Some of the 60 million cans and pouches of pet food have been blamed for kidney failure in scores of animals and killed at least 16 pets. Neither the manufacturer nor authorities have been able to determine why the pets died.
Since Friday, nearly 100 brands of the cuts-and-gravy style of food have been recalled by Menu Foods of Canada, including popular labels sold at Wal-Mart and other large retailers.
Veterinarians are directing most questions to the Food and Drug Administration's recall Web site. Some have agreed to run blood tests on pets, even though many of the animals have not consumed any of the recalled brands.
The recall is voluntary, so stores are not required to stop selling the recalled food. It is up to consumers to be vigilant and watch out for their pets. Signs of kidney failure include increased thirst, loss of appetite and lethargy.