I just learned from my colleague Susan Thixton, pet food activist and author of the TruthaboutPetFood blog, that the FDA has just released a report about some of the goings on at the Diamond Pet Foods plant in Gaston, N.C., where pet foods involved in the recent recall were made.

Click this link to access it.

As you'll see, it's brief, yet highly revealing. I was particularly intrigued by Observation #1. (Ick!)

As anyone who frequents my site knows, I have been covering this on a seemingly non-stop basis for weeks.

Not surprisingly, many pet food experts (including Susan) are demanding a full investigation.

So stay tuned for more about this ongoing saga.

Photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons

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Now that flea and tick season is on the horizon, I am getting questions from retailers about the best products to carry.

I always emphasize the importance of natural products for this purpose, because some of these treatments can be toxic to pets.

Some good natural brands are:

• Ark Naturals
• Doc Ackerman's
• Only Natural
• Sentry Natural Defense

Meanwhile, the UK's Company of Animals has come out with an innovative, dual-action Tick & Flea Comb.

This consists of a fine-toothed comb to remove flea residue and eggs on one side, while the other side features a slit designed to remove whole ticks.

The comb also has a small opening in the corner, which can be attached to a keychain for added convenience.

It's an ideal, holistic alternative for parents who prefer not to use harsh sprays or chemicals on their pet.

The suggested retail price of $1.49 US is also an attractive selling point.

These are all excellent, safe products for flea and tick control.

Photo courtesy of The Company of Animals

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One of the great fringe benefits of Omar's job is that he receives a seemingly never-ending supply of pet products to review.

He most recently received two that he is especially fond of: PURRfect Pouncer Cat Toy from Vee Enterprises of Los Angeles, and the Thundershirt anti-anxiety pet garment from the North Carolina company of the same name, which is now available for cats.

He also reviewed the adorable cat playhouses from British company suckUK. (Although he didn't receive one for review, he saw these on the Internet and loved them.)

You can read his reviews by clicking on my story "Cute New Cat Supplies."

Meanwhile, he just received a bunch of other new pet products to review. (Every day is kitty Christmas in our house!) So stay tuned for more.

Photos courtesy of Alissa Wolf and Thundershirt Company

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Humans won't be the only ones to hit the red carpet in grand style during this year's MTV Movie Awards, taking place in Los Angeles on June 3. Posh pooches will also be strutting their stuff, in designs from Sophisticated Pup!

Each celebrity pup will receive a canine chic flower collar made from top designer fabrics and fitted with a hot pink crystal peony, hand-crafted by company owner Michelle Cleek O'Hollaren.

Chicago-based Sophisticated Pup has been dressing dogs in stylish canine clothing and accessories since 2006.

Congrats to Michelle on her doggone great achievements!

Photo courtesy of Sophisticated Pup

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