20/07/2019
DOG OWNERS PLEASE TAKE CAUTION AND READ THIS AND SHARE!!!
If you are a SERIOUS dog parent like me, you probably bring him in for regular check ups, feed him top-shelf food, and give him the best of the best. We are the type of people who spare no expense for our canine family members. That's pretty clear in my MANY posts about Stitch, I think.
Ultimate Pet Nutrition markets a canine nutrition supplement, and makes seemingly, "too good to be true" claims about improving your dog's health and longevity. The company belongs to Dr. Richter - the self-proclaimed "America's Favorite Veterinarian." They use his celebrity appeal and high-quality video infomercials to demonstrate how even the best dog food on the market doesn't give your dog what he needs. By the end of the video, you're left feeling that you NEED this product ASAP. Well, of course, someone like me will fall right into the trap and fork over $132 for a 3 month supply. We're willing to pay more - it means it's the best of the best! I posted a video one day recently, making Stitch his food. You can see me sprinkle this poison on his food in the video.
A little research reveals that Dr. Richter's methods and the basis of the ingredients in Nutra Thrive are not based on science at all, and some of the ingredients can be toxic.
It wasn't the best for Stitch by any means, and he had a serious adverse reaction to Nutra Thrive after around 6 days of use. If you recall, I posted from the vet's office on the 5th. He was treated by his veterinarian with an injection for an allergic reaction and an ointment for a secondary ear infection caused by persistent scratching due to the reaction. He was absolutely miserable.
I was just going to toss the jars out and forget about it, but this shady company charged me AGAIN for another shipment! Why would I order more of a product that could have killed Stitch? That's insane. Besides, I bought a 3-month supply 29 days ago. Why would I need another 3-month supply now?
Customer Service at the company refused to take my calls. After three calls, I eventually got someone who didn't hang up on me when I said I didn't order product and wanted my money back. I still got no refund. AND, although he stated that he was trained in adverse event reporting, he didn't bother to make a report. I asked if there were other complaints of this nature. He said he hadn't heard of anything like this before. (look it up on google - lots of reviews). Then he simply didn't fill out the event report. If they don't write a report, it didn't happen. And if FDA were to inspect their records, they wouldn't find any instances where the company was informed and made aware of product hazards.
Between the two shipments of poisonous product and the vet bills to go along with it, I am out of pocket almost $500 in 29 days, just because I was convinced that this product would help Stitch live a longer, healthier life. I'm sharing this now because I know so many dog owners like me who truly care for their dogs and would never put anything questionable into their food.
Having worked with the US FDA for my entire career, I'm fortunate to know where and how to submit pet food safety reports. I submitted a complete report to the FDA today.
IF YOU KNOW A DOG OR CAT PARENT, SHARE THIS WITH THEM PLEASE! This is EXTREMELY dangerous.
UPDATE 7/22/2019 - I received an email from Shayne at Ultimate Pet Nutrition. The company has issued a refund. He also committed to opening an Adverse Event Report for investigation into Stitch's reaction. I asked that he include the following suggestions in the report:
1. Add some information to the labeling or website regarding possible side effects
2. Strengthen the company's recommendation to consult a veterinarian before use
3. Add a clear statement to the product labeling, indicating serving size per day
If you are considering probiotics or supplements for your dog or cat, please consult your veterinarian to discuss the ingredients and potential side effects. Be sure you have a clear understanding of the amount of the product that should be administered on a daily basis.
