Dog toy recall at Petco

I just stumbled across this little tidbit.

A dog toy called “Snuggling Furry Friend” or “Lambswool Tug with Squeaker Dog Toy” - manufactured in China - was removed from shelves at Petco, after the toy was tested in a lab and found to contain napthalene, benzene, arsenic, cadmium and lead. Apparently a consumer sent the toy to a private lab after his dog became sick after playing with the toy.

Just a heads-up.

http://www.petsitusa.com/blog/?p=4843

http://www.39online.com/newsfix/kiah-newsfixer-investigation-prompts-petco-to-pull-dangerous-toy-from-shelves-20120223,0,2303815.story

OMG! Just another reason not to buy ANYTHING made in China.

Does anyone have any suggestions for toys that are not made in China? Last weekend I went up and down the toy aisle at the pet store and couldn’t find anything not made in China. My dogs are BIG toy enjoyers, so I feel bad that they have very few toys in the house because I’m too nervous about potential toxins. They have recreational bones, but they want TOYS! Thanks!

This company has a decent reputation: http://www.westpawdesign.com/catalog/dogs/dog-toys

This website purportedly has “made in the us” toys. http://www.usamadepetsupplies.com/category/16706903

However, even if it’s “made in the US” sometimes components come from China; I would ask.

Sonesta, I am with you.

I’ve been sending emails to various dog food companies, too, to find out if any components of their foods were sourced from China. One manufacturer stated that all the taurine and Vitamin C comes from China, that there is no US-made source, and that any dog food manufacturer who states they don’t have China-sourced taurine/vitamins is lying. So far, I’ve found this to be true (I contacted a few US vitamin-sellers, who also sell human-grade vitamins and supplements).

I know that there is no way to stay completely “made in China” free, but my rule is that if it involves food or drink, or will end up in mine or my dogs’ mouth (or eyes in the case of my contacts), it WILL NOT come from China. It’s tough, but it can be done. It’ll cost a little more, but again, it can be done…