IAMS Partners With Anti-Hunting

[Critr Gitr]

From the US Sportsmans Alliance web site

IAMS Partners With Leading Anti-Hunting Organization- (01/09)

The Iams Company, maker of Iams and Eukanuba pet foods, has joined forces with the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), the nation’s largest anti-hunting organization.

The company is helping sponsor the Pet Fest America tour, a series of animal shows in major metropolitan areas, nationwide. The shows were developed by HSUS. They debuted in early 2003 and will continue through April 2004.

“Sportsmen, and in particular sporting dog owners, understand the threat HSUS poses to hunting, field trialing and other activities,” said Bud Pidgeon, president of the U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance. “Iams has fallen into the same trap as some other businesses and it needs to be educated.”

Companies such as General Mills, Accor Hotels, Pet Safe, Sears, and Ace Hardware ended relationships with HSUS after thousands of sportsmen levied strong protest.

“The Pet Fests are basically pet owner education and welfare events and also serve to educate and entertain consumers,” Kelly Vanasse, Iams associate director of external affairs told the Alliance. “We also sponsor Ducks Unlimited, AKC and other events. We try to strike a balance.”

Iams clearly doesn’t understand how sportsmen will view its support for the nation’s largest anti-hunting organization.

“We are currently fighting HSUS attempts to ban dove hunting in Wisconsin, bear hunting in Maine and Alaska, and other anti-hunting threats around the country,” said Pidgeon. “Iams is adding legitimacy to HSUS’s efforts.”

The National Animal Interest Alliance was among those who alerted the Alliance of the issue.

[alwyze fishin]

is there a web page or some one we can contact to let them know i and hopefuly other will no long buy there product

[wife&3kids]

My dog will have diahrea(sP?) for a few days, but she'll understand

[Chromaflage]

OK, here's the contact info:

IAMS

Here's what I wrote:

President Jeffery P. Ansell:

It has been reported by US Sportsmans Alliance that IAMS has "joined forces with the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) for the coming Pet Fest America tour. It is no secret that the HSUS has been very outspoken against hunting.

As an avid bird hunter, I own four Labrador Retrievers. Since I acquired my first dog (more than 9 years ago), I have fed all my dogs IAMS exclusively. Because of IAMS' new relationship with HSUS, I will likely change brands of dog food.

You should also know that I will be sharing this with as many hunters/dog owners as I possibly can. I have direct line via discussion forums to more than 6000 outdoormen in Oregon.

It is truly unfortunate that IAMS has entered into thie agreement with HSUS. There will be many hunters/dog owners who will take exception to this.


ORS

[Chromaflage]

Wife&3 - mix new brand with old brand for a while:

75% old 25% new for a few days
50/50 few days
25 75 few days
100% new

ORS

[pathetic novice]

Oregon Redside,
Just sent a message to Mr. Ansell at IAMS; thanks for the info to do so. What kind of food are you feeding your dogs now. Is Pedigree good? Thanks.

Steve

[Chromaflage]

I just learned of this tonight...so, I still have about 50 lbs left...so, I need to start my research. I'd call my vet, but he sells Eukanuba...I'm going to have to have a chat with him. The biggest issue is a high true protein value and low water content. So, I'm going to be busy comparing. Maybe I'll post the results of my research once I make a decision.

ORS

[Big TULE]

ORS Please post what you find out... My 11 week old goes crazy at feeding time fore IAMS... Need to change his diet...

[gottafish]

I e-maild them turn coats , Never Bite the hand that feeds You!!!!

[ultramag]

I don't have any pets, but this is the kind of thing that we need to take seriously. It is so easy to just look the other way and expect others to stand up for our heritage. We all need to send a message to this company, pet owners or not. These bunny huggers are very passionate about spreading their distorted views.They are not going to just go away. They are going after one group at a time. Firt the trappers, then dogs and baiting, after they get all hunting banned they will move to fishing. It's only a matter of time. Sportsman need to stand up for each other.

[2LEYS]

Don't own a dog yet but I pretended and sent them an email.

[Chromaflage]

This thread should also be in LIG as well

[Fishalot]

I love it when info like this is posted, I will post this on a few more sites. I can't understand what a manufacturer is thinking when they make poor discisions like that. Hunting dog owners is a large market.

Fishalot

[2LEYS]

They probably thought what a lot of people think.

"The Humane Society is great, they help animals by running shelters and stuff."

They don't really look into the root of the organization. Kind of like the antifreeze co a few months ago.

You would think that businesses would look into this kind of stuff more.

[skahorse]

I sent my letter. I encourage everyone to send an email ASAP. It only takes a minute. Use the site ORS provided above.

I don't feed my dog IAMs, but I do feed it to my cats. Not anymore.

For those of you asking, I feed my dog Purina Pro Plan. It was suggested to me by the breeder of my dog, and my vet had good things to say about it.

--Skahorse

[Chromaflage]

Thanks Crit' for the heads-up on this! If anyone gets a response, please post if you don't mind...I'd like to see their response.

ORS

[skein]

Email sent - goodbye IAMS.

I will use the gradual replacement method which should work out just about right; I'll be out of IAMS by the time we're over to 100% Purina.

When they drop HSUS I'll think about switching back. Maybe I'll be so satisfied with Purina that I'll just stay with it.

Skein

[Lured In]

Here is a copy of my letter...

"Dear Iams:

I recently read about Iams partnership with the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) in the Pet Fest America Tour.

While I applaud Iams continued efforts to support healthy pets and educated pet owners, the HSUS as an organization that directly opposes a hunter's right to pursue their sport.

As an avid sponsor of hunting dog sporting events, such as hunt test under the Eukanuba brand, I find Iam's partnership with the HSUS appalling. I refuse to support any organization that directly or indirectly supports an effort to end hunting.

To what extent Iams is aware of the HSUS' beliefs and practices, is of no importance. Iams is placing their name next to that of an organization that is detested by most in the hunitng world and directly legitimizing the HSUS as an organization.

As a a result, I will no longer purchase any Iams products or register my dog in any Iams company sponsored sporting dog events.

It is my hope that Iams will not only quickly withdraw their participation in this event with the HSUS, but will also offer a public apology to sporting dog owners who have long relied on Iams company pet foods to keep our dogs running strong during hunting seasons."

[Chromaflage]

Here's the press release straight from HSUS:

HSUS Press Release

[willametteriveroutlaw]

My Chessie does very well on the nutra nuggets from freddies, not terribly expensive and pretty good overall (my vet reccomended them) I will never feed my dog Iams again after this endorsement.

[ 01-12-2004, 07:16 PM: Message edited by: willametteriveroutlaw ]

[King Fisher]

Just talked with Jennifer at IAms, And she stated that they happened to be sponsering the same event. However,it looks more like a partnership than seperate sponsers. It migt help to call them at 1 800 675 3849. They have been getting many calls!!! Keep em coming!!!

[Chromaflage]

According to HSUS, they have "Joined Forces." To me, that sounds like a mutually beneficial agreement between two parties - i.e., a partnership. I just called and talked to Jennifer as well...basically, I expressed the concern and she said that IAMS in no way supports the anti-hunting sentiment of the HSUS. I basically told her that's a tough pill to swallow, as any funds going in the HSUS koffers can be used in their anti-hunting politcal efforts.

ORS

[ 01-13-2004, 11:02 AM: Message edited by: OregonRedside ]

[ICHTHYDEMON]

I also sent an email. I don't feed my Lab Iams or Eukanuba...she won't eat either one. :smile: Maybe she heard what Iams did? :grin:

She eats Purina ProPlan,say that five times fast. :grin:

[Fish Slapper]

I just sent a letter also, I do not feed this brand and I guess I never will.

[Chromaflage]

Here's a link to a decent sit that compares the nitrtional value of different dog foods. It also provide a lot of information about what's in dog food and why it's there. A lot of information.

Dogg Food Comparison
(sorry, hit "g" twice [img]graemlins/dork.gif[/img] )
ORS

[ 01-17-2004, 09:52 AM: Message edited by: OregonRedside ]

[skein]

Kingfisher,

Thanks for the 800 number. I sent an email (no answer) and thought I would try to send 'em a picture of me, my dog, and a bag of Purina just to make my point.

I'll be making my call.

Skein

[Chukrchaser]

When choosing a dog food remember a couple of things:
1. Dried Beet pulp is fairly common -- but is really only filler "non-nutrative crude fiber" -- it really is like very fine sawdust.
2. Protein sources -- Dogs get little to no benefit from soybean protein -- they can't digest it very well. Cotton seed meal can be poisonous to some dogs.
3. Tocopherals -- some dogs show allergic response -- "hot spots" general itching.
4. Many dogs -- especially some Labs, Cockers and Springers (plus a bunch of the FU-Fu dogs)are allergic to wheat -- again mostly skin symptoms.
5. Protein is great -- but don't for get the Fat -- dogs need fat too -- also too much protein can cause skin and coat issues.
6. There have been studies done regarding "intake" vs. "output" -- Old Roy was at the top of the list -- For every 100 lbs fed (intake) the output was 70lbs.(what was left on the lawn for you).
7. The hard part -- not all vets are knowledgeable about dog nutrition -- They have had either Science Diet or Eukanuba crammed down their throat as the be all end all.
8. Purina's Proplan and ONE are the same dog food with different kibble sizes.

9. The real truth comes from your dog -- Let him tell you what's best for him.

Almost forgot one -- Powdered Cellulose -- sounds really important -- but the saw mills make tons of it -- ultrafine sawdust ---

[ 01-17-2004, 08:28 PM: Message edited by: Chukrchaser ]

[StinkyH]

I forwarded this to a friend that hunts and also feeds his dog Iams.

He wrote a letter and is changing his dog food as well.

StinkyH

[skein]

I just called the 800 number and left a message. I have also sent an email, but wanted them to hear it as well as read it.

Please take the time to call and either talk to someone or leave your message. They need to hear from us hunters that their partnership with a rabid anti-hunting organization like HSUS is unacceptable and will cost them the good-will of hunters all over America.

Skein

[foxer]

So, what are most people switching to?

[skein]

I switched to Purina ProPlan. My lab seemed to enjoy the change and from what I can determine, it's pretty good.

Maybe the breeders and trainers can chime in and make a recommendation or two.

BTW, I got their canned email response and replied with this one:

***************************
Thank you for your response. It is nice knowing a large company like IAMS still values personal contact with its customers.

We also understand your association with HSUS and what you hope to gain from such a partnership. Please be aware, however, that we, as owners of hunting dogs, want nothing to do with their organization or the companies that align themselves with their anti-hunting philosophy. Sadly, at this point, IAMS is one of those companies.

Our dogs will do fine. Being caring, concerned owners, we will find products that satisfy our pups' nutritional needs, and we will continue to care for them with the same commitment we always have. After all, they are our family and our friends out in the field. And we will not ask you to rethink your association with HSUS. We will simply say goodbye.

Sincerely,
********************************


Skein

[ 01-26-2004, 05:12 AM: Message edited by: skein ]

[greenhead]

Where do you get the Diamond at.

[Lefty]

I just got the mass reply from IAMS as well....I put my lab (Tsavo) on Purina Hi-Pro. 3 Cups w/half can of soft every day and shes good to go. Plus the occasional treat of course when shes good!!!!

[SPAZZ]

[XXL]

Greenhead,
We've been feeding our Lab and Chessie Diamond for several weeks now and find the Lab is much less "itchy" than in the past. Sometimes they are pretty sensitive to corn, according to our vet. Diamond dealers can be found at http://www.diamondpet.com , click on your state.
XXL