Dogswell slams Poisoned Pets over safety of Vitality treats
Dogswell is on the defense following an article on Poisoned Pets that there were reports from veterinarians of serious health issues possibly associated with a number of other types and brands of pet treats, including Dogswell Vitality pet treats.
The news that other treats, besides chicken jerky treats, may also be causing similar health problems with a variety of other treats, including Dogswell’s treats, didn’t sit well with them. Not because they were worried about pets, but because it was bad for business. Instead of showing genuine concern, or at the very least feigning it, Dogswell went on the attack.
The news regarding the expanded alert was initially published by Dr. Jean Hofve, a veterinarian and author of the popular site called Little Big Cat. Dr. Hofve’s article outlined a discussion by number of veterinarians on Veterinary Information News’ (VIN) private forum; in which veterinarians expressed concern that other types of treats types may also be of concern, including dehydrated sweet potato treats, dehydrated pork (pig’s ears) and treats marketed to cats.
Several brands were named, among them was Dogswell. Dogswell has responded by emphatically stating the “report” has no validity. Dogswell cited their oft touted “Quality Assurance” program along with lab test results “proving” their safety. While I applaud this type of transparency, it is by no means an absolute assurance that their treats are or are not completely free from every toxin known to man. It simply means they have gone through the trouble of testing a few of the more common contaminants.
Just like other companies that try to placate consumers with meaningless assurances and vehemently claim their products are safe because they have not found the contaminant — that being “proof” that their product is completely safe is, well, ludicrous. Since no one, including the FDA, knows what the toxic factor is, their test results are meaningless.
Dogswell didn’t like the implication and decided, unwisely, to take their dislike public. Beginning with a snarky posted on Poisoned Pets’ Facebook Page:
“DOGSWELL has tried to contact you regarding this story, and all our response comments on your blog are being deleted. Our Sweet Potato Treats are completely safe. We test extensively and post our test results online. We have not received any such reports and we track every customer call that comes in. www.dogswell.com/qualityassurance“
Poisoned Pets response:
“Couple of things Dogswell – first of all, I have never deleted any comment from Dogswell on my website Poisoned Pets. However, I did receive a private message from Dogswell which I did not feel was necessary to comply with.
Second, I did not respond to your private request to remove information regarding news I reported on regarding Dogswell Vitality pet treats from a credible source (veterinarian Dr. Jean Hofve) which I referenced.
When I report on a subject as serious as this, I make sure my sources are well-respected news sources. Should you wish to dispute what the veterinarians on Veterinary Information Network (www.vin.com), I invite you to take it up with them – not me.
Furthermore, if you would send me the test results of the Vitality treats (imported from China) referenced in the original article, I will be more than happy to evaluate them and provide my readers the results of your studies.
I have looked at the test result posted on Dogswell for the Vitality Sweet Potato, and I do not feel they are an adequate assurance of “quality”.
Should you wish to reassure your customers I would suggest testing for the other most commonly known nephrotoxins, as an example.f you have conducted any further testing, including a broader scope of contaminates with a particular emphasis on nephrotoxins, you may e-mail them as an attachment to molliemorrissette@gmail.com.
Veterinary Information Network (VIN) – For Veterinarians, By Veterinarians
The Veterinary Information Network is the oldest and largest online medical info…See More“
Dogswell:
“Mollie, The “report” you’re referring to on VIN was merely a single comment on a message board stating that a vet had a patient who had eaten three brands of sweet potato treats and gotten sick. He listed all three brands consumed, although he did not know which brand had caused the problem. A comment on a message board is not a “report” it is just that, a comment. We have tested for plenty of nephrotoxins and posted these results as well, so I suggest you take a look at www.dogswell.com/qualityassurance again and look at ALL the results posted.”
Imagine my surprise when I went to Dogswell’s “Quality Assurance” page to see if they added any new test results (their assurance that they’ve tested for “plenty” of nephrotoxins, was an invitation I couldn’t resist. ) — they hadn’t — with the exception of one change, a notice at the top of the page, in bold, which read:
UPDATE: The post on “Poisoned Pets” and other blog sites identifying DOGSWELL treats as harmful is FALSE. We have tried contacting the author, Mollie Morrissette, to no avail. She has deleted our comments and refused to issue a retraction despite being shown test results proving the VITALITY Veggie Life treats contain no pesticides or contaminants. We ask you to call us directly if you have any concerns or questions about DOGSWELL products. We’re here until 5:30 PM PST Mon-Fri 888-559-8833.
Hey, Dogswell, thanks for the free publicity! You know what they say, “any publicity is good publicity”… With that in mind, I will answer your charges:
1.) The report I refer to was not a “single comment” on Veterinary Information News network, but an entire discussion involving several vets who had seen dogs with symptoms similar to those seen with the toxic chicken jerky. Would you like me to publish that discussion?
2.) I did not identify “Dogswell treats as harmful”, what I did say was this:
…”veterinarians are reporting new cases of dogs developing symptoms of kidney failure (Fanconi’s syndrome) similar to dogs who have been poisoned by Chinese-made chicken jerky treats, but this time they are being poisoned with a whole new class of treats: sweet potato treats imported from China. The brands veterinarians say are associated with the new cases of unexplained acute kidney failure are…and Dogswell Veggie Life Vitality (4 types of Veggie Life brands)”.
3.) I have never deleted comments from Dogswell.
4.) Dogswell’s tests do not “prove” that Dogswell treats contain no pesticides or contaminants.
5.) Finally, I have never been “shown test results proving” that Dogswell treats have been thoroughly tested.
5.) While your invitation to call you directly is a grand gesture, I hesitate, especially when people use heavy-handed tactics with me. I prefer to have anything you say to me in writing.
I have a recommendation Dogswell, do not try this bullshit again, because not only does it makes you look really bad, but really, really stupid.
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77 Comments
Barbara Fidanque
Mollie, I commend you for your devotion to the wellbeing of all pets. You’re doing a GREAT SERVICE to the public and I do believe that I’m just a tiny fraction of those whose respect you have earned!
I worked in Central America as a volunteer with endangered species, you see so much heartbreak in that sort of work. Here at home finally in Colorado, our old Labrador died after eating chicken jerky from China.. he had autoimmune problems along with age but those treats were toxic to his kidneys.
The pet store removed them within a couple of months because of a recall.
Thank you for your courage Mollie! Petswell was so aggressive and you handled it beautifully.
With utmost respect,
Barbara Fidanque.
Belinda Joyce
Dogswell killed my German Shepherd Wolfy. He died unexpectedly July 7th 2013. At first we didn’t know why. Afterwards, we took all our dogs and cats to the vet for lab work. All the dogs had high liver enzymes but the cats were fine. Our vet said it was something the dogs ingested and we thought it was the food so we changed to Stewarts. Then we saw the July 2013 recall for the Happy Hips Chicken Jerky treats. We had bought 2 bags from Petsmart the week before he died. There was still half a bag in the pantry and the info matched the recall. All our dogs ate the treats, but Wolfy was addicted to chicken jerky and bugged us all the time for a treat. We were on vacation and my adult son thought he was spoiling Wolfy by giving him extra treats. I have never forgot what these monsters did to my beloved baby. I only hope they suffer the way my Wolfy did and that they all rot in hell.
Leif
Hello,
I have had it with all pet food manufacturers, all of them. If it’s more and more difficult to buy human grade that is not GMO, laced with hormones and antibiotics, then how much regulation is there in the pet food? The answer is very little. I fed my pug chicken treats from Dogswell, and found that they among every other pet food marketer was sourcing from China. You have to be cheaper than cheap to source protein from China. As it turns out, 90 percent of dog and cat food is still sourced from China, the shipping costs more than the product.
Make your own pet food and treats from quality meats and vegetables. F the corporations who don’t give a F about you or your pet.
Also, use purified water or the best quality water you can get.
Avoid chemically sprayed areas with your pet.
Become an expert on what your pet should eat and shouldn’t eat, don’t trust fancy packaging on which it is still legal in this country to completely lie to the consumer. (You cannot force a company in the United States to tell the truth about what is sells as pet food).
Become an expert on pet medications, some of them are causing several diseases on their own.
Make sure your pet gets the right amount of food, exercise, love, social time, and have a healthy place to call home.
Brin
This is going to seem like a dumb question, but I have a back injury that makes it hard for me to get around and I just bought several large bags of Dogswell kibble for my dogs from a feed store that mainly carries very healthful lines of pet food (Pure Vita, Instinct, Primal, etc.). These were on sale, so I asked if they had any issues with the product, remembering something about Dogswell treats, and they said no; so I trusted that and got them. I can take them back, but the pain thing is an obstacle. Have there been any issues reported regarding kibble products made by Dogswell? I’m feeling like I should just take them back, anyway, really – why be on the leading edge of a problem? Usually, I buy only products made by smaller companies which have good sourcing policies (I buy frozen raw from Small Batch, treats from Evanger’s, etc.) and stick to those with ingredients I can find in my own fridge. Smaller independent pet stores will carry these, if they are pet “health food” stores; and the employees are often very well informed. Even PetCo Unleashed still carries mainly only mid-range quality foods; but I think they are just introducing the public to higher quality and will keep adding better foods. Chewy.com carries a lot of high quality foods and the phone reps seem knowledgeable. One can also just slow-roast chicken strips and make treats, that way, which is on my docket to experiment with.
Noy Valenta
I believe that my dog has been poisoned by Dogswell’s treat – Vitality Veggie and Beef treats (even though it is made in USA). This is very recent since our pup is currently seeking treatment.
We feel like we are horrible parents due to past history:
Three months ago, our puppy, Lemon, was given chicken jerky by Dogswell. After several days she developed high fever and was diagnosed with Fever of Unknown Origin. I contacted Dogswell to inform them of such but did not have any evidence that it was the chicken jerky. They denied it and told me that they will send treats that were made in the USA. Several weeks later these Vitality Veggie Beef treats showed up at our front door step with the words MADE IN THE USA on them. We were at first hesitant to try it but recently, we gave Lemon some of it. She now has a high fever again and we are almost entirely sure that it is the treat.
We feel guilty and sad that we unconsciously poisoned our very loved puppy. I am only writing this post in hopes that this does not happen to anyone else. STAY AWAY FROM DOGSWELL PRODUCT!
Mollie Morrissette
The CJTs are made in China, period. The beef treats are likely from Brazil. Pig and Duck – China. Their factories are NOT approved by the USDA either. That is a lie.
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Pepe'
Well..I have been eating and enjoying Vitality minis chicken breast for at least 2 years…..I am 15 years old, 7 &1/2 pound dog. They are my favorite, I eat about 6 a day. I would eat more if the folks would let me. I would be dead by now if it were a problem. I am healthy, except loss of hearing and that is not due to treats. My folks do not trust any other products from China, but I am so crazy about these treats that they allow them.
Sure hope they do find the real cause and ban any products coming into the US that cause illness and deaths. Sincerely. Pepe’
SC
Catswell has a voluntary recall right now with their chicken jerky. http://vitals.nbcnews.com/_news/2012/07/27/12998197-arthur-dogswell-recalls-cat-chicken-jerky-treats-fda-says?lite
Mollie Morrissette
I know – just did a piece about it.
SC
I’ve purchased 4 15oz worth of the Vitality chicken breast with flaxseed and vitamins since I’ve adopted my now 1 year old dog. My dog loves them and to my knowlege no harm has happened to her health. But I’ve been fooled. I thought it was an American company.. I saw the L.A. adress etc but it is a SUPER challenge to find it was made in China and I just discovered this looking up recent recalls on foods I give her. Also on their website they claim the chickens free ranged.. but also note they are BARN raised. Did these chickens ever get to see any sunlight? It’s harmful to animals and humans unless albino to not recieve regular sunlight, and full spectrum lighting isn’t the same. Humans for instance that spends many hours per night/day under flouresant lighting that contains only 2 colors get many harmful side effects from.
teddystail
The “yay” was for you – for getting the word out there. Glad you recognized the “fake.” All we (the people like you & I) want to do is save people from the heartbreak of losing a pet. I try not to get too discouraged by the $$$$-changers out there, but sometimes it’s hard not to. Teddy has done so much better than I ever dreamed on his homemade food. Now I wish I would have switched him sooner. Keep on doing what you do – I, for one, really appreciate it!!
Mollie Morrissette
Bless you. I try…It’s a tough row to hoe, if you want to do it ethically and honestly. Which means no affiliations, sponsors or what-have-you’s associated with the pet food industry.
It just gets weary being broke all the time. Too bad I wasn’t a trust fund baby, then I could relax and not have to worry about reality and the credit collectors knocking at my door. *sigh*
JIM R
WOW!!!! So yesterday I went to the local pet store to get my dog some food. I asked the girl about some natural treats for my dog. She walked me over and showed me the line of Veggie Life Vitality Sweet Potato’s, So I picked up a bag and headed Home.
I feed my dog his normal dog food, Nutro. Never had a problem with this dog food.
Later in the afternoon I gave my dog one of the Veggie Life Sweet potato’s. I also gave him another at night.
Last night my dog went into seizures and was lethargic. My dog has never been sick. I take him to the emergency 24 hour Vet and the first thing they asked ” Did you introduce your dog to any new food or treats?” I sure Did, and I will never Buy Veggie Life again. or anything from China. I don’t trust China, They don’t like dogs.
So today I Googled the product and found lots negative blogs about this product.
I WILL NEVER BUY VEGGIE LIFE SWEET POTATO’S!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Yet, I would like to send a few bags of the treats to a few Labs to see what’s in them. I am well off and I can afford to do it. I just want to get to the bottom of this.
Can anyone recommend a few labs I can send some samples of all the Veggie Life treats. My wife is a reporter for CNN and if anything is wrong, WE WILL GO PUBLIC!
Thank you Guys……
Mollie Morrissette
Well, Jim you contacted the right person. I am probably the expert on the treat issue. I will contact you privately and give you more information. I hope your dog is alright, but sadly many have not survived. You were very lucky. Thanks for contacting me, I will be more than happy to help you. In fact it will be my great pleasure. Look forward to talking!
teddystail
Yay – thanks, Mollie. I am so sorry about all of the pups who were made sick by these things. It disgusts me that I still see the treats on the shelves in the pet stores. I get ignored when I bring up their safety or I hear the employees whisper about that crazy lady who refuses to feed her animals anything but homemade. Maybe now some voices will be heard. Keep up the good work.
Mollie Morrissette
Thanks. We’ll see. I’m still waiting for an answer…it might have been fake.
Mollie Morrissette
I’m not sure if the Yay! was for CNN, but thanks anyway. I think it was a fake. Good thing I was smart enough not to spill the beans…Don’t worry – you are in good company — that “crazy lady” just might save your dog one day if you pay attention and listen to her. I think for some people it needs to hit close to home before they “get it”. Then they will join the many happy healthy “crazy people” with happy healthy pets.
Amber
Hi Mollie! Would you please contact me privately also. I have two Shih Tzus, one of which was recently ill, who regularly eat the Veggie Life Sweet Potato chews. I have several bags of treats, and would like to have them independently tested.
Mollie Morrissette
Michigan State University is probably the best place. They have an excellent toxicology lab. All of the details are online at MSU. I tried to email the docs to you but my email program crashed. Test for known nephrotoxins and atypical nephrotoxins. Ask them to look for aristolich acid and jatropha toxins as well. Have your vet submit the samples if you can.
christopher r closterman
Dogwells I hope you get this because im contacting an attorney if my dog gets sick you chinese loven pieces of shit
Heywood Jablome
Who the heck is Mollie Morrissette & what makes her such an expert on everything?
Erika Sheldon
You’re crazy lady
Mollie Morrissette
Why, thank you Erika!
Gina G.
Thank you SO much for all this info. For the past 3 months, I’ve been feeding my new rescue dog Dogswell sweet potato chews (happy hips) and about a month ago she started exhibiting the symptoms you describe (increased thirst, accidents in the house, and a urinalysis came back with dilute urine!). I’m convinced these chews are harming my dog. I knew about the chicken treats but it didn’t dawn on me to check the sweet potato chews (especially when they are sold in high-end stores!).
Mark F
Fantastic articles, extremely informative !!
I am returning my (luckily) unopened Dogswell Vitality Sweet Potato product today and will be inspecting the “high class” store I bought them from for other products they should not be selling.
Marci M
Thank you for your response. Treats are gone. And will research for better food choice. And have conversation with my vet.
Marci M
just last week when shopping for a new dog food, my dog had been eating Kirklands & Kirklands Natures Domain, the Chuck and Dons sales associate recommended Nutrisca Dog food and along with it the Vitality Jerky Bar. I looked the package over and nothing states made in China, and there is a USA flag emblem on package (indicating made in the USA ? ) Now I am concerned. I made the food change because my dog has been not well for a couple of weeks. Seizures, lethargic. The vet didn’t find anything to out of the ordinary except a kidney function level that was slightly elevated and wants to recheck in a couple of weeks. I want to feed him the best food choice. Should i stop these treats and I also question the food, considering that these are made by Dogswell and what I am reading here has me concerned.
Mollie Morrissette
That is so typical! Sleazy marketing. Think about these names, “Waggin’ Train” and “Canyon Creek Ranch”. Golly, I didn’t know they had wagon trains in China or big ranches near canyons and cricks? Spare me. Those people make me sick! If they want to be patriotic – don’t lie to the American people. What an insult to consumers and to the American flag.
Mollie Morrissette
Yes, stop feeding the treats IMMEDIATELY. All of Dogswell’s treats are imported from China. I would choose a healthier diet as well. If your dog has seizures there is something seriously wrong. Has your vet reported this to the FDA, they may want to test the treats and the food. You should report the matter to the FDA as well (see sticky post). If your vet is uncertain of the diagnosis suggest to him/her to consult with Cornell. It is a service offered to all veterinarians and others that work with animals.
dennis adkins
and thats my 3 main questions in my lawsuit why are there guidelines,who made them and how? someone in that company knows something and hopefully we will too.
Mollie Morrissette
Search “Feeding Guidelines” on Poisoned Pets and in an article I wrote about how they were “created” and by whom. It’s fascinating and sad.
Mollie Morrissette
You are THE Dennis Adkins!! OMG!! I have been waiting for you!! WOW!! Email me, have I got some stuff to tell you!
dennis adkins
all of these dog treat companys keep saying there products are safe if you follow feeding guidelines on the package well if you look at the yam treats its 2 for a dog 10-25lbs or for the same size dog you can give them 2 chicken strips. so what do they do they combine the yam & chicken strips and call them chicken wrapped yams.which per feeding guidelines you can give the same size dog 2 of these. now they exceeds there own guidelines by 100%.2 chicken wrapped yams =2 chicken strips + 2 yams. they don’t know whats going on in there own house.you cant fix stupid that’s something they will keep forever.
Mollie Morrissette
Dennis, you hit the nail on the head. It’s complete and utter nonsense. Did you know the so-called “feeding guidelines” were an invention of the former president of Waggin Train? He made them up two months after the FDA’s first warning back in 2007. I think that it was to shift the responsibility and blame for any problems with the toxic treats onto the consumer. The logic being a little poison is better than allot? Madness.
Karen Thompson
I hope they can fix that. I mean, those healthy dogs becoming a sick dog because of the food they eat. It’s really scary. Now, we’re feeding my dog with other dog food that are reliable. I hope they can control of these.
John S
hey just found your site via a cross link in comments at http://www.truthaboutpetfood.com … glad to have found you. i had a similar experience with dogswell where I found the chicken jerky treats I had just bought from them were made in China… wrote to them (I think on their facebook page??? and they deleted my comment (? not going back to double check my memory)…anyway I finally got an abrasive response basically just saying “we test all our products they’re safe” which to me was useless because I know they’re not testing every piece of jerky and all it takes is one bad one… I took the virtually untouched bags of jerky back to Target with a copy of the news story and Target gave me my money back (sadly did not pull them from the shelves though). I never bought Dogswell again. Their response was obviously about damage control and trying to minimize their business losses instead of really caring for pets.
Mollie Morrissette
Thanks John. Susan is the best, isn’t she? And Dogswell, well, what can I say that I haven’t already. Kinda funny though, they sure shut their trap when I confronted them. The big bullies.
kathi richards
Thank you so much for doing what you do.
I fed Dogswell treats to dogs entrusted to me for transport, never knowing that they might get sick from them. I even fed what was left to my dogs. I then asked a local pet shop to order them for me. They said NO as they came from China. WTH!! I learned and learned fast. No more China based food for my pups or anyone elses.
Thank you again for your great site!!
Evelyn Levy
About 3 years ago my two remaining Greyhounds became very, very ill. I strongly suspected the chicken jerky I had just brought home from Costco. I complained to the Feds, contacted Costco and eventually the company that manufactured them (I think it was Wagon Train). The company showed me copies of their testing they were doing, unfortunately I did not know enough to be able to tell if they were testing for everything they should. The dogs survived, but were compromised, one never fully recovered and died ostensibly from Cancer within months and the other, much younger dog, suddenly developed a long list of issues and after struggling for a year, we had to put him out of his misery at 8 years old. The first time I checked in with my local Costco, I was told they were not aware of any problems, nor had they had any complaints. I was shocked when I came back the second time to Costco, about a month later, to be told by the customer service person – there are no complaints and no issues – when I knew there should have been at the least one. Easy to say there have been no complaints when your company does not report or record them. I kept the bag and the chicken jerky a couple of years before throwing them out as I could not afford to send them off for testing (as they suggested I could do). Attitude like that is what has allowed this to go on for so long with so many innocent pets becoming ill and dying.
Mollie Morrissette
That’s why I do what I do. I will fight tooth and nail and expose every rotten dirty little secret I find on these stinkers. Thanks for sharing your story, and sadly your story is a familiar one…We will never know the true number of pets affected…I am so sorry for your loss. It is heartbreaking.
Jessica
Good for you Mollie! I’m not sure who else they are bullying but maybe they will get their “stuff” together before they try it again. Thank you for all that you do, my pets and I appreciate it!
Erika Sheldon
Yes, it’s so professional to swear
Holly McCutcheon
Obviously Dogswell has enjoyed the focus being on Wagon Train, Canyon Creek and Milo’s. Too bad…. ANYONE importing the treats from China should be way more concerned than what they are showing. Once again, profits rule. Mollie, you did a great job of putting them in their place. Anyone who has done any investigating knows the truth. It should make you feel good that they are so scared of you!!! BTW – please do not delete my comment !! LOL
Mollie Morrissette
Thanks Holly! Their mistake was taking this public. Especially with someone like me. I have nothing to hide, so if they want to show me the comments they said I deleted — I’ll eat my cat, oops – I mean hat! Har dee har har!
Pat Cannon
Thanks Mollie!! I was just looking at these treats in the pet store last week, but thought better of it, and put them back. Dogswell’s response (or lack thereof) assures that these products have no place in my home. Ever.
Mollie Morrissette
Thanks Pat! It was my pleasure.
Your comment exemplifies why a company should NEVER shoot the messenger. Even if they were right (which they’re weren’t), it makes them look like total creeps. And no one wants to buy products from sleazebags. It’s a sure-fire way to lose customers!
Dawn
Thanks Mollie! I personally make all my treats at home for myself. It’s the best way to insure that the quality is good.
I have not used Dogswell products myself, and this article and their response is a good reason not to start! I will be posting for my friends to see too.
Thanks, and keep up the good work!!
Shonie Rose
I would not believe anything Dogswell says as both my friend and I (before becoming better educated) tried their canned foods and on more than one occasion found the cans labeled as one “flavor”, but upon opening found different ingredients than were supposed to be in there.
Kathy Thompson
Sweet potatoes do grow in the US–there is no excuse for buying anything from barbarians! Even if they are now rich, that just makes them rich barbarians! We grow chickens here too. I fail to see any logic in sourcing ingredients overseas when we have them right here and our own economy could sure use the boost!
Thank you Mollie, for standing up on your hind feet and barking back at Dogswell!
teddystail
Thank you, Mollie! Stand your ground! Big corporations love to use “intimidation” tactics.- against the “little people.” We aren’t so little when we all stand together for a cause such as this. I lost my cat during the pet food recall of 2007. I do whatever I can to educate others and make them aware of the fact that they have choices. Keep up the good work. We need people like you!
Kathy
Dr. Laurie Coger (@TheWholisticVet)
Good job Mollie!
I’ve got a suggestion for Dogswell (ironic name, possibly, huh?) Get your ingredients from somewhere other than China! With the track record of ingredients from China being unsafe in pet foods, treats, baby formula, and more, why would you source from there???? Unless it’s because it’s so much cheaper….
And another newsflash: if your customers’ dogs die from your treats, who will you sell your next batch to?
Anyone want to know how to make your own jerky type treats? Tweet me or post on my facebook site http://www.facebook.com/TheWholisticVet I’ll help you!
Jen
It’s funny that the companies involved in these speculations are acting in this manner. Waggin Train, the Nestle Purina subsidiary, has also been very defensive, in a business loss concern sort of way, and according to an article on Dogster last week, there’s a class action lawsuit filed over that.
I would just like companies to realize that we don’t to feed garbage and chemicals to our dogs. We want to feed them FOOD. Nice, safe, uncontaminated, food. If this was baby food, they’d really be in hot water. But, we’re only talking about pets here, which is far less concerning apparently.
polarityheals
Thank you Mollie! I don’t buy human or dog treats or food that in any way come from China. China has a history of replacing food and filler ingredients with poison or toxic ingredients to either make more profit or because in the Chinese culture they don’t like to say no they can’t do something, so they ‘find a way’ even if it’s making it with ingredients they shouldn’t be using. I simply just don’t eat anything from China, so why should my pets? Dogswell, you should be ashamed at yourself. If you want me to start buying your sweet potato treats again, I suggest you follow Mollie’s advice and publicly send her the results she has requested. The pet food industry in general is disgusting, and now I make ALL my dog’s food and treats myself. It’s all I can trust.
Mollie Morrissette
You’re welcome.
I really don’t care for their tactics and since I knew I was not the only one on the receiving end of their heavy-handed tactics – I knew I couldn’t let it slide.
They are the victims of their own stupidity.
briancotton22
Way to go Mollie. With publicity like that you will soon be famous! Keep up the good work. Brian
Debby
Inserted in some of the treats is a package of silica gel / deoxidizer, I am wondering if this could be a cause of poisoning ?
chissus
Why don’t they just test their damn products? This is not going away. Most people love their pets or else they wouldn’t be buying them treats.
Mollie Morrissette
You tell me. It’s kind of a no-brainer to me. To be fair, they have tested for a number of potential contaminants — just not all the ones I am interested in – nephrotoxins for example – as in, ALL of them. Hello!
Susan Rhodes
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this article.
You tell ’em Mollie!
Mollie Morrissette
Well you know, they were just asking for it. And I have a thing about bullies, especially if they have ANYTHING to do with our furbabies. They mess with me and they’re in for a world of hurt!
Dogswell has a history of using intimidation as a method of dealing with people they don’t like. Believe me, I am not the only one who has been the unfortunate recipient of their abuse. I figured it was about time someone faced up to them.
And besides, I love a good fight!
Rori
Way to go mollie! Thanks for all your research and dedication to pets everywhere! I don’t personally buy that stuff for my dogs but I would not buy it if it comes from china. China uses equipment for food that is contaminated with all kinds of toxins and bacteria. We as Americans need to Only buy U.S. made only stuff. This is half of our country’s problem we don’t have potatoes and chicken here? BOYCOT non American made products not made here in the USA!
Mollie Morrissette
Thanks Rori!
Cherie
I love this Mollie! Way to stand your ground. You can’t let bullies just walk all over you and you handled yourself in a very professional manner. I’m glad you’re looking out for our furkids.
Mollie Morrissette
Thanks Cherie! Anyone messes with our furkids and watch out brother…
Elizabeth
Thank you, Mollie for standing up to the “BIG” guys. I called Dogswell several years ago myself and they could not or would not answer my questions regarding their quality control and safety. My reply to their rep was, I will not give my dogs any foods or treats that I cannot confirm it’s safety. They didn’t seem to care. I guess I was just another nosey customer that has not and will not purchase their products. Thamks, again. Elizabeth (LibVenters@aol.com)
Mollie Morrissette
Thanks Elizabeth! One thing I can’t stand a bullies. Not only that, but they are lying sacks of sh*t. Sorry, but that’s the truth.
And when they started in on me…well that was it. I had just about all I could take.
They just had to keep pushing it, they escalated a problem they created in the first place. It’s their own damn fault, as far as I’m concerned.
I guess they figured no one would stand up to them and they could get away with it. Sorry! Not with me.
ken
I`m with you Mollie. I have three pugs who I care for more than a lot of humans I have met. I would be devestated & outraged if something happened to them because any company cared more about protecting their profits, than putting out a safe product.
ken V
Mollie Morrissette
Thanks Ken. I just love pugs! Three? How adorable! I think they have the most expressive faces. They just kill me. Yeah, when Dogswell pulled that sh*t – I was livid. It’s important to note that I am not the only food safety person (including a vet) they have bullied. And those two people are people I respect and care about. So put that together with a crazy cat lady on a mission…and look out! Funny, I haven’t heard a peep out of them since. The stinkers. Your babies are the reason I do what I do, so thanks for comment. Plus, I just hate bullies.
silver
good job mollie ..
Mollie Morrissette
Thanks Silver! Anything for the furkids!