Change pet food labeling rules

We the undersigned would like to bring to the attention of the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO), an urgent matter about the quality and safety of pet food.


I would like to draw your attention to a situation which is threatening the lives of many dogs. Your organization can do something about it. I was told when talking to the FDA on the phone that I need to show that I have support from other members of the community before a change would even be considered.  Therefore, we have circulated this petition letter. Those who have signed the petition agree that it is vital that ingredient labeling regulations be changed to require manufacturers to list all ingredients contained in pet food no matter how minute the amount and should be done in a timely manner.


My puppy, Precious, suffers from life-threatening canine epilepsy. I belong to a world wide group for owners of dogs who have seizures disorders called k9 elipelpsy at yahoo groups. We are dedicated to supporting and helping each other cope with every aspect of this difficult disorder in the last six months, two dogs in our group have died from complications. You may not be aware of this, but epilepsy is one of the most common neurologic disorders in dogs and is
considered on the top five canine health concerns. Some studies estimate up to 4% of all dogs suffer from on-going seizures. In some breeds, the incidence may be higher and some families may have up to 14% epileptics. Epilepsy occurs less frequently in cats and other pets, presumably because they do not have a hereditary form of the disease.

Precious, who was rescued from a puppy mill, has suffered from seizures for most of her young life. In working with our veterinarian to try to control the frequency and severity of the episodes, we've learned that most veterinarians, breeders, and owners agree that diet plays a crucial role.


One of the ingredients several of us have been warned to avoid is rosemary, which can trigger seizures in some epileptic dogs. (According to epilepsy.com   other herbs/oils that may cause seizures include Eucalyptus, Fennel, Hyssop, Pennyroyal, Rosemary, Sage, Savin, Tansy, Thuja, Turpentine, and Wormwood.) We started very carefully reading labels on dog and human food to make sure that those ingredients were not included. As we researched products that are safe to feed our puppy and others with canine epilepsy, we were shocked to learn that many companies make dog food which contains rosemary but they are not required to include it on their ingredient  label because it is considered a minute amount. We are asking for your help in changing the regulations so that all ingredients included in dog food must be listed. Failure to do so prevent owners from making informed decisions about their dog's diet and threatens dogs who ingest unlisted ingredients that trigger seizures-and may cause death.

Labeling related problems extend beyond simply listing all ingredients. Manufacturers should also be required to immediately change their labeling when changing or altering ingredients. While looking up things I came across this article which is somewhat scary. There seems to be a lot room for reform in animal feed.
http://www.fda.gov/AboutFDA/CentersOffices/CVM/CVMFOIAElectronicReadingRoom/ucm1
29131.htm


After some of the deadly incidents involving dog food in the last couple years, pet owners today are so much more aware of safety and would welcome this change to help them become more informed consumers. I would appreciate any assistance you can give me in finding out who we need to work with to get laws governing labeling of dog food changed. There are thousands of people who would be willing to become involved in a campaign to help ensure that pet food is fully labeled to ensure the health of our pets.


A little bit of rosemary may not seem like a big deal to a manufacturer but it is a matter of life or death to my 10-month-old puppy and to so many other dogs. We as informed and concerned owners want to buy quality dog food and to know exactly what is in it and would appreciate your assistance in addressing this issue.


We the undersigned would like to see the regulations that monitor pet food changed so that all ingredients are included in it, and done in a timely manner. This is necessary so that we can keep our dogs safe from horrible reactions and give them what they and we deserve- a long and happy life as our treasured companions.


Thank you in advance for your consideration,


ARDEN TOWNSEND
Representing: k9 epilepsy at Yahoo Groups