Formula Change? You Tell Me!

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

So I bought a new bag of Jack's food and the minute I opened it, I thought it looked noticeably darker. The aroma was slightly different, too, and the texture seemed grittier, like it had a coating of some kind.

Called the company and asked if they had changed the formula, they said no. There can just be variations in the color. I knew better, but I was out of food, so I used it. Within a day or two, Jack got loose, very bulky stools and other digestive symptoms. I returned the food for another new bag, and this one looks dark and different too. The Best By date and lot number are different, but very close. I called the company again and told them there was definitely something wrong with the food. They said they would send me coupons and a prepaid envelope to send them some samples so they can see what is going on.

In the meantime, i had to go on a quest to find food for JD; my local store had a much larger bag than I normally buy with a slightly older date and lot number, and when I explained the situation to the store manager, she gave it to me. (Thank you, Pet Supplies Plus!)

Brought it home, opened it, and Eureka! It's the same color as it's always been, same texture, same smell.  

This newest bag will last us about a month. After that, I don't know what we'll do. if the company doesn't come back to me with a good explanation, I guess we'll have to find JD a new food, which with his issues is an extremely daunting prospect. 

Meanwhile, I put some of each food in a dish and took a photo. You tell me this is the same food: 

[Jessica, Loki and Moose]

Oh ok, hopefully there is some good news!

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Thanks, Jessica, TFG members will be the first to know when I hear something. 

[Cheryl and Finnegan]

It almost looks like one's braised in something.  Maybe they changed the processing? Or a mix-up? Hope you get some info soon.  

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Well, I got a response from Wellness today, and I'm very disappointed, to say the least. They claim that they tested the samples and they are "consistent" with the control samples, they are "safe", and the inconsistency in appearance is due to "natural variation". This is of course nonsense. First of all, if it's natural for there to be radical color and consistency differences from one batch to another, why has it never happened before in two years? 

Second, if you bake the same cake every month, using the exact same ingredients in the same proportions, the same oven temperature, and the same baking time, the cake comes out looking pretty much the same month after month. You don;t suddenly get one that's 3 shades darker, right? 

So now I'm pretty much up a creek. I can't keep buying and returning open bags of food if they don;t look right. Gotta find a new food. I could just cry, he was doing so well with this. 

[Tracey & Spike]

Oh no!! That's not the news we were hoping to hear. Very dissapointing. Have you checked any bags since? Maybe that was a bad lot that they won't admit and a newer lot number will be what your used too? Just a thought. Based on your picture there is something different. They are either lying. Or trying to cover up a major whoops on their part.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

I think they would probably rather lose a few customers like me than have to recall thousands of bags of food. :(

[Jessica, Loki and Moose]

I'm sorry Karen! We were hoping for good news for you :(

[Rosemary (Ro) and Enzo]

Oh wow! Something stinks big time here! So sorry....hoping you find a suitable replacement for JD

[TYoung]

That is disconcerting! I'm so sorry...for this to happen to you, of all people. I'm certain you will find a great food for JD. I wish I knew how to help you. I know you must be frustrated with them and the tough task at hand. Ugh!

[Donna K & Quincy]

This is where we need an independent lab to test the food. Anyone out there with connections? I really hope you can find a suitable food for JD without too much trouble. I know you have worked very hard and been very diligent with his food and this just stinks. The problem is the company probably won't get many complaints because in a dog without digestive problems there most likely wouldn't be an issue. 

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Thanks to all of you for the support. I'm feeling pretty sorry for myself and for JD right now, lol, and misery loves sympathy. :) 

[Janie, Jackson and Jilly]

Wow Karen, I wish they had an explanation and fix in place. How frustrating,  I'm so sorry.