A number of petfood brands have tested positive for potentially harmful bacteria and other contaminants, according to a project funded by a group of pet owners and coordinated by the Association for Truth in Pet Food.
The project is the first of its kind to use crowdfunding to test pet products: In April 2014, an IndieGoGo campaign began to raise US$10,000 " to test many different brands and varieties of petfood for dangerous contaminants." The campaign said that all test results would become public information, including brand names, and that all at-risk results would be provided to petfood regulatory authorities. Once the money was raised (US$15,705 by the time the campaign ended in June 2014), Association for Truth in Pet Food oversaw the project and documented each product tested, compiling results for dissemination to the public and authorities.
The Pet Food Test examined 12 petfood products, six cat foods and six dog foods, according to the association. Testing was performed with the assistance of INTI Services. Eleven petfood products were ordered online (shipped directly from the online retailer to INTI Services) and one petfood product was purchased directly from a veterinarian. Products were shipped "blind" to numerous laboratories contracted by INTI Services.
Products were tested for mycotoxins, guaranteed analysis/mineral content, cyanuric acid and melamine, euthanizing drugs and bacteria:
The full report can be found on the association's website, including infographics, an overview of results and the full results.
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