William Grand, co-founder and CEO of NutriFusion, a company creating nutrient-rich powders from non-GMO fruits and vegetables, brings over 35 years of expertise in corporate management, sales, and marketing to the forefront of the critical issue of pet food safety.
In his career, Grand has played pivotal roles in supporting international product launches and start-ups, overseeing logistics and fulfillment centers, and mentoring local managers, leaders, and distributors across Asia, Europe, and Canada. Grand’s previous leadership positions include CEO of Earth Eco Research LLC and President of Mackay Specialties, equipping him with a deep understanding of the complexities and potential pitfalls within the food industry.
In this opinion piece, Grand addresses the recent surge in pet food recalls, spotlighting the dangers posed by contaminants in traditional pet foods. He explores how plant-based ingredients can offer a safer, healthier alternative for our pets, ensuring their well-being and safety.
Mars Pet Food Recall and the Power of Plant-based Ingredients
By William Grand
On March 17, the pet food industry was rocked by an announcement issued by Mars Petcare US that they are recalling over 300 bags of PEDIGREE® Adult Complete Nutrition Grilled Steak & Vegetable Flavor Dry Dog Food in the 44-lb. bag size due to the possibility of loose metal pieces inside.
The ingestion of metal pieces has several dire implications for a pet’s health, including the dangerous lodging of the pieces in the intestines. Also, certain types of metals, when digested, can ultimately poison an animal, leading to serious harm – even death. This is terrible news for today’s pet owner, who has come to trust well-known brands to support their pet’s dietary needs. It is especially terrible news for a man’s best friend, who looks to their owner as the guardian of their safety and health.
This recall follows others, including a concerning development in 2020. Veganpet, an Australia-based pet food brand, sued its supplier after a contaminated batch of biscuits killed seven dogs and affected over 60 dogs with the incurable disease megaesophagus.

The fact that basic sustenance could be the culprit of a pet’s demise is positively abhorrent, and many pet owners are taking a step back to assess what they are feeding their pets. So much is hidden, or simply unknown, about the associated risks with specific ingredients and the potential for a floodgate of diseases to open, diseases that cannot be contained or cured.
Salmonella, a risk that we are well aware of in terms of human health, poses a significant threat and can rear its ugly head in a number of ways. Many types of pet food contain products that originate from animals, which makes them prime candidates to contain Salmonella (as well as E. coli, for that matter).
“The fact that basic sustenance could be the culprit of a pet’s demise is positively abhorrent”
And while the food is cooked at a temperature that should eliminate this kind of contamination, if it comes in contact with additives that are contaminated, the food will also be contaminated. What’s more, pets that have fallen ill because of Salmonella may still carry the bacteria and pass it on to their owners.
However, fruits and vegetables – longstanding champions of good health for pets and humans alike – have been found to be excellent sources of nutrition for animals while also escaping some of the major risks associated with other types of ingredients.

Considering dogs are omnivores vs. carnivores, the option to pursue plant-based pet foods is a fantastic way to proceed. When investing in dog food supported by fruits and vegetables, dogs benefit from a powerful mix of vitamins and minerals that deliver all the nutrients needed while also safeguarding them from the dangers associated with animal-derived products.
As pet owners, we must do our due diligence and assess the ingredients listed on the nutritional panel. In some cases, a package might claim that the pet food is plant-based (or perhaps even to a degree) when the panel tells a different story. Don’t fall victim to sneaky marketing.
Don’t forget to ask questions – education is key.
“We must do our due diligence and assess the ingredients listed on the nutritional panel”
Be sure to consult your veterinarian if you have any questions or concerns about the risks associated with Salmonella and other potential contaminants to make sure you are on the right path. Also, figure out what a potential game plan could look like in the event your pet food should be contaminated with something like metals (as obstructive objects and with the potential to poison).
While every situation is different, understanding what the next steps could look like in the event of a potentially harmful or life-threatening situation involving pet food could make all the difference in the world.