STOP! Are you poisoning your pet?  Why corn & other grains might be bad!

FACTS you should know before you feed that kibble or canned food.

FOOD might contain ALPHATOXIN poison.  There is no antidote for alphatoxin poisoning.

Alphatoxin is a poison produced by certain mold on corn (and some other grains and peanuts).  Alphatoxin contamination is NOT ALLOWED in human foods, however it IS ALLOWED in ANIMAL FOODS (20ppb), except dairy. 

Alphatoxin poisoning if acute causes death.  Small amounts of alphatoxin poisoning over time lead to: sluggishness, loss of appetite, vomiting, liver damage, jaundice from liver damage, unexplained bruising or bleeding, and/or diarrhea.

In some cases, aflatoxins can affect blood clotting, and cause long-term liver problems. Some pets may suffer liver damage without showing any signs in the early stages of aflatoxin poisoning and if they continue eating contaminated food, they may die suddenly.

Alphatoxin is odorless and colorless and can survive cooking processes for dry and canned pet foods.  And, you will never notice its there when you open the bag or can.

Corn is the most common grain used in dog and cat food.  Corn used in pet food can be sourced from all 5 USDA grades, which range in percent broken and foreign material from 2-7%.  The likelihood of alphatoxin contamination of pet food increases with poorer quality corn.

“The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has established an “action level” of 20 ppb for aflatoxins in corn in interstate commerce. Even one highly contaminated kernel in a 5-lb sample could result in more than 20 ppb aflatoxin.”

HOW YOU can PROTECT YOUR PET!

Buy foods from reputable manufacturers with little or no recall history.   Rotate your pets’ diet with grain free and different grain containing foods, not dependent on corn.

Pay attention to your pets’ behavior and if you notice symptoms above don’t wait to change the food and see a veterinarian.  Discuss the food with the vet.  Keep a sample of the old food for testing with lot number and best use date.

Pets Pets Pets carries a full range of foods with NO CORN, wheat or soy.


Sources:

https://www.fda.gov/animal-veterinary/animal-health-literacy/aflatoxin-poisoning-pets

https://truthaboutpetfood.com/9-facts-about-corn-ingredients-in-pet-food/

https://www.extension.iastate.edu/grain/topics/MycotoxinsintheGrainMarket.htm