The event was reported by the company in a news release dated May 18, 2012.

The recall includes Diamond Naturals Small Breed Adult Dog Lamb and Rice Formula samples, 6 pound and 18 pound bags manufactured on Aug. 26, 2011.

Salmonella infections can affect both humans and non-human animals and are the result of ingesting contaminated food.

What Products Are Being Recalled?

The recall includes Diamond Naturals Small Breed Adult Dog Lamb and Rice Formula with the following bag codes and “Best Before” dates:

• Bag Code DSL0801 26-Aug-2012
• Bag Code DSL0801 26-Aug-2012
• Bag Code DSL0801 27-Sept-2012 (Product manufactured on August. 26, 2011 and packaged on September 27, 2011)
• Bag Code DSL0801 18-Oct- 2012 (Product manufactured on August 26, 2011 and packaged on October 18, 2011)
• Bag Code DSL0801 Samples

Where Were the Recalled Products Sold?

The recall affects products distributed in the following U.S. states:

• Colorado
• Illinois
• Kentucky
• Louisiana
• Michigan
• Minnesota
• Missouri
• Oklahoma
• Pennsylvania
• South Dakota
• Tennessee
• Texas
• Wisconsin

What to Do?

Salmonella is serious business — for both you and your pet. So, if you can confirm your dog’s food is one of the products being recalled, stop feeding or handling it immediately.

If you’ve discarded the packaging (something we recommend you never do) – or you’re in any way in doubt – do not take chances. Be safe. Stop feeding the product anyway.

As far as what to do with your recalled product, the company suggests:

Pet owners who are unsure if the product they purchased is included in the recall, or who would like replacement product or a refund, may contact Diamond Pet Foods via a toll free call at 866-918-8756, Monday through Sunday, 8 AM to 6 PM EST

You can report complaints about FDA-regulated pet food products by calling the consumer complaint coordinator in your area.

Or go to http://www.fda.gov/petfoodcomplaints.

Get Dog Food Recall Alerts by Email

Get dog food recall alerts delivered right to your Inbox the moment we become aware of them. Subscribe to The Dog Food Advisor’s Dog Food Recall Alert email notification list now.

Nutro Natural Choice Trays dog food receives the Advisor’s second-highest rating of 4.5 stars.

The Nutro Natural Choice Trays product line includes six canned dog foods, four claimed to meet AAFCO nutrient profiles for adult maintenance and two for growth (Puppy).

The following is a list of recipes available at the time of this review.

• Puppy Beef and Vegetable Dinner
• Adult Chicken and Brown Rice Entree
• Adult Simmered Beef and Potato Stew
• Adult Savory Lamb and Vegetable Stew
• Puppy Chicken, Rice and Oatmeal Dinner
• Adult Roasted Turkey and Vegetable Entree

Nutro Natural Choice Trays Adult Chicken and Brown Rice Entree was selected to represent the others in the line for this review.

The first ingredient in this dog food is chicken broth. Broths are nutritionally empty. But because they add both flavor and moisture to a dog food they are a common finding in many canned products.

The second ingredient is chicken. Chicken is considered “the clean combination of flesh and skin… derived from the parts or whole carcasses of chicken”.¹

Chicken is naturally rich in the ten essential amino acids required by a dog to sustain life.

The third and fourth ingredients are chicken and beef liver. These are organ meats sourced from a named animal and thus considered a beneficial component.

The fifth ingredient is wheat gluten. Gluten is the rubbery residue remaining once wheat has had most of its starchy carbohydrate washed out of it.

Compared to meat, glutens are inferior plant-based proteins low in many of the essential amino acids dogs need for life.

This inexpensive plant-based ingredient can significantly boost the total protein reported on the label — a factor that must be considered when judging the actual meat content of this dog food.

The sixth ingredient is peas. Peas are a quality source of carbohydrates. Plus (like all legumes) they’re rich in natural fiber.

However, peas contain about 25% protein, a factor that must be considered when judging the actual meat content of this dog food.

The seventh ingredient is pork plasma. Plasma is what remains of blood after the blood cells themselves have been removed. Plasma can be considered a nutritious addition.

The eighth ingredient is brown rice, a complex carbohydrate that (once cooked) can be fairly easy to digest. However, aside from its natural energy content, rice is of only modest nutritional value to a dog.

The ninth item lists starch. The source of this starch is unknown but it is most likely derived from corn or wheat. Without more information, it’s impossible to adequately judge the quality of this ingredient.

From here, the list goes on to include a number of other items.

But to be realistic, ingredients located this far down the list (other than nutritional supplements) are not likely to affect the overall rating of this product.

With five notable exceptions…

First, we find brewers dried yeast. Brewers yeast can be a controversial item. Although it’s a by-product of the beer making process, this ingredient contains about 45% protein and is rich in other healthy nutrients.

Fans believe yeast repels fleas and supports the immune system.

Critics argue yeast ingredients can be linked to allergies. This may be true, but (like all allergies) only if your particular dog is allergic to the yeast itself.

What’s more, a vocal minority insists yeast can increase the risk of developing the life-threatening condition known as bloat. However, this is something we’ve not been able to scientifically verify.

In any case, unless your dog is specifically allergic to it, yeast can still be considered a nutritious additive.

Next, we find sunflower oil. Sunflower oil is nutritionally similar to safflower oil. Since these oils are high in omega-6 fatty acids and contain no omega-3′s, they’re considered less nutritious than canola or flaxseed oils.

Sunflower oil is notable for its resistance to heat damage during cooking.

There are several different types of sunflower oil, some better than others. Without knowing more, it’s impossible to judge the quality of this ingredient.

Thirdly, fish oil is naturally rich in the prized EPA and DHA type of omega-3 fatty acids. These two high quality fats boast the highest bio-availability to dogs and humans.

Depending on its level of freshness and purity, fish oil should be considered a commendable addition.

Next, chicory pulp is what remains of chicory root once all the healthy inulin has been extracted.

This agricultural by-product is more typically associated with cattle feeds and is most likely used here for its digestible dietary fiber.

And lastly, this food also contains chelated minerals, minerals that have been chemically attached to protein. This makes them easier to absorb. Chelated minerals are usually found in better dog foods.

Nutro Natural Choice Trays Dog Food
The Bottom Line

Judging by its ingredients alone, Nutro Natural Choice Trays looks to be an above-average wet dog food.

But ingredient quality by itself cannot tell the whole story. We still need to estimate the product’s meat content before determining a final rating.

The dashboard displays a dry matter protein reading of 44%, a fat level of 17% and estimated carbohydrates of about 31%.

As a group, the brand features an average protein content of 46% and a mean fat level of 19%. Together, these figures suggest a carbohydrate content of 20% for the overall product line.

And a fat-to-protein ratio of about 40%.

Above-average protein. Below-average fat. And below-average carbs when compared to a typical canned dog food.

When you consider the protein-boosting effect of the wheat gluten, this looks like the profile of a wet product containing a moderate amount of meat.

Bottom line?

Nutro Natural Choice Trays is a meat-based canned product using a moderate amount of named meats and liver as its main sources of animal protein, thus earning the brand 4.5 stars.

Highly recommended.

A Final Word

This review is designed to help you make a more informed decision when buying dog food. However, our rating system is not intended to suggest feeding a particular product will result in specific health benefits for your pet.

For a better understanding of how we analyzed this product, please be sure to read our article, “The Problem with Dog Food Reviews“.

Remember, no dog food can possibly be appropriate for every life stage, lifestyle or health condition. So, choose wisely. And when in doubt consult a veterinarian for help.

Have an opinion about this dog food? Or maybe the review itself? Please know we welcome your comments.

Notes and Updates

05/17/2012 Original review
05/17/2012 Last Update

Variety Dog Food receives the Advisor’s second-highest tier rating of 4 stars.

The Variety product line lists 15 canned dog foods, 14 claimed to meet AAFCO nutrient profiles for all life stages and one recipe (Grandma’s Home Cooking) for growth and maintenance.

The following is a list of recipes available at the time of this review.

• Variety Homestyle Recipes Pacific Entreé
• Variety Homestyle Recipes Sunday Brunch
• Variety Down Home Recipes Sunday Buffet
• Variety Down Home Recipes Texan Spread
• Variety Homestyle Plus Dad’s Savory Catch
• Variety Down Home Recipes New York Grille
• Variety Homestyle Recipes Colorado Cookout
• Variety Homestyle Recipes Savannah Crockpot
• Variety Homestyle Plus Mom’s Tasty Mixed Grill
• Variety Homestyle Plus Grandma’s Buffet Dinner
• Variety Homestyle Recipes Mom’s Turkey Dinner
• Variety Homestyle Recipes Grandma’s Casserole
• Variety Down Home Recipes Savannah Casserole
• Variety Down Home Recipes Southwestern Cookout
• Variety Down Home Recipes Grandma’s Home Cooking

Variety Homestyle Recipes Grandma’s Casserole was selected to represent the other products in the line for this review.

The first ingredient in this dog food is beef. Beef is defined as “the clean flesh derived from slaughtered cattle” and includes skeletal muscle or the muscle tissues of the tongue, diaphragm, heart or esophagus.¹

Beef is naturally rich in all ten essential amino acids required by a dog to sustain life.

The second ingredient is beef broth. Broths are nutritionally empty. But because they add moisture to a dog food they are a common finding in many canned products.

The third ingredient is beef liver. This is an organ meat sourced from a named animal and thus considered a beneficial component.

The fourth ingredient is potato. Potatoes can be considered a gluten-free source of digestible carbohydrates. Yet with the exception of perhaps their caloric content, potatoes are of only modest nutritional value to a dog.

The fifth ingredient is barley. Barley is a starchy carbohydrate supplying fiber and other healthy nutrients. Unlike grains with a higher glycemic index, barley can help support more stable blood sugar levels.

The next two ingredients are brown rice, a complex carbohydrate that (once cooked) can be fairly easy to digest. However, aside from its natural energy content, rice is of only modest nutritional value to a dog.

The eighth ingredient is chicken meal. Chicken meal is considered a meat concentrate and contains nearly 300% more protein than fresh chicken.

It’s unusual to find a meat meal in a canned recipe. However, because this is an animal based protein, it must still be considered superior to almost any plant-based ingredient.

The ninth ingredient is carrots. Carrots are rich in beta-carotene, minerals and dietary fiber.

The tenth ingredient is sweet potato. Sweet potatoes are a gluten-free source of complex carbohydrates in a dog food. They are naturally rich in dietary fiber and beta carotene.

From here, the list goes on to include a number of other items.

But to be realistic, ingredients located this far down the list (other than nutritional supplements) are not likely to affect the overall rating of this product.

With four notable exceptions…

First, we find flaxseed meal, one of the best plant-based sources of healthy omega-3 fatty acids. Flax meal is particularly rich in soluble fiber.

Next, dried egg product is a dehydrated form of shell-free eggs. Quality can vary significantly. Lower grade egg product can even come from commercial hatcheries — from eggs that have failed to hatch.

In any case, eggs are easy to digest and have an exceptionally high biological value.

Thirdly, carrageenan is a gelatin-like thickening agent extracted from seaweed. Although carrageenan has been used as a food additive for hundreds of years, there does appear to be some recent controversy regarding its long term biological safety.

And lastly, this food also contains chelated minerals, minerals that have been chemically attached to protein. This makes them easier to absorb. Chelated minerals are usually found in better dog foods.

Variety Canned Dog Food
The Bottom Line

Judging by its ingredients alone, Variety looks to be an average canned dog food.

But ingredient quality by itself cannot tell the whole story. We still need to estimate the product’s meat content before determining a final rating.

The dashboard displays a dry matter protein reading of 39%, a fat level of 30% and estimated carbohydrates of about 24%.

As a group, the brand features an average protein content of 38% and a mean fat level of 29%. Together, these figures suggest a carbohydrate content of 26% for the overall product line.

And a fat-to-protein ratio of about 75%.

Near-average protein. Above-average fat. And below-average carbs when compared to a typical canned dog food.

Free of any plant-based protein boosters, this looks like the profile of a canned product containing a moderate amount of meat.

Bottom line?

Variety is a meat-based canned product using a moderate amount of various named meats as its main sources of animal protein, thus earning the brand 4 stars.

Highly recommended.

A Final Word

This review is designed to help you make a more informed decision when buying dog food. However, our rating system is not intended to suggest feeding a particular product will result in specific health benefits for your pet.

For a better understanding of how we analyzed this product, please be sure to read our article, “The Problem with Dog Food Reviews”

Remember, no dog food can possibly be appropriate for every life stage, lifestyle or health condition. So, choose wisely. And when in doubt consult a veterinarian for help.

Have an opinion about this dog food? Or maybe the review itself? Please know we welcome your comments.

Notes and Updates

05/17/2012 Original review
05/17/2012 Last Update

AvoDerm Natural Revolving Menu dog food receives the Advisor’s second-tier rating of 4 stars.

The AvoDerm Natural Revolving Menu product line includes three dry dog foods, each claimed to meet AAFCO nutrient profiles for all life stages.

The following is a list of recipes available at the time of this review.

• AvoDerm Natural Revolving Menu Duck Recipe
• AvoDerm Natural Revolving Menu Turkey Recipe
• AvoDerm Natural Revolving Menu Trout and Pea Recipe

AvoDerm Natural Revolving Menu Turkey Recipe was selected to represent the others in the line for this review.

The first ingredient in this dog food is turkey. Although it is a quality item, raw turkey contains about 80% water. After cooking, most of that moisture is lost, reducing the meat content to just a fraction of its original weight.

After processing, this item would probably account for a smaller part of the total content of the finished product.

The second ingredient is turkey meal. Turkey meal is considered a meat concentrate and contains nearly 300% more protein than fresh turkey.

The third ingredient is garbanzo beans, also known as chickpeas. Like peas, bean and lentils, the chickpea is a nutritious member of the fiber-rich legume (pulse) family of vegetables.

Garbanzos contain about 22% protein, something which must be considered when evaluating the total protein reported in this food.

The fourth ingredient includes peas. Peas are a quality source of carbohydrates. Plus (like all legumes) they’re rich in natural fiber.

However, peas contain about 25% protein, a factor that must be considered when judging the actual meat content of this dog food.

The fifth ingredient is pea flour, a powder made from roasted yellow peas. Pea flour makes a slightly healthier substitute for wheat and can support more stable blood sugar levels.

The sixth ingredient is chicken fat. Chicken fat is obtained from rendering chicken, a process similar to making soup in which the fat itself is skimmed from the surface of the liquid.

Chicken fat is high in linoleic acid, an omega-6 fatty acid essential for life. Although it doesn’t sound very appetizing, chicken fat is actually a quality ingredient.

The seventh ingredient is avocado. Avocado can be a controversial item.

Supporters claim the ingredient to be nutrient rich and beneficial to a dog’s skin and coat — while others worry over what are mostly unsubstantiated concerns over potential toxicity.

These fears appear to originate from a 1984 study in which goats (not dogs) consumed the leaves (not the fruit) of the Guatemalan (not the Mexican) avocado and became ill.¹

Based upon our own review of the literature, it is our opinion that the anxiety over avocado ingredients in dog food appears to be unjustified.

After the natural flavor, we find tomato pomace. Tomato pomace is a controversial ingredient, a by-product remaining after processing tomatoes into juice, soup and ketchup.

Many praise tomato pomace for its high fiber and nutrient content, while others scorn it as an inexpensive pet food filler.

Just the same, there’s probably not enough tomato pomace here to make much of a difference.

The tenth ingredient is dried beet pulp. Beet pulp is a controversial ingredient, a high fiber by-product of sugar beet processing.

Some denounce beet pulp as an inexpensive filler while others cite its outstanding intestinal health and blood sugar benefits.

We only call your attention here to the controversy and believe the inclusion of beet pulp in reasonable amounts in most dog foods is entirely acceptable.

From here, the list goes on to include a number of other items.

But to be realistic, ingredients located this far down the list (other than nutritional supplements) are not likely to affect the overall rating of this product.

With three notable exceptions…

First, chicory root is naturally rich in a substance called inulin, a starch-like compound made up of repeating units of carbohydrates and found in certain roots and tubers.

Not only is inulin a natural source of soluble dietary fiber, it’s also a prebiotic used to promote the growth of healthy bacteria in a dog’s digestive tract.

Next, this food also contains chelated minerals, minerals that have been chemically attached to protein. This makes them easier to absorb. Chelated minerals are usually found in better dog foods.

And lastly, we note the use of dried fermentation products in this recipe. Fermentation products are typically added to provide enzymes to aid the animal with digestion.

AvoDerm Natural Revolving Menu Dog Food
The Bottom Line

Judging by its ingredients alone, AvoDerm Natural Revolving Menu looks to be an above-average dry dog food.

But ingredient quality by itself cannot tell the whole story. We still need to estimate the product’s meat content before determining a final rating.

The dashboard displays a dry matter protein reading of 29%, a fat level of 18% and estimated carbohydrates of about 45%.

As a group, the brand features an average protein content of 29% and a mean fat level of 18%. Together, these figures suggest a carbohydrate content of 45% for the overall product line.

And a fat-to-protein ratio of about 62%.

Near-average protein. Near-average fat. And below-average carbs when compared to a typical dry dog food.

Even when you consider the protein-boosting effect of the beans and peas, this looks like the profile of a kibble containing a moderate amount of meat.

Bottom line?

AvoDerm Natural Revolving Menu is a plant-based dry dog food using a moderate amount of turkey and turkey meal as its main source of animal protein, thus earning the brand 4 stars.

Highly recommended.

A Final Word

This review is designed to help you make a more informed decision when buying dog food. However, our rating system is not intended to suggest feeding a particular product will result in specific health benefits for your pet.

For a better understanding of how we analyzed this product, please be sure to read our article, “The Problem with Dog Food Reviews”

Remember, no dog food can possibly be appropriate for every life stage, lifestyle or health condition. So, choose wisely. And when in doubt consult a veterinarian for help.

Have an opinion about this dog food? Or maybe the review itself? Please know we welcome your comments.
05/17/2012 Last Update

According to Solid Gold, no complaints have been reported. However, the company has decided to take this action as a precautionary measure.

Only the two foods with the specific Best Before dates and batch codes are affected by the recall.

The following products are being recalled:

• Solid Gold WolfKing Large Breed Adult Food, All sizes, Best before December 30, 2012, Batch code starting with SGL1201A32X
• Solid Gold WolfCub Large Breed Puppy Food, All Sizes, Best before December 30, 2012, Batch code starting with SGB1201A31X

Best by dates (lot codes) can be found on the back of the bag in the bottom right-hand corner of 33 lb, 28.5 lb and 15 lb bags and the bottom of the 4 lb bags.

No other Solid Gold products are affected.

The recall has now been confirmed in a news release posted by the Food and Drug Administration and updated on 5/8/2012.

What to Do?

Salmonella is serious business – for both you and your pet. So, if you can confirm your dog’s food is one of the products being recalled, stop feeding or handling it immediately.

If you’ve discarded the packaging (something we recommend you never do) – or you’re in any way in doubt – do not take chances. Be safe. Stop feeding or handling the product anyway.

According to Solid Gold:

Please contact us at 800-364-4863 or dane@solidgoldhealth.com with any questions and we will respond as quickly as possible.

This information was taken directly from the company’s Facebook announcement posted on May 7, 2012 at 8:34 PM ET. And we anticipate further details forthcoming once Solid Gold has consulted with the FDA.

You can report complaints about FDA-regulated pet food products by calling the consumer complaint coordinator in your area.

Or go to http://www.fda.gov/petfoodcomplaints.

Get Dog Food Recall Alerts by Email

Get dog food recall alerts delivered right to your Inbox the moment we become aware of them. Subscribe to The Dog Food Advisor’s Dog Food Recall Alert email notification list now.