I thought this could be something our friends feeding Wellness might want to keep abreast of:

Jenn was recently alterted (by her pet store) that Wellness is switching owners. She was able to obtain this info so far from that pet store:

"...the owner sold the company and the the new owners are not using as high quality ingredients. They said Wellnes is "pretty shaky" I am not sure what that means, a VERY young girl said it. Pretty disturbing huh?

They told me that they have had had numerous people returning bags of food because it smells rancid, and they all agree."

I've been searching the internet since yesterday but haven't been able to find anything else about it until this morning. I found a mention on a non-pet related board about problems somebody started having with their cat (and dog too I guess), and they suspected a formula change, and they called Wellness and Wellness denied it.


The reason I think this is worth posting is because when I called Wellness, they assured me that there had been no formula change. I know there was something about that food that I got that was different. I have lost all respect for Wellness for telling me otherwise. According to this poster, the UPC codes reflect the difference in formulas.

For any of you with allergy dogs on Wellness, you might want to be wary about this brand now. I suspect the change in ownership probably has a lot to do with how this was handled. and I do believe my source of information about Wellness being bought out by investors is a creditable one. The formula change info is not as creditable though. I do believe, based on my own experience, that one took place. However, as (someone) pointed out, formula changes may not adversely affect all animals. I do think it important to monitor the food. I intend to regularly monitor the ingredient lists on both the web site and bags from now on. I did not do that in the past.

I'll keep looking for info on this. I read the Old Mother Hubbard/Wellness website yesterday and couldn't find anything about it (or maybe I didn't recognize it). If anyone hears more, it might help those using Wellness to post it here.

Zen, I called my pet food store. The guy that always helps me (who I would feel comfortable asking A LOT of questions :) ) isn't working today I will call back tomorrow.

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid154/pa409cbd0bd7b02efd1a896d2d91b1dd8/f582296d.jpg

Well, the youngsters at my local independent pet store have been the source of quite a bit of misinformation over the years! Even so, I called, and they said it was a rumor. Perhaps there is some confusion regarding the change in manufacturing locations? This press release from January was on the OMH site:


Old Mother Hubbard® Realigns Manufacturing to Respond to Rapid Growth

Record Breaking Sales Leads to Increase in Production for 2005

Chelmsford, Massachusetts (January 27, 2005) - Old Mother Hubbard, a leading national producer of highest quality, all-natural pet foods and treats, has announced plans to realign its manufacturing operations to meet the increasing demand for its Old Mother Hubbard and Wellness® brands. In 2004, Old Mother Hubbard experienced record sales, doubled the size of its sales force, and increased its retail presence from 3,000 to 4,000 independent pet stores in North America.

"After reviewing the strategic sourcing needs for Old Mother Hubbard and Wellness products, we have decided to expand operations with our long-time East Coast and West Coast manufacturing partners and close our local facility." said Jim Scott, CEO. Through these expanded partnerships, Old Mother Hubbard will now be able to focus even more resources on new product development and innovation, retailer support and consumer marketing. "We remain dedicated to providing the healthiest pet food possible to our valued business partners and consumers." added Scott.

"Unfortunately, and with deep regret, it is necessary that we close our local manufacturing facility located at 80 Rogers Street in Lowell." said Scott. Approximately 100 positions will be eliminated by mid-2005, as a result of the closure. "We looked at every option possible to make this plant more efficient in order to keep up with the growing demands in the highly competitive pet industry," said Scott, "but there are three factors that we just couldn't overcome: the inefficiencies associated with operating on three floors, the lack of access to a rail line, and the economics of operating in an older building. It was truly a very difficult decision, but one that had to be made."

"As a family-operated business, we have strong relationships with all of our employees, and we are committed to doing everything possible we can for those whose jobs are being eliminated. We are working closely with the Commonwealth's Division of Career Services to help those employees make a transition to other employment as smoothly as possible." said Scott. The company recently moved into new headquarters in Chelmsford, MA, and is preparing for continued rapid growth in 2005.

About Old Mother Hubbard
Old Mother Hubbard was founded in 1926. Under the leadership of the Scott Family, the Massachusetts-based company is a leading provider of high-quality pet foods and treats for cats and dogs. The company makes 100% natural human grade pet food and treats, distributed primarily through independent pet specialty and natural product stores. They have two flagship brands: Wellness® brand dog food, cat food, treats and supplements, and Old Mother Hubbard brand dog biscuits and treats. Old Mother Hubbard continues to build on its long history of product excellence and innovation, and follows true to its mission of providing unconditional love and uncompromising nutrition for pets. Old Mother Hubbard can be found on the Web at www.omhpet.com.

I hope you've hit the nail on the head, 3dognite. I really like the OMH/Wellness company and its philosophy. Like I said, Wellness didn't work for us, but I think their direction (whole foods, human grade, etc.) is important for commercial dog foods overall.

I read that release and also the one about the New CEO (who does not come from pet food manufacturing). Looks like they are joining the ranks of Big Dog Food now.

hummm, I just got back from my pet food store and asked a girl there (who I have seen once) if she could tell me anything about Wellness.

She told me that they were bought by another company who is not using the same quality ingredients. She also brought me over to a bag that was brought back this morning (so she told me) and it was filled with mold! :huh:
She aslo told me that there have been a number of call backs.
If this was true wouldent it be posted on their web site? I also can't see why they would be telling their customers this.

She told me that if I know anyone using this food to strongly encourange them to switch brands :nothing:

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid154/pa409cbd0bd7b02efd1a896d2d91b1dd8/f582296d.jpg

Oh NO!!!!!!!! :( I just bought a new bag on Saturday! ugh!

That is distressing news. If I used Wellness I would definitely call and discuss this with them, including the mold, number of bags returned to the local store, etc.

I guess I should call the pet store where I get it and talk to the guy there (wish I knew his name). I hope it's just rumor b/c we've been happy with and I just bought a new bag too. :(

yah your telling me, i FINALLY find a food that agrees with emma and she likes and THIS happens? OHHH GRRRRR...now of course, im not sure, if canada has its own OMH processing plants or what...all i know is Emma FINALLY has new fur growing on her toes and i like it that way...and i don't really HAVE other options around here unless i go to Innova, spend $20+ more a bag and i don't think they make a fish and sweet potato diet do they? I won't need another bag of food for a couple more weeks yet so i'll hold out and see....ohhh this saddens me :(

Thanks for the update.

well after actually taking the time to find out if any one sells natural balance in Thunder bay i have come up with THREE stores that supposedly CARRY IT WOOOWHOOO....i am VERY EXCITED can you tell? Had i known i would have started feeding that FOREVER ago...OOOO goody...
Sorry, i HAVE been very happy with wellness and getting it at cost doesn't hurt but i mean i still pay $55 for a 30lb bag, and well, if their food's quality may be compromised, i don't want to risk emma's excellent progress with her allergies...im calling the pet stores right now to get prices...i'll update in a bit.

Here is a recent newspaper article I found on another dog board just now;

SOURCE: Lowell Sun, 1/29/05

Pet-food firm company to close Lowell plant

After more than four decades in Lowell, the Old Mother Hubbard plant
will stop producing its pet food by June, leaving 100 workers without
jobs.

The family-owned company has struggled to make the operation more
efficient, but the Rogers Street plant, a former knitting factory, made
this difficult and offered little manufacturing flexibility, Chief
Executive Officer James Scott Jr. said.

"It was just an old building," Scott said after yesterday's
announcement. "We tried pretty hard to make it work, and we just
couldn't. It was a sad day."

Scott said he plans to offer all the help he can to employees, some of
whom he has known for more than 25 years.

"I was so impressed with the way they received (the news)," he said.
The announcement brought tears and hugs, and Scott praised his
employees for their skills in manufacturing in an outdated setting.

The company was founded in Gloucester in 1926 by the A. Hubbard and
Sons Bakery. In 1961, the company was purchased by Scott's father,
James Sr., who moved it to Tanner Street in Lowell. In 1974, the
operation was moved to its current site, the former Cooper Knitting
building at the corner of Rogers and Perry streets.

Scott took over the company from his father more than 10 years ago.

The 65,000-square-foot Rogers Street plant worked well as a knitting
factory, but not so well for manufacturing pet food, Scott said
yesterday. The three-story brick building allowed little flexibility
and wasn't very efficient, he said.

The company's administrative offices will remain on Mill Road in
Chelmsford. Scott would not say where other manufacturing plants are,
but did say the company had "strategic partnerships" that manufacture
its products.

The company makes pet food for dogs and cats under the Old Mother
Hubbard and Wellness brand names. More than 45 percent of its business
is on the West Coast, Scott said.

The company employs 230 people overall. The 100 manufacturers losing
their jobs by June will have severance packages and extended benefits,
and access to career counseling and job assistance set up in offices at
the plant, Scott said.

"We're very connected with our people and we'll do the right thing," he
said. During the 1980s, neighbors complained of the smell wafting from
the Rogers Street plant. The company made changes to emissions system
to minimize the odor.

A year ago tomorrow, the company announced a partnership with a
private-equity firm and consultant Catterton Partners, which it hoped
would boost growth of the Old Mother Hubbard and Wellness brands.

Since July, the company has hired sales managers to handle territories
in California, New Jersey, northern New England, and Long Island, N.Y.
Over the past few years it has doubled the number of independent
retailers it serves, Scott said, but at the same time reliance on the
Lowell plant has been reduced until "the manufacturing side was the
smaller piece of the business."

The Gloucester bakery where the company was founded began making
hard-tack sea biscuits that a sailor threw to his dog, which "happily
gobbled it up," according to company lore. Today, the company bakes all
of its dry pet food, which makes it more nutritious and digestible and
requires no added fat to make it taste better, the company says.

yowser...that D&P food is COSTLY...69.99 a bag for 30lbs (Cnd funds) i don't know if i can swing that kinda price...holy schmoly.

Moonhippie, Fromm also makes a whitefish and potato, so does Solid Gold.
I think Solid Gold's id the Holistic. I am not sure of the price :nothing:
I really feel bad for you guys

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid154/pa409cbd0bd7b02efd1a896d2d91b1dd8/f582296d.jpg

well the man at the petstore was really nice and said he would call me tomorrow with any info on the natural balance fish and sweetpotato he could find for me, Currently they don't carry it (i THINK its new?) anyways they carry soild gold, Wysong, Natural Balance, Natures Recipe, and Perfomatrim Ultra (sounds like a really great food trying to break through the holistic food market, i bought the 3lb bag of hormone free chicken and brown rice to try on my kitty) I mean honestly people...this saddens me, but at the same time...perhaps theres something better i could have emma on, but at the same time, i AM on a budget (somewhat speaking) and i AM trying to stick to allergy diets...but again on this same note...i have NO idea WHAT exactly emma is allergic too, i just know there IS an improvement in her foot chewing when shes on a fish and potato based diet. I AM willing to try the duck and potato diet along with my homemade diet if it comes down to it...its just AWFULLY pricey...thats nearly an entire 8 hour day's wages just to a bag of dog food yikes. But how do i know she wouldn't do fine on a lamb diet based with one carb and no grains or a chicken one? I don't, and THAT is what complicates my whole emma feeding situation...grrrr

If you are trying to stick to fish as the protein source, Flint River has a Trout & Potato (does have Millet and oatmeal too) which is a little less expensive than the Duck & Potato It is 57.64 for 40 lbs (includes shipping) and when they say you use less, you really do -- so the food goes a long way. Toby -- 65lb Lab gets only two cups total a day and Leah, 95lb mix gets 2 1/2 per day total / I have only used the Lamb and Millet formula / Leah does great on it, Toby doesn't do great on anything, so you can't go by him.

www.flintriver.com

INGREDIENTS: Trout, Potato, Course Ground Millet, Herring Meal, Oatmeal, Sweet Potatoes, Canola Oil, (Preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Flax Seed, Oat Bran, Natural Flavors, Blueberries, Cranberries, Rosemary, Grape Seed Oil, Menhaden Fish Meal, Granola, Ground Oats, Alfalfa Meal, Brewer's Dried Yeast, Dried Eggs, Lecithin, Yucca Schidigem Extract, Choline Chloride, Zinc Sulphate, dl-Alpha Tocopherol Acetate, Zinc Amino Acid Complex, Selenium Supplement, Mixed Natural Tocopherol (Antioxidant), Niacin, Iron, Amino Acid complex, Vitamin B-12 Supplement, Calcium Pantothenate, Vitamin A Acetate, Ascorbic Acid, Iron Sulfate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Manganese Amino Acid Complex, Thiamine Mononitrate, Manganous Oxide, Copper Amino Acid Complex, Copper Sulfate, Riboflavin, Vitamin D-3, Dried Bacillus Subtillus Fermentation Product, Dried Aspergillus Oryzae Fermentation Product.

wow that food doesn't sound half bad, ive yet to see a company use trout over salmon though, interesting...
only problem is thats in US funds and shipping in the US i bet it ends up costing me an arm and a leg. Boo.

At this time no Flint River Ranch products are shipped outside the US 48 states.


i figured as much...too bad too that food sounds pretty snazzy. They could be making a killing if they shipped to canada too.

I feed my Bird dogs Diamond and also my new rescue Sully, coats are shiny, no hot spots no poop oder.. and for desert a good drink of toilet water

I never realized that OMH was located in MA. I'll look around and see if there is more info local...

[QUOTE=moonhippie]At this time no Flint River Ranch products are shipped outside the US 48 states.


Figures -- sorry to get your hopes up.