Acana Duck and Bartlett Pear food problem encountered

[Debb, Lucy & Oscar]

Hi everyone,

I just wanted to give you all a heads up regarding a food inconsistency problem I encountered recently with the latest large bag of Acana Duck and Bartlett Pear I received from Chewy.com. It had pieces interspersed throughout the bag coated with a white powdery looking substance, which may or may not have have been mold (it didn't smell bad, but I wasn't about to taste it). I had only stored the food for 2 weeks before opening it and making the discovery.  Chewy resolved the problem quickly, giving me a full refund (they offered to send a new bag, but since I was changing Oscar's food to a weight management one which had just shipped, I opted for the refund). They told me they would inform their Supply department of the problem. I've also contacted Acana, but so far haven't heard back from them.

The percentage of affected kibble was small, and would have been easy to miss right away. Sifting through your new dog food is probably a good practice in order to identify any problems in consistency early.

Here's a picture of the affected kibble (which I sent to Chewy).

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

The longer the food is stored at room temperature, even in unopened bags, the greater the likelihood that it will contain storage mites, which are a very common allergen for both dogs and humans. Here's some good info: http://www.thoughtfulpets.co.uk/dogs/advice-for-dogs/allergies/stor...

From the article:
In 2008 a study was conducted to evaluate dry dog food for contamination with storage mites, and how storage time and conditions could influence the risk of contamination³. Ten different premium commercial dry dog foods, which had been formulated for dogs with skin disorders, were selected. On opening the bags one of the ten bags of dog food already contained storage mites. After five weeks of storage of these bags in conditions of approximately 23°C storage mites were detected in 9 out of 10 of the bags of food. These bags were not stored in airtight containers. This suggests that mites will infest even premium brands of dry dog food that have been specifically designed for dogs with skin disorders; particularly once they have been opened. 
And another article: https://www.heska.com/Documents/Allergy/Controlling-Storage-Mite-Ex...

[Debb, Lucy & Oscar]

Thanks for the article. Having read it, I see no study done on storage mites in unopened bags of dry dog food (the study does indicate one bag of 10 had existing storage mites upon opening). This study appears to show that storage mites proliferate in opened bags of food not stored in airtight containers. I certainly can see the value in storing food in airtight containers once the bag is opened.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

I think it also probably depends on the sturdiness and permeability of the bags. Most of the articles you see about reducing storage mites do mention checking expiration dates and not buying older bags. But for dogs with known storage mite allergies, they do tell you not to stockpile, not to buy more than you can use in 30 days unless you can freeze it, and to dispose of the bags immediately outside of the home after opening. That was even in the printed material I got from JD's dermatologist after his testing. 

For me, none of this is a hardship. For others it might be. 

[Debb, Lucy & Oscar]

This is helpful information. Thanks. I understand how the integrity of bags can be compromised. They're bags, after all. For me, with having a dog with skin sensitivities, I'll probably invest in a couple 25lb. Vittles Vaults in which to store dry dog food (immediately after delivery). If for no other reason than a prophylactic measure in the off-chance the manufacturer's bag is compromised somehow.

[F, Calla & Luca]

I get the 28+ pound bags and they last a month. I leave the food in the manufacturer's bag, storage is not airtight and I have never had a problem. I usually have one or two unopened bags as well. Dust mites are ubiquitous though and you can only reduce the numbers but never eliminate them.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Dust mites may be ubiquitous, but storage mites are easier to control, lol. And since Calla has some allergies, it might help to try to reduce the numbers. Just a thought. :)

[F, Calla & Luca]

Calla's allergies are seasonal and I expect them to start soon for a few weeks. Empirically they have nothing to do with food. But thanks for thinking of her.

[Leslie, Yogi & Maci Bear]

I'll add my two cents. I buy the 28.6# bag and my two share it. It lasts about 5 weeks. I always take it out of the bag and put it in an airtight container. Once the container is empty, I wash it out with soap and water and put the next bag in.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

I was also instructed to wash the container with soap and hot water, but I confess to slacking off on that a lot because it's a real pain. That's why I use the Zip-lock bags. 

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Another problem with storing unopened bags and open bags that are not in storage containers is that they attract mice. I remember a member here who had mice in the open bag of dog food. 

My neighbor across the street has mice in his garage (where he has unopened bags) now in his house, where he has an open bag sitting in the pantry. 

[Karen & Maple]

Thanks for all the input re food storage. To play it safe, I'll store the food in bags, air tight containers. I believe Maple does have allergies. She is nearly 2 years old. We've been battling itching / hot spots from the beginning. But right now more than ever. We've been implementing all the recommendations previously discussed. I'm close to taking it further, but that's a whole notha discussion.

[Debb, Lucy & Oscar]

I finally heard back from Champion PetFoods today regarding the white coating on Acana Duck and Pear. I've sent them the info they requested and hopefully I'll hear back from them once they have the kibble tested. I'll give an update when/if I get that info from them. Here's the email:

Hello Debra,   Thank you for writing to us and I do apologize for the delay in replying to you.   It sounds to me like it could be fat on the kibble but if you could please send a photo to my direct email address I will forward the photo along to our quality assurance department. My email address is [e-mail] also in your email please provide the following information that you will find stamped on the back of the back in the middle close to the top. Lot number, BB date and the 10 digit production number. Please also provide your mailing address and I will send out a prepaid courier envelope to send a sample of the kibble back to us for testing, once I have your address I will make arrangements through Chewy to have another bag sent to you.   Thank you and I look forward to hearing back from you.   Kind regards, Diana Customer Care Champion Petfoods LP   Toll Free 877-939-0006