WellPet to Acquire Sojos

According to petfoodindustry.com, WellPet L.L.C., manufacturer of natural and pet health-focused pet foods, has acquired Sojos, a family-owned company that specializes in homemade freeze-dried pet food.

WellPet, based in Tewksbury, Massachusetts, says Sojos will continue to be based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Introduced in 1985, Sojos pioneered the fast-growing category of raw nutrition for pets.

WellPet says there will be no changes in the day-to-day operations of either company and Sojos co-owners Ward and Maggie Johnson will help with the transition.

“Ward and Maggie Johnson have built one of the most exciting brands in raw nutrition and a first class team and manufacturing facility,” said WellPet CEO Tim Callahan. “WellPet and Sojos share a mission to transform the lives of pets by providing the very best in natural nutrition and, now, our collaboration will enable them to grow and serve more pet families while staying true to the Sojos we know and love.”

The five brands now under the WellPet umbrella are Wellness, Holistic Select, Eagle Pack, Old Mother Hubbard and Sojos.

Raw Dog Food Recall due to Possible Salmonella Contamination

Last week in California, OC Raw Dog voluntarily recalled 2055 lbs of their Turkey and Produce Raw Frozen Canine Formulation. The food is potentially contaminated with Salmonella. Only the Turkey and Produce Raw Frozen Canine Formulation in 6.5 lb Doggie Dozen Patties and 5 lb Bulk Bags with the lot number 1511 and expiry date of 10/8/15 are affected. The food was sold in Minnesota, Missouri, Pennsylvania, and Colorado.

Salmonella poses a risk to animals and humans. People infected by Salmonella may have nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and fever. The FDA recommends that people with symptoms contact their healthcare providers.

Animals with Salmonella infection may have diarrhea, vomiting, fever, and lethargy. Some pets will only experience decreased appetite, fever, and abdominal pain. Pets that are healthy in appearance may be carriers of Salmonella and can pass it on to other people and animals. According to the FDA, any animal that has consumed the potentially affected product and has symptoms should contact their veterinarian.

OC Raw Dog has stopped food production and distribution. The company and FDA are investigating to determine the cause of contamination. OC Raw Dog “will be making several changes to our methods of production in order to further protect the product we so firmly believe in.”

If you are in possession of this recalled product please submit a picture of the package with the lot number to Olivia@ocrawdog.com.  Please return the product to the retailer where you purchased for a full refund or replacement product.

Consumers with questions may contact the company at 1-844-215-DOGS (3647) Monday through Friday 9am – 5pm PST.

READ THE PRESS RELEASE