This is just a note to let you know, that there is some very disturbing news regarding the Eukanuba/Iams line of foods. What I am saying is FAR from the normal "mushers gossip", that can run rampant, as we all know! (the power of suggestion can be an awesome thing! ) However, since mushers MUST watch their nutrition so carefully, they have been among the first to pick up on the problems that have arisen when feeding food from this line. Though I am not experiencing all of the symptoms in my dogs, (at present, only four..), I am personally experiencing the classic "food allergies" that are not only uncomfortable for the dogs, but can be dangerous as well. I am employed in the mushing industry, and therefore, am in constant contact with dogs, mushers, people who just love their pets, and much information, both reliable , and not so reliable! I am also a "retired vet tech" of many years, and am now in the holistic healing field, doing "energy work, distance healing, and other modalities" for our wonderful 4-leggeds who accompany us on this "journey"... I am not prone to jumping to conclusions, but this news is indeed disturbing, and if you know of anyone who is experiencing any allergy -related symptoms, while feeding this line of foods, please urge them to investigate further!

Earlier in 1999, Iams was purchased by Proctor and Gamble. Changes were made in the formulation of the foods, WITHOUT notifying retailers, pet owners, or vets. Even the mushers, whom they "sponsor", I believe, were unaware of these changes. The changes do NOT have to be reflected in the labeling for 6 months, thereby giving them a legal smoke screen! One of the main changes in the formulation, that they DO own up to, is switching from rice, to barley.. And, while I am not, by any means, an expert in canine nutrition, I do know this is not a good idea! It is also my PERSONAL opinion, (and not a documented fact!) that when the decision was made to put this line of food into the "club" stores, such as Sams, Costco, and the Walmarts, K-Marts, and grocery stores, in order to be able to do this, the quality of ingredients was LOWERED, CHANGED, AND DEGRADED, in order to produce the food more cheaply! This is, in my own opinion, where the allergies are stemming from, as just barley being added, shouldn't really cause all these symptoms! Most retailers do not make much on a bag of dog food, and this will cut into their markets considerably ... but, this is not my concern .... my concern is with the dogs, and their welfare! Now, whether this means Iams is using a by-product of substandard quality, or is possibly, "out-sourcing a contaminated ingredient, adding or subtracting a vital part of the recipe, I can't say. But what I can tell you, is that my personal experience, and that of probably 8 out of 10 users of this food line, here in Alaska will tell you, is that they are experiencing, intense itching problems, brittle, poor quality coats, skin problems such as rashes, and hot spots, "BLOWN COATS" at a time of the year, when this can be extremely dangerous for the dogs, (this has been a MAJOR symptom!), and, in the mushing community, during times of intense training, and racing, there is a "stress diarrhea", that in some cases, is extremely difficult to eradicate. There is also the fact that there is increased amounts of stool, coprophagy where there seemed to be none present before, the need to feed "more", as the dogs are still hungry. People have noticed these symptoms within these last few months, and are just now mentioning it to others, and the correlation's being made, and evidence gathered. Probiocin and Blue Heron, are well used remedies here, and are helping greatly, along with changing food, but it is still some thing that is not acceptable! We all know that there are many other factors that can cause this type of allergic symptomology, but the one common thread, the ONE thing that correlates in all areas, is the Eukanuba, Iams food link!

When I was able to switch to Eukanuba last fall, I was thrilled with the idea! I thought I could finally use this top quality food, now that I had been assured that the company no longer used ethoxyquin as a preservative! I switched my dogs, and didn't notice a change for about a month. Then all of a sudden, there was "abnormal shedding", itching of forearms, and paws, then on the face, then, spread over the whole body. Now, it has developed into brittle coats, that are being "blown" in a time when it is -30 to -50! I have also heard mention among some people, of a weird "depression", that just doesn't make sense.. Of course there are many factors that could contribute to this last symptom, just as in the diarrhea, but, in all fairness, it can also come from a food allergy, and I wouldn't be surprised if it is related also. I switched foods immediately upon the onset of the symptoms, and am presently supplementing with OMEGADERM, MISSING LINK, and of course INTRASOUND, in order to get my dogs back on track!

Due to the fact, that mushers use varying amounts of dry food, along with different meats, and oil supplements, depending on training/racing requirements, it took a while to pin down the common link among all the symptoms. But now the pieces seem to be falling into place, and the evidence is unrefutable. Iams/Euk reps have even been somewhat "uninformed" on these changes within the company, and have not been a whole lot of help, but we are hoping this will soon change. I have mailed the company of my disgust and dissatisfaction, and they have asked me to please call them to discuss my concerns. It is my feeling, that though the company says they tested these formulas extensively, these tests were done in the lower latitudes, where there are MANY more factors that can cause food allergy symptoms, (grasses, pollens, fleas, etc..) that this was not picked up! And, in all fairness, I do have one dog that was not seemingly affected, though he was on the food too. But he is also, a "special child", with a lot of other internal things going on, that kind of puts him in a whole different league!

To make a long story short, if you know or are aware of people who are seeing these symptoms, please ask them to check their food! It may be a prime source of the problems they are experiencing! Due to the fact that these changes within the Iams company came within the last 9 months, people who have been feeding with what they considered a top quality food, would see the symptoms, and not make the correlation! The dogs have always done well on it before, "why would this be a factor in any of what they may now be seeing??? " This is also a problem that is now being corrected, as the word of this gets out ! And, it is even being seen in cats who are being fed the Iams line. It is my belief that not ALL animals on this food will become affected. There will be some who don't, but as well all know, that they are just like us, and while there are some among us, who seem to be "bullet -proof" as far as food goes, most are not, and the more sensitive among us, will be affected the most!

Thank you for taking time to read this lengthy letter, Joanna. It seems from your website, that you are well connected in the world of dogs and mushing in Canada, and though word spreads like wild-fire when it comes to these things, I feel it is important for the animals, to make as many people aware of this as possible...and that even if you do not feed this food, you may know others who do, and could benefit from looking into these issues. Iams has not been honest, or generous with information so far, and has done the old "PR, and B____S____ lines", but, as I said, I hope this will soon change. I have tried to provide a complete explanation, so that you may decide for yourself, the validity of these things, and investigate from there! It is a shame, when good products are degraded, and no one is made aware, that this change can affect those they love and care for ! It is in this vein, that I am passing along what information I have~~~Good luck, and many blessings to you, and those precious little ones you are soon expecting! Sincerely,