food. Well the vet sent out the food and tested for afalatoxin. The test came back negative. So I called Nutro and told them everything. The only reason I didn't call before was because I read people writing online that when they called no one helped them or that they wouldnt' give them the number to the main office. Well I called and they wree MORE than willing to help me and test the food too. They are sending me a pre paid envelope and bag to send them the food. If anyone has a problem and they think it was the Nutro I urge you to call them and discuss it with them first. Thank you
Reviewed July 31, 2008
What I did when I knew something was wrong.
We noticed first thing in the morning that our Aussie was acting completely out of it. Disorientated, wobbly etc. Like she was on meds the Vet would give her as she is scared of thunder storms.
If your reading this - you love your pet and you know when something is wrong.
Anyway - as it was 5am and the Vet would not be open until 9am. I googled and found this wonderful site which was full of valuable information.
Immediately I cleaned and rinsed her water dish. We boiled a plain chicken breast and 1/2 cup of white rise. Rinsed in cold water so it was not hot and cut it up into small easily digested chunks to get something into her stomach. She is 9 years old.
She ate, but was not herself.
Got to the Vet at 11am. Vet told us we did the right thing getting some food and water into her and agreed something was up. I handed the vet the medical info from this website (thank you people) about liver enzymes being elevated and blood work etc.
GUESS WHAT? YEP same thing, same thing!
We got her home and continued the boiled chicken breast and white rice for two days, switched to a different brand of dog food.
Our dog received a shot of an antibiotic which she ended up having an allergic reaction to (her lips swelled up) so back we went to the vet and she got another shot (steroid) to bring that down.
After a couple more days, she is back to her old self.
Our dog was on Nutro for the past 4 years, the active dog mix, and like the others I noticed the different color etc of the food.
We went back to Science Diet and now after 10 days, she is back to her normal active self.
To recap: New Bag of Nutro, noticed for about 5-7 days she was lethargic and not her usual self. We wrote this off to it being hot Chicago Midwest heat in the summer.
All of a sudden she acted like she was disorientated and out of it.
Actions: Stopped feeding her the Nutro. Got good food and water into her immediately and then got to the Vet.
Remember, do not use or donate the food as it will just start again. This wide of a problem, across this many breeds is not some isolated issue.
I am keeping my vet bills and the food so when this breaks wide and large I have recourse.
Bottom line, I wonder if the executives at Nutro feed their pets this food after reading these posts.
Reviewed July 31, 2008
My aunt is a breeder of maltese & yorkies, and I've placed the puppies for four years. I researched the foods, chose Nutro, and had been using it for about three yrs. without problems, until 3 months ago. My three maltese (2 yrs., 3 yrs. & 4 yrs. old) started throwing up bile and white foam several times weekly. My Male, JJ, at l0 lbs., started refusing his food for the first time EVER, which we knew was alarming. My three lb. teacup refused a lot, which Nutrical, baby food chicken and pedialite was used much of the time. My 7 lb. female, Jazz, also refused her food several times, so we knew something was very wrong.
We returned a bag to Petsmart, and they exchanged it for a new bag. Within a week, I had to take all three to the vet for throwing up bile, diareah, and thought they had eaten cat poo, however, they are never out without me to watch them potty, and are brought back inside. The vet gave them a shot to stop the vomiting and diareah, told me to feed rice and chicken I cooked, and they got better. After putting them back on Nutro, within a week, there was some throwing up of bile again, and white foamy matter, and lots of soft, runny ****.
They are young dogs and usually play, chasing each other at night, and that had stopped. Their coat quality had gone down tremendously. It had become fuzzy, knotted, and so difficult to groom, that I did puppy cuts on all three because the matting and tangling was so bad. They have had beautiful healthy coats until the past few months. Two of our maltese puppies did not gain weight as they should. I pushed them with over 3/8 cup daily and all I could do was clean ****, their weight and filling out was not happening. Their hair got so matted and tangled, I had to cut theirs into short puppy cuts also. The tearing on all of them was terrible. My teacup had black guncky stuff all around her eyes, on her face, and dark staining around her mouth. All the others were staining like we'd never seen before.
I had to do something, so I changed them to Purina Pro Plan, and within three days, they were playing and chasing again. The ***** were firm and they only went once a day (with Nutro it was sometimes three times daily and lots of it). They have been on Purina Pro Plan for four weeks now, and the staining and tearing has dramatically improved, no more black guncky stuff, their coat quality is remarkably better, not the tangling and matting, and the small puppies have gained a pound and I'm feeding them a less than the Nutro, which had been just running thru them.
I'm not happy with the corn in Purina, and one has developed an allergy to it, with rubbing her face, licking her paws, and changed her to Purina Turkey & Barley, however, after two wks., she's scratching her skin and it is very pink, and I think the barley is a problem also. Grains can cause lots of allergy problems. I'm researching to get a safe food now, and will change her soon.
I am going to keep journals on the foods, and I will be able to recognize sooner when there is a problem with the foods. Dog Food is a nightmare now, requiring so much research and still hard to determine what is safe. I KNOW Nutro caused these problems with my dogs, as I used it for three years without problems, and then three months ago, many things happened to all of the dogs here in my home, which some are mine, and some we will place in homes soon, but ALL had problems with Nutro food.
Reviewed July 29, 2008
I have been feeding my 2 Labs Nutro for years, changing to Iams once in a while for a change to the taste buds. They were on Nutro large breed adult for about 4 months when I purchased 2 new bags. After opening the first bag, I noticed an odor to it and the food seemed darker in color than what I had before, however I didn't have any previous food to compare, I was going by memory. Also, when the food was poured into a stainless steel dog bowl it sounded louder when it hit the bowl and the dogs had a harder time chewing it.
The older lab who is 4 refused to eat the food, while the 2 1/2 year old seemed fine. I thought the older dog was being fussy so I made him eat the food, however after the first mouthful he coughed it up. He waited a moment and ate the rest with no other issues with that bowl. The coughing up happened again at other times. I thought he swallowed to much at one time. Once again, the other dog was fine.
I took the older dog to the Vet thinking he had a cracked tooth or something because of his refusal to eat. His teeth were fine. After the first bag was gone and half way through the second bag, I decided to purchase a smaller bag and compare the food. There was a remarkable difference in color and no odor.
While at Petco I saw a Nutro rep and told her my story and showed her the differences in the food. She agreed they were different and she would bring it up at their next meeting. I gave her samples and my e-mail address and she said she would contact me with the outcome. I haven't heard anything yet. I changed to Nutro ultra premium and the dogs are waiting in line to eat, so to speak. After seeing this website. I will immediately make an effort to get them off of Nutro all together. The time frame that all this happened was approx. June and July 2008.
At this time I see no damage from the different food.
Reviewed July 28, 2008
vet did a needle biopsy at first and then we followed up with a tissue biopsy. Both biopsies resulted in a diagnosis of cancer. Walker stopped eating and continued losing his beautiful coat.
I started cooking for him to encourage him to eat and then looked into the Nutro site which led me to this consumer complaint area. Never did I even consider that his illness was a result of his food. I immediately went to PetSmart and replaced his food with Hill's. Within a week his health started to improve. The diarrehea stopped and he began eating again. Now after several weeks on a diet of home cooked chicken and Hill's kibble he is looking like a different dog. His coat is once again shiny and the shedding has subsided almost completely.
We have spent $1,000 diagnosing the cancer and have not as yet taken him in for another biopsy but the tumors have disappeared and and once again he LOOKS and acts healthy. He does not look like a dog with cancer. I am convinced after reading other pet owner's stories that he was being poisened by his food. I have no proof but his immedate improvement after removing him from his Nutro food tells me there must be a connection.
Reviewed July 28, 2008
My other dog hasn't had a urinalysis to see if he too has this problem, but regardless, he will be eating a different food from now on too. My vet, of course, recommended a Hill's prescription food, but I'm not a fan of Hill's for various reasons. I asked her if I could try out a particular ultra-premium brand instead and she said that would be fine and she would retest Sadie's urine in a few weeks. I'm not saying the brand name because I don't want anyone assuming I'm just trying to promote some other brand. I know my pets and I are lucky compared to many others who posted here. Again, I'm so sorry for those who have experienced worse.
Reviewed July 27, 2008
This is to similar to other reports I am seeing out on the web. I am a long time user of Nutro lamb meal & rice adult formula. Our dog seemed diferent more slow less peppy. When he stoped eating we first thought it might be a bad bag of Nutro so we bought a new bag of Nutro. At the same time we were experiencing the health problems as described in our dogs death notice below. To get our beloved companion to eat we doctored up his Nutro with his favorite tuna he than ate the Nutro. Little did we Know that we were Killing him We need to get this information out to the general public as soon as possible. I am convinced it was the Nutro and am going to have the rest of the dog food analyized. I hope the blood samples are still available for further tests!
It is a very sad day today. As most of you may know Newport has not ben feeling well for the last couple of weeks. Blood tests last week confirmed that something serious was wrong. After further blood tests xrays, and needle biopsy's. It was confirmed early this week Newpee had a tumor-growth that had taken over most of the left side of his belly. Surgery was contemplated but with less than a 10 % chance of success. Cortney and I made the right loving decision to put him to sleep. Newport's long time Vet Chuck came over to the house. Newport went to sleep peacefully in his bed in Bruce, Cortney and Joey's arms at 3pm Wednesday afternoon. We buried him on Cortney's family's farm later that day below a nice shady tree.
Reviewed July 27, 2008
I have been using this dog food for @ 1 yr.as suggested by a sales person at my local pet store. My 12 yr. old Lab has developed very dry itchy skin ( it's not fleas or any other skin problem) She has ben eating a lot of grass & doesn't seem to be her normal self. After reading the numerous comments on line I believe it's the Nutro Dog Food. She didn't have these problems on her previous food. Who exactally should I report this to & send samples of the food to for testing? Thank you
Reviewed July 26, 2008
My Dog who has been eating Nutro Pet Food died suddenly on July 28, 2008. She was a 9 year old scottish terrier. We plan to send the food off for testing.
Reviewed July 26, 2008
Concerned about what is wrong with this food, several accounts of dogs getting sick and some dying from this food. Is anyone looking into this? Thank you for you assistance. Very sick puppy, has recoverd as soon as Nutro Max food was stopped.
Reviewed July 25, 2008
I was feeding my dog for several years with Nutro Natural choice Lamb and Rice for sensitive stomachs, but recently mentioned that he started vomiting at least 2-3 times a week and had bouts of diarrhea with mucous. I was wondering if new bag of food was causing him these problems. I was searching web today to buy a new bag of Nutro and came across of similar complaints about Nutro, i hesitate to continue to feed him with Nutro.
Reviewed July 25, 2008
I wrote in on 6/20 to let you know my 10 yo Chi, Cubbie, had died from pancreatitis and mitral valve prolapse, and my 8 yo Pom, Boy, had died from mitral valve prolapse. I have now lost my 3rd dog, Mimi, my 8 yo lh Chi. She also died from mitral valve prolapse. My 4th dog, Zoey, a Pom, has also been diagnosed with mitral valve prolapse, elevated liver enzymes and bladded crystals.
We have seen 5 vets and every one of them have said it is impossible for all 4 dogs to be diagnosed with the same heart ailment at the same time without there being an environmental cause. Whether the Nutro had Salmonella poisoning, mold or ethylene glycol, I can't say. I can't say that the bags themselves weren't exposed to some sort of toxin.
What I do know is this: I have 3 dead dogs, and I'm going to lose my 4th within the next few weeks. We were feeding Nutro N/C Senior, (in the silver bags), Nutro treats and biscuits. I was an area trainer and pet nutrition specialist for Nutro from 6/04 to 4/08. I am not making up stories to make Nutro look bad. (Which is what Nutro tells me every time I call). All 4 dogs had a normal vet exam last year, all 4 were diagnosed with mitral valve prolapse in this year.
Every person who has experienced the loss of a pet due while eating Nutro food, snacks or biscuits, or if their pet became sick while eating Nutro food, treats or biscuits, please call and file a complaint with the FDA today! The FDA cannot open up an investigation until more people come forward. Be prepared to give them your information and your Vet's information. Tell everyone you know who has experienced a problem to call.
Utah, Colorado and Wyoming residents call 303-236-3044. For the number in your area, look under FDA.Gov
Reviewed July 25, 2008
I'm going to tell a very sad story. My two standard poodles, Bella and Cooper had puppies last May. May 29th, 2007. That had to be the best experience ever as far as me witnessing life. I delievered these pups and raised them for 8 weeks before sending them to loving homes. My mom wanted one. She got one...a black famale. My Dad surprised her with a chocolate male for her birthday a few weeks later. So Duke and Lily were raised together since birth. They had such loving personalities and wonderful spirits. They were very lively puppies. Getting into everything, but at cute as could be while doing it. They interacted with each other and truly cared for one another.
Around the end of June, 2008 the dogs ate some contaminated dog food. (They were just over 1 year old at this time). Nutro Max Adult for Large Breed. This dog food could have been expired, contaminated at the factory or contaminated in route to the store. Nonetheless, it was still contaminated by the time the puppies put it in their mouth. They ate the first bag and so my parents bought another bag.
Four days went by and the pups stopped eating. Duke had a LARGE amount of diarreah. They still didn't want to eat or drink. They beacame VERY tired and no longer wanted to swim or play. A few more days went by and Lily started vomitting bile, so we took her to the vet. Duke came along too because he wasn't too far behind Lily in sickness. They were admitted to vet and then transferred to a vet hospital because they were so bad. Their blood was filled with toxins. Lily had to have a blood transfusion and fluids, Duke was just put on fluids. This continued for the next three days.
They got to come home July 7th because their vital signs were better. Only the next day they failed rapidly. They wouldn't eat, drink or play. We put every type of food in front of them and they still wouldn't eat. No fluids, no food, no good! Back to the hospital. They were admitted again. They were given fluids again, but everytime after we took them off fluids they failed rapidly. The kidneys were releasing toxins into their bodies and they were filled with toxins.
We continued to keep them on fluids, bags and bags of fluids. They lost 8-10 pounds from not being able to eat. The muscles were tired, the body was fatigued and the levels of toxins in the body was too high. Neither one of them could walk they were so tired. They were falling down as if they were old and brittle senior dogs. We had to put them to sleep and send them to doggie heaven. This is by far the saddest thing I have ever experienced.
We fed them food that was bad for them, we were telling them to eat and the food we put in front of them was killing them. It must be hard to be a vet and have patients that don't talk or can't tell you what is hurtting or how something feels. Duke and Lily would just stare off into space after they ate this food...they would stare into the cabinet looking at food, but not wanting to eat anything. We tried not only hand feeding them, but would physically open their mouth, put dog food on the roof of their mouth and hold it shut until they swallowed the food. The muscles, tissues and organs failed to fight off the horrible contamination of the dog food.
My parents spent over $8000 in vet costs trying to save their babies. Nothing worked. My parents didn't find this site until AFTER everything happend. This has happend before? WOW, that makes me even more enraged. It doesn't help the saddness I feel or my broken heart, however, please let others you know who's dog eats Nutro to switch to a different brand.
Two of the best puppies in the world have died.
Reviewed July 24, 2008
We had just introduced Nutro Natural Choice Senior to Ali, a Norwegian Elkhound, a week before her death. We started mixing Nutro with her regular food Iams Weight Management on July 3. Ali ( 11 years old) died on Sunday, July 13. I met with our vet yesterday (7/23) and the necropsy and tests determined that the cause of death was septicemia (bacteria in the blood) and disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC).
The vet said the infection started in the GI tract, and he did not see any signs melamine poising. Nutro boasts that the FDA tests for melamine were negative. I suggest tests be done for bacteria, viruses, and parasites. I am looking into having tests done. Additionally, there was a growth on her spleen the size of a softball. When I asked him how long the growth could have been there, he said a week or two at the most.
He could not say for certain how the she got the septicemia and DIC. One way to contact it is from an open wound like a animal bite. But he ruled that out because if she had been bitten there would have been a large swelling on her body where the bite occurred. There was no swelling on her body. Nor were there any internal injuries. He could not say it was the food that caused her death, but he could not rule it out. But whatever it was started when we started feeding her Nutro.
He urged me to contact the FDA, which I have already done. I also have contacted Nutro and they requested proof of purchase with UPC, four cups of the dry dog food, vet diagnosis, vet bills, lab work, and Alis medical records. I am sending those items today. I am also sending a consumer complaint to the Indiana Attorney General.
Reviewed July 24, 2008
I have been feeding my 2 dogs and 5 cats Nutro foods for the last 5 years and have been a loyal, enthusiastic fan of their products. I am horrified to read all of these complaints and these very sad and scary stories. I feel just awful for everyone who has had to deal with the illnesses and/or loss of their pets.
As far as I know my pets are OK, although one of my dogs is scheduled to see the vet tomorrow due to worsening and recent incontinence, excessive water consumption, and she is sleeping excessively and not wanting to be outdoors very long. Until I read these posts I have assumed these symptoms are merely due to her being a 13 year-old female who isn't tolerating the heat very well and is losing bladder control because she is older. I could be right and I sure hope I am, but we will see what the vet says.
Regardless, I'm sad to say I won't be purchasing Nutro again any time soon and I'm angry that they are not showing concern or potential accountability. In the future it will be very hard for me to trust that their products are safe or that they even care if they are safe or not.
Reviewed July 23, 2008
My dog was fed with NutroMax at the animal shelter so that's the only reason I continue to use the same brand. Then recently I bought a new batch of same item from Petco, my dog wouldn't even near it. It's like he smells something is wrong in that batch of Nutro pet food so he would rather starve himself. At first, I through he is getting tired of this flavor. But even I didn't feed him anything else for a few days, he still refuses to eat that bag of Nutro food. He would just take a few bites cause I wouldn't give him anything else. Then he drinks a lot of water and starts to eat grass. He would seek for new food source rather than eating the Nutro pet food. I won't get Nutro pet food again until they have a complete report to address all complains.
Reviewed July 23, 2008
Just an add on to my 6-7-08 complaint/comments on this website. I check this site everyday & I am shocked to see how much this list has grown since then.
One thing that concerns me is that this food is still on the market in many pet stores. I did file a complaint to the FDA. I am not one to file complaints of any kind and this is the first, but when it comes to illnesses & deaths of these dogs with the same symptoms & within the same period of time, I strongly doubt this is coincidential. It is not that this is a new situation, it happened last year so why is this not taken seriously?
I am so thankful that I found this website, otherwise I would have kept feeding my dog this food.
My experience happened very early on at the end of April. Not knowing any of this, I would just have presumed that he had pancretitus that he was diagonised with(doesn't have it now).
I had only had him
5 Months before he started getting sick on the Nutro. My three trips to the Vet and changing him to a holistic
food probably saved his life. My dog was happy, healthy and bouncing off the walls like a typical 4yr old lab(adopted from the SPCA.) until he became ill in April with the same symptoms that so many of these dogs are having. Vomiting, Lethargy,
loose stools,drinking water continuously. He would also look at the food in his bowl not wanting to eat it, almost knowing it was making him sick. The thing that scared me the most was the lethargy. He was definently in pain. He would walk a little bit and then lay down and wouldn't move. This was happening alot.
The third time I took him to the vet, I rushed him in, in the morning. I thought I was going to loose him. His tongue was hanging very limply out of his mouth,he had very labored breathing and he was laying on his side. I was very lucky I got him to the vet early. He was much better after a stay in the hospital and precription food. My heart breaks for all those that have lost a beloved pet. This will continue until something is done. Every day this food is being fed to our pets and unknowingly is causing illness & death for those who are not aware.
Reviewed July 23, 2008
When the autopsy was done it showed the the ethyleneglycol rading to be 4400 parts per million which I was told was extremely high to be regular antifreeze poisoning. Can anyone tell me what the normal antifreeze poisioning ratio is? So far I have not found anyone who can not even their vet. The FDA claims nothing was in that food when they tested. I believe they are missing something.
Reviewed July 22, 2008
After a long and frustrating fight, we had our eight-year-old keeshond, Belle, euthanized on July 7, 2008. She had a number of symptoms, but our vet could not figure out the cause. We had an autopsy done and she was in kidney and liver failure and weighed only 26 pounds (from a high of 40). We were still trying to figure out the cause of her array of symptoms when a friend mentioned that it sounded like dog food poisoning. I had thought that was all over last year and we used Nutro Natural Choice Small Bites Lamb Meal and Rice Formula, which we had used for several years. I decided to check the internet for any reference to Nutro and could not believe the number of sites with references to illness and deaths related to Nutro dog (and cat) foods that had been occurring this year (2008). Many of the symptoms were ones that Belle had experienced. Our vet had considered dog food allergies, but never poisoning.
I looked up my records and we bought large bags of Nutro dry dog food on 1/7/08 and 3/17/08 from Petsmart. We fed Belle a mix of Nutro dry dog food with a little wet food (usually Nutro or Science Diet)on top. On 2/21/08, we took our shepherd/husky mix, Foxy, to the vet because she was lethargic, had diarrhea and had stopped eating. He checked her feces and blood and put her on antibiotics. Foxy responded right away to the antibiotics and seemed to feel better; but ate little or none of the dry food (only the wet food) after that episode. Belle got the same symptoms within days. Rather than taking her in, I used the remaining antibiotics on her and she seemed to get better and resumed eating both her wet and dry food. In hindsight, that is probably when everything began.
We continued to have some bouts of diarrhea and some lethargy, but I attributed it to Belle being eight years old. Then Belle began to drink lots of water and even had some accidents inside which she had never done before. I took her to the vet on 4/25/08, because she'd been having accidents, she had started chewing her front leg and she had a cloudy spot in her eye. I was sure that we would find out that she had diabetes, as we had a keeshond who had that disease five years before and the symptoms seemed to fit.
The doctor looked for a lesion in the eye (there was none) and gave us a spray for the itching and some antibiotics. On 5/2/08, we returned because she was starting to itch and chew all of her legs until they were bloody and she was still drinking excessive amounts of water. We had a urinalysis and blood tests done. Diabetes was ruled out and she had elevated liver levels. At this point, her weight loss started to get evident. We went back on 5/8/08 and did testing for Cushing's disease and had an ultrasound. At the time of the ultrasound, they discovered that her stomach was covered with bruises when they shaved her and we started an antibiotic. They also did another blood chemistry and found the liver levels still elevated. On 5/10/08, we went in and got a steroid injection. Around this time, Belle started eating less and less and vomited regularly (although not after ever meal).
On 5/29/08, we went in for additional testing and the vet did a fungal culture and skin scrape and did not find anything. We are getting deperate to find out what is wrong and see a holistic vet on 6/5/08 to get some new input (I felt like Belle was wasting away in front of my eyes). We also saw the holistic vet on 6/12 and 6/19. We returned to the tradtional vet on 6/23/08 and Belle was hospitalized overnight since she was dehydrated and would eat very little. She also had evident clouding in both eyes along with redness. Our vet did additional tests (blood, urine, looking for possible autoimmune diseases). Now we find the kidney values elevating along with the liver. We return on 6/26/08 and have another ultrasound and additional tests. Then Belle was hospitalized for five days getting intravenous fluids and antibiotics and further tests including a skin biopsy.
Belle came home on July 3, 2008, for the long weekend. She would hardly eat anything after the first day (we were cooking chicken and buying all kinds of dog foods, people foods and treats to entice her). Whe was lethargic and obviously not well. We took her in on July 7th, and the vet did another blood test. He found her liver and kidney values off the charts and we decided that it was not fair to keep her suffering. It was one of the hardest decisions that we had ever made. We spent over $2,000 in tests and exams and the vet still had no answers as to what had caused Belle's systems to shut down.
Then I discovered the sites, e-mails and blogs about Nutro and I feel that Nutro may be the cause. Most of the dogs discussed seem to have many of the same symptoms as Belle, up to and including the liver and kidney failure. My next step is to report this to the FDA. I can't believe that Nutro has not been at least pulled until more thorough testing is done. Even if one more dog (or cat) dies, that is too many. We spent over $2,000 in veterinary expenses and ultimately had Belle put to sleep to end her suffering. She had kidney and liver failure. And we lost our sweet, barky girl at eight year of age.
Reviewed July 22, 2008
On 07/14/08 I wrote to NUTRO regarding the problems with feeding two dogs their Lamb & Rice pellets, and enclosed a small sample of the food from the last 40# bag used + UPC code from bottom of that bag. On 07/21 rec'd call from Lewis @ Mutual Consumer Products Service, who reported they had sent that small sample for testing but really need at least 4 cups of the food to do full testing.
He reported that so far they have not been identified anything in the NUTRO products tested that would explain the problems reported. He expressed some frustration tht so few people who posted complaints on this web site have also sent a complaint to NUTRO with a sample of the food involved.
Vet. fees & lab charges + damage to two rugs + frequent rug cleaning expenses.
Reviewed July 22, 2008
I own 4 dogs and have been using Nutro for one year now. Two of my dogs have begun having skin and stomach issues upon searching the net I have come across many others using this product, having pets with the same illness. I am fearful now and I also have noticed it's been hard to find in stores. I'm very nervous and will take my dogs to the vet today.
Reviewed July 22, 2008
Last week, we contacted yet another government agency, the Dept of Agriculture. Every state has their own Dept of Ag. If we want answers we have to contact as many agencies as we can. We have a Dept of Ag. agent coming out to our house today to pick up samples of our dog food for testing. Any results will be sent to us, and we were told that if there were negative findings, they will be contacting Nutro immediately.
So far, we have filed complaints with Nutro, Consumer Affairs, teh FDA, and now the Dept of Agriculture. We have also yet to contact Animal Poison Control, that's next on list. We choose to be vigilant about finding out what happened to our Siberian Husky, Pierce. As for the pet owners who haven't had a bad experience with Nutro, more power to you, but don't ever say you haven't been warned.
I NEVER thought in a million years my dog would fall victim to bad dog food, but he did, and we are trying to prove that. If this was happening to humans, there would have been actions taken by now! Dogs are parts of our families too, and it was the hardest thing I had to do is tell my 8 and 5 year old that the dog they grew up with, their play pal, wasn't coming home with us after his vet visit. So please, contact as many agencies that you can, our sick and dead dogs depend on us to help them! If your dogs are healthy and doing well, that's wonderful, just try to have som sympathy for those of us who haven't been that lucky.
Reviewed July 22, 2008
Nutro is not a normal feed that I use in my home. I however, went at the end of June to one of my local feed stores and they were out of my normal feed for my hairless pups/dogs. The owner of the feed store sold me a HUGE bag of Nutro for 1/2 the normal cost of the feed. After just returning to work, I thought it was a GREAT deal because my budget was kind of tight at the time. I had no idea there was a recall or, any problems with the feed at all.
Right after 4th of July, ALL my hairless dogs/pups came down DEATHLY ill. My adult Pit Bull was not on this feed. She won't eat lamb and rice feeds. She was on Taste of the Wild along with my Chi and a French Bulldog I have as well. ONLY the dogs/pups on Nutro came down ill. NONE of the other dogs got sick at all. I suspected Parvo Virus until finding the other complaints about the Nutro feed.
The half price bag of Nutro didn't end up being such a GREAT deal after all. I lost 2 five month old hairless pups, and 1 two year old adult hairless! Lucky for the 3 hairless dogs/pups that did survive, I ran out of the Nutro when they began to get their appetite back and put them ALL on Taste of the Wild as well! NO problems with any of them now. All are doing VERY well on the other feed. I will NOT feed Nutro feeds to ANY of my animals again.
Reviewed July 22, 2008
After feeding our eleven year old Golden Retriever Nutro Pro Lamb and Rice for seven years, she balked at eating the last batch I bought. We unknowingly tried to get her to eat by adding vegetables or other things she liked. at first she did eat but shortly after refused to even go near the Nutro, we then fed her only boiled chicken and rice which she ate eagerly.
however, she soon stopped eating anything at all, drank lots of water, ate lots of grass, had diarea, and became very lethargic. This for a healthy active dog a few months before.She deteriorated rapidly and died on the way to the vet. Our vet said he was going to contact Nutro.
Dog died in very short time.
Reviewed July 21, 2008
UPDATE: I have been reading the posts concerning Nutro for awhile. I used to work for Nutro as a demonstrator. Not anymore. My confidence in the pet food industry is very badly shaken. Nutro products no longer holds my respect because of how they are handling these complaints. I have not seen this with other premium pet foods I've been in contact with.
For years and years I fed Nutro Pet Foods and totally supported the brand. A rescue I fostered dogs with in California utilized Nutro for their dogs as well and I trusted this brand of pet food for my dogs and cats. Sadly to say, I do not have the same confidence I once did in Nutro. I've been reading all these posts and although many have claimed Nutro is the culprit as I suspect something is wrong here, I have some questions for all of you.
1. How many necropsies have been done to show Nutro pet food was responsible? Nutro states that the ASPCA Poison Control has not linked them to any toxicology so far. I know that two dogs had death associated with ethylene glycol poisoning that wre confirmed by necropsies. Do we have any more?
2. How many actual FDA complaints have been registered? Do we have an investigation pending? Nutro seems to think that this is a web site for people to gripe about the food and pursue no action because there is no proof. Wrong.
3. How many food samples have come back with positive toxicology? Nutro is claiming there is no truth to this.
4. How many have lost their pets? How many total have been sickened? Nutro thinks we are all just blaming them with no evidence or reason .
5. Has there been an actual lawsuit registered yet? Nutro doesn't seem to think there is enough toxicology evidence to support the many posts on the website or many of the claims. They claim the reports or postings are isolated.
6. Nutro is continuing to market their food in pet stores despite all these complaints. Nutro states no one is calling in to complain or send in food samples. What?
7. I even heard that someone from Nutro thinks it is a ploy by a competitor premium pet food company to soil its reputation. * These are questions a lawyer would ask for a class action suit. Right now we need to compile all the data and give Nutro some meat and potatoes data or they will continue to ignore the pet owners who have lost pets or have sickened or dying pets.
8. I've heard some of you stating you were going back to another premium food like Science Diet, IAMS, etc. Be careful again. Some of these foods contain alot of grains (corn,wheat, and soy) which can be easily contaminated i.e. mold (aflatoxin)and other chemicals (prime example melamine contamination - March 07). Many pet food manufacturers use corn and corn gluten, wheat and wheat gluten as cheap protein sources to beef up the protein levels on the guaranteed analysis. Please be mindful and read the ingredient list. One of the reasons I bought Nutro was that they don't use ground yellow corn in their foods but I found that they do use corn gluten and wheat gluten as sources of protein. Both can be easily contaminated! Read your ingredient labels!!!
9. Finally, please report all illnesses to the FDA, AAFCO and proper authorities. Nothing can be done unless a report is filed and investigation completed. Don't just throw away the bag, send it in for testing and don't just send it to Nutro, I still haven't heard back on my sample sent.
Finally, my 4 year old dog who was sickened but didn't die fully recuperated when I switched his food to Eagle Pack Holistic Duck and Oatmeal and has done really well since then. His labs are normal and I was able to catch the signs and symptoms quickly thanks to all your posts and comments. As a veterinary technician, I'm also keen to the signs of kidney problems but I want to thank all of you for your posts. Knowing the signs and symptoms other pets had experienced potentially saved him from further damage and illness. You did save his life. Thank you.
I know that alot of intensive reporting has been done by Consumer Affairs and much research. I commend Consumer Reports for their dedicated efforts.
Reviewed July 21, 2008
These people have incurred serious vet bills, death of their pets, etc. Nutro's website has not made one statement regarding these issues and it appears they get no satisfaction from customer service. If you are happy with Nutro, continue to use. I, for one, have stopped using it after 8 years. Even if the food was satisfactory, after seeing the way they treat their customers, I will spend my money elsewhere. Also, what is the AFFCO?
Reviewed July 21, 2008
We own three large dogs all of which have been on Nutro for the past 6yrs and have experienced no problems until this past May 2008. In may, I noticed one of the dogs was dragging on our walks. And she was urinating frequently. On Memorial day, she lost bladder control, something that is highly unusual for her. We took her to the vet. She was treated for a urinary tract infection. Since may, she became more lethargic.
Then, we started noticing the stools of all three dogs became soft and covered with mucus. On July 17, 2008, our giant schnauzer began to vomit extremely large volumes of foul smelling liquid vomit and had large liquid stools. We also noticed he his urine was very clear/colorless and also in large amounts. He was very lethargic. we took all three to the vet and it was confirmed that, they had gastritis. Samples were taken and, although all the other labs came back within normal limits, the urine was very diluted. Only the Schnauzer was placed on antibiotics.
All three were taken off of Nutro and started on chicken and rice (pure chicken and rice!). after 24 hours, they started to be a bit more active. There has been no further vomiting. By day three, their stools are back to normal. My one dog is no longer dragging on our walks....all three are much active. i attribute their safe recovery to the brave people who shared their stories. had it not been for the information on the web, it sickens me to think that our dogs could have been a coincidental casualty of the Nutro company.
I have contacted the ASPCA, FDA , Nutro and several rescue organizations. A member of one of the rescues responded noting Nutro had donated food to their organization. Since starting the dogs on Nutro, they had become very lethargic and several of them shared the same symptoms as my dogs. They have since discontinued the Nutro. Sadly Nutro should realize that, whether we are all coincidences or not, pet owners don't want to risk the lives of those they love on Nutro's word vs. the word of all the coincidences out there. To Nutro, my three gentle giants are all just a coincidence or isolated incidence. but, i know better. I am willing to speak to whom ever I need to if it will insure that this doesn't have to happen to any other pets!!!
Needless to say, the Vet bills are out of this world for us!!!! We had to take our one dog into an emergency vet on Memorial day, and the other three on July 17th. Not to mention the cost of having to buy chicken and rice to settle their stomachs. Needless to say, to see them all doing better is worth it.
Reviewed July 21, 2008
I have been using Nutro dry dog food for my two boxers since 2002. Up until now, I have been confident in this food and manufacturer and felt like I was doing a good thing for Rosie and Buster. They seemed to enjoy the small bites lamb and rice complete with Glucosamine/Chondroitin.
However, about 5 weeks ago, my senior boxer, Buster, began having urinary incontinence in the house. I wasn't sure if it was Buster or Rosie, until I witnessed it myself while home. I noticed some drainage from his penis and immediately treated him for a bladder infection. He has always drank a lot of water, but I noticed that it had really become quite excessive. We also noticed some hives on both of our dogs, mostly on their hind legs. Buster's hives progressed to his front legs, underneath on his abdomen and neck. They would come and go.
When he started drinking about 1 gallon of water and vomiting, we rushed him to the vet. She found a very serious bladder infection with red blood cells in his urine. His creatinine was also elevated. She placed him on a different antibiotic and recommended benadryl for the hives. She said that we might have to do some extensive allergy testing to determine any allergies. She gave him medicine for the vomiting and suggested feeding a bland diet for a few days.
That night, I prepared rice with a little chicken broth, which he loved. His hives had resolved for the day, I left the room and he took a couple of bites of the Nutro (which was there for Rosie's feeding) and within seconds had hives so extensive that at 10 pm I called the vet. His face and neck were beginning to swell. I gave him more benadryl and some doggie prednisone.
We completely stopped feeding Nutro at our home after reading this website. At this point, Buster is still having intermittent hives and excessive drinking. I can only imagine the damage to his body and we don't know what the future holds for either of our sweet dogs. Buster is and older rescue, we estimate he is 12 or so. Rosie is 7, she too, has had some symptoms, mild hives and some vomiting.
We've already spent several hundred dollars on the one veterinary visit. There will be more to come as all of Buster's and Rosie's issues aren't resolved.
Reviewed July 19, 2008
I bought a new bag of food when i moved my dog to TN in April. she began to show symptoms such as vomiting and being lethargic. She lost all energy and after being unsuccessfully treated by the Vet on the second visit she was operated on and then euthanized. i read on the internet the exact same symptoms of othe dog owners using NUTRO
i had to euthanize my pet
Reviewed July 19, 2008
I have had no problems with Nutro. Has anything been proven? I see a lot of complaints but nothing appears to be proven by the AFFCO.
Reviewed July 19, 2008
I have been feeding all three of my mini aussies Nutro Lamb and Rice small bites their entires lives. A month ago, I was wondering what was wrong with my 4 year old mini Scotty. Several times a day, he threw up bile, had diarrhea and just wasn't himself. He usually would play ball or frisbee for hours, but all he did was lie around. It wasn't until a woman alerted a Yahoo group I am a member of about a friend of hers whose dog had died from Nutro dog food. When she listed the symptoms, I cried. Scotty had all of them!! The dots connected in more ways than one.
I have two friends who also feed their dogs Nurto. When I called them, they both said their dogs were all sick. That makes 8 dogs I know personally that have gotten sick on the dog food.
Other than having to toss some food, I had no monetary loss.
Reviewed July 18, 2008
I fed Nutro Ultra Dry & Canned Dog Food for years. Since the recall my dogs have all developed Urinary Tract Infections & Blood in the Urine. I switched dog food and they have all recovered, except for my 10 year old Yorkie. She is still in the hospital. Her Kidneys are trying to shut down. She may have been to old and tiny to recover from this poison!
I have 10 show dogs and I hope there is no permanent damage to these dogs. We don't know if Mattie will make it. Nutro Dog Food won't even acknowledge this and other complaints with identical symptoms.
Reviewed July 18, 2008
recently I adopted a 2 year old female pit bull. her previous foster parent fed her NUTRO MAX (large breed, purple label). I proceeded to feed her dog the same to prevent any digestive issues & because NUTRO is supposedly a very reputable & health conscious product. We ran out & purchased a NEW bag July 9th for Miley.
On the morning of July 11, Miley was found unable to move, having difficulty breathing & white gums. she had also defecated where she slept. We rushed her to the vet, thinking she would die. on the way, Miley could not control her bloody, mucusy diarrhea. the vet doctors did not think there was any hope for survival. during this time it was discovered that the Mileys liver was badly damaged & her blood wasn't clotting well. but miraculously, her health did slowly improve over the course of 6 days, while she was hospitalized. She was given iv fliuds since she was vomiting and had uncontroable diarrhea. And antiboitics and steriods. coincidentally she was not eating her regular NUTRO food, while in the doctor's care.
she improved so much, that she was able to go home Wednesday. We were soo excited to finally get her home! She was sent home on baytril(an antibiotci) Denosyl( for her liver) and vitamin K( for the probelms with her blood not clotting). She was acting normal, still a little groggy. We fed her small amounts of nutro that night, so it didnt' upset her stomach. We woke up the next morning and found her dead!
Our hearts are BROKEN!!!! We spent $1,300 to save our dog!!! And she didn't make it!!!! We would have spend all our money if we had to! I don't want this to happen to anyone elses pets!!!! When we found her dead that morning we connected the link that all she ate when she came home was her food, no treats nothing but Nurto. We went online and saw all these SAME stories!!! We need to get the word out!!!!
The vet sent some of the food out for testing and we still have the rest at home! Im going to do more research and find out if there is anything we can do. And anymore tests we should do on the food! I miss my dog more than you can imagine!!!! She was only 2, we rescued her from a horrible owner who tied her outside just because she was deaf and was getting beat up by the other dogs cause she couldnt' hear them growl at her when she went too close to their toys, when one would attack her they would all attack her!
We spent about $1,300 in vet bills. And are HEARTBROKEN! We lost our Miley, she was our baby!!
Reviewed July 18, 2008
I just read of the probable cause as to Nutro dry dog food.I am a rescuer and changed to Nutro last year because of the price Nutro vs IAMS(+nutro policy of 0ne free for every ten purchased).11 of 13 dogs we have,have ben on Nutro Max Adult for the last 8 months.I buy 10+ sacks 35 lb NMadult every other month.Some concerns months back w/eating grass&vomiting,and being very thirsty.
I also was confused because Nutro changed the packaging for this product and them seemed to combine several of their products.A nutro rep at the pet food store told me that had changed things up.It seemed logical because of the pet food scare last year and the present overall economic situation.Recently,two of the younger dogs started vomiting and one drank excessively.Both seem ok now.I'm concerned about changing food and not sure which one I would go with.
Not certain of financial situation as I'm trying to get appt w/ my vet.Only one of my dogs appears to be ill.She's older and was ill when we received her.
Reviewed July 17, 2008
We rushed Mac to an emergency veteranary hospital and thankfully 36 hours later Mac was discharged and is now (after changing food brands) happy and healthly and back to normal. However, not without cost, both emotionally (it's an awful feeling to be powerless when your animal is suffering) and financially, $920.00 in all.
Reviewed July 17, 2008
I have fed my animals Nutro brand for over ten years with no problems. I recently (last week), bought a new bag of food for my 20 month old lab mix who is normally extremely enrgetic, healthy, playful, etc. She started getting diarhea, vomitting, and eating grass like crazy. Two days ago she refused to eat her food. I did not fight her dedision and decided I had better take her to the vet. The next morning I tried to feed her again, and she wouldn't touch her food. I then fed her my 13 year-old dog's food, Nutro Senior, and she ate it up no problem. She did not vomit or eat grass all day. I fed her again last night and she ate, but was more wary of the food. After reading this site and other places where people have been reporting problems, I have decided to switch all my animals off of Nutro immediately. I reported the problem to the FDA and will be calling Nutro shortly.
Reviewed July 17, 2008
For two weeks, he steadily went down hill. THis is a 4 yr old 60# pit/lab that thought air & butterflies were catchable. At the end & after $300 of vet trips, he couldn't walk any distance, then he would lay down. The feed bowl was full & for 2 days he did not touch it or drink. He refused to play, chase other dog, nor did he sleep well. He was constantly shifting, as if he couldn't get comfortable. His tail didn't wag, he could of cared less that you were in the room.
$300 so far. He was admitted to the hosp, underwent barrium & periodic xrays. Vet says the barrium is travelling way too fast, indicating IBS. X-rays, $75-100 ea, IV's, --let you know later what the total bill was. Hunter had consumed approx 1/2 of big bag (40#?)Large Breed, Hip & Joint.
Reviewed July 16, 2008
We placed our two dogs on NUTRO Lamb & Rice pellets about three years ago. They seemed to do well with periodic bouts of GI upsets, incontinence or lethargy. Each was treated as an isolated incident by the veterinarian. There were two severe episodes with one dog when he could not get outside to eat grass and ate parts of the rug and carpet.
About a month ago while feeding from the next-to-last 40# bag of NUTRO, both dogs had severe GI problems, vomiting, watery stool, eating grass, drinking large quantities of water, incontinent, and lethargic. The vet. did tests, started treatment which seemed to help but did not resolve. I went to the NUTRO web site and linked to this site. After reading the consumer complaints on your site, I then dlscontinued the NUTRO and placed them on ground beef, potato and pureed carrot mixture. Both improved quickly within two - three days.
I returned the new bag of NUTRO to AGWAY which refunded the cost and wrote to NUTRO with a sample of the food. I have not as yet heard from them. It is correct that no ingredient in the NUTRO products has as yet been identified and some owners are feeding NUTRO products without any of these symptoms. However, the consistency in the problems reported and - the fact that all disappeared after stopping the NUTRO food are, to me, very significant. I am preparing all of their food and will NEVER purchase a comnmercial dog food again. I am so sorry we subjected our dogs to so much suffering.
Numerous veterinarian visits, lab. tests and Rx. One wall-to-wall carpet will have to be replaced after dog ate sections of both ends + hole in Chinese Oriental rug, also eaten by dog who could not get out to grass. I have not yet determined their replacement costs.
Reviewed July 15, 2008
Isis, what we thought was our healthy and happy 3 year old Cane Corso, Italian Mastiff died in the Vet's office.
Our baby Isis passed away on Wednesday May, 14, 2008. As you can imagine this was an incredibly unexpected turn of events. We are all heart broken and still have fits of emotions multiple times a day. Our two boys took it very hard, but it seems to have affected my wife Nina and I the most.
Isis had fallen down 4 steps and had been to the vet two weeks prior and we had been given some anti inflammatory pain pills for her to take. She fell down the steps again on Monday, May 12, 2008. On Monday and Tuesday she wouldn't take the pills. On Tuesday she seemed to have a hairball like breathing reaction. She had severe diarrhea and would not eat or drink much through out the day.
We were concerned and took her to the emergency vet the same place that did her TPLO surgery a year and 1/2 before. They checked her over and said she was dehydrated and needed to be checked by the ortho doc the next day. They gave her fluids and some pain meds for her to get some rest. We said good night to Isis, little did we know that it was going to be the last time we saw her alive.
The ortho doc called me at 9:00 AM and said he checked her out and didn't find anything of a muscular or skeletal nature that was causing her problems. He asked if I wanted to have the internal med vet take a look at her. I told him yes.
At around 10:30 I got a call from the internal vet and she said that Isis had just collapsed in her crate and had blood coming out of her nose and mouth. They had been performing cpr on her and asked if I wanted them to continue. I couldn't believe this was happening. I said please do all you can for her. I called my wife and told her what was happening and she broke down over the phone.
About 15 minutes later the vet called back and said Isis was gone and they were so sorry but there was nothing else they could do. They offered to perform and autopsy. I said yes please perform an autopsy. When they did they found a softball sized tumor on her spleen and similar growths too numerous to count on her liver. She had growths and fluid in her lungs as well. These things appear to have caused her weakness issues, as it was causing her to have low blood flow to her brain, organs and muscles. This is what was causing the falling episodes.
The vet said that the cancer was not hereditary and that it is uncommon for this to develop like this in a dog so young.
Isis was a very strong and playful dog, she had many friends, animal and human alike. She normally had a healthy appetite and ate 1 can of wet Nutro Max (various flavors) and 1 and 1/2 cups of dry Nuro, Natural Choice Large Breed in the morning and at night. When she was a healthy she was 130 lbs normally.
Reviewed July 15, 2008
Our dog died after eating Nutro dog food. For about a week week we had been mixing Nutro Natural Choice for Seniors with her Iams Weight Control. While we were on vacation she suffed the same symptoms outlined in the article called Illness, Death Dog Nutro Pet Food. Five days into our vacation, the kennel owner rushed her to our vet on Thurday, July 10. At the vet her acute kidney failure did improve but she died on Sunday, July 13.
Nutro Dog Food Company Information
- Company Name:
- NUTRO Pet Foods
- Website:
- www.nutro.com
