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: 

[TYoung]

Was the packaging compromised?  You may not be able to tell completely.  It may have been an issue with the sealer over a particular time period in production and therefore the darkening is from oxidation.  HOw far apart were the dates on the 2 suspect bags?  Just taking a stab at a possibility.  Hoping it gets resolved asap for you and JD!

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Thanks, T. No, there were actually two different bags from two different stores and two different lot numbers, and neither of them had any kind of damage to the packages. They were tightly sealed. The dates were one day apart, and the lot numbers were very close, too. The bag I finally found that has the right color is actually older than the ones with the dark stuff. 

[TYoung]

Hmmm.  The fact that the dates were one day apart and lot numbers so close, makes me hope for a glitch in production that will be caught and fixed.  If it wasn't already.  Hate to think it's a change.  Can't wait to hear what they report.  I'm sure you feel the same.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Yep. Thanks, T

[Leslie and Halas]

I hope they can give you a good answer. It looks very different, and with JD's reaction to it, it's obviously more than the color that's off.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Thanks, Les, me too. 

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

Looks like a change to me!  I wonder if they had a mix up at the plant and bagged a different one of their foods in the food bag Jack normally eats.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

That's one possibility, I think. Another is too much of something, maybe fat or oil. 

Or maybe they burned it???? 

[Nicky, Riley & Boris]

Very bizarre, I do hope you get a 'simple' answer very soon with no problems,

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Thanks, Nicky.

[Jessica, Loki and Moose]

Karen, did you ever hear back from the company? I'm Curious to hear what the outcome of this was.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

No, but I just sent the samples on the 6th, so I'm going to give them another week and then try contacting if I don;t hear anything.