As both a pet owner and veterinarian, navigating the pet food recall that began in March has been a nightmare.

My first worry was for my own cats and dogs at home. Luckily, none of the foods or treats I feed them has been recalled.

Next, I had to worry about hundreds of my patients that may have been eating recalled food. Again I feel relieved that the number of patients that have required blood and urine tests to evaluate kidney function has been few.

In March, investigation into contaminated pet food focused on melamine (a substance used in plastics and fertilizer) as the toxin in wheat gluten causing the kidney problems. Since then, Menu Foods has expanded its recall several times.

Researchers now feel that other contaminants may be involved and that other ingredients, such as rice protein concentrate, corn gluten, soy protein and rice bran, may be affected.

So, is pet food safe? The majority of pet food is safe.

According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, more than 99 percent of pet foods are still deemed safe and have not been recalled. The FDA is testing 100 percent of the wheat gluten, rice protein concentrate, corn gluten, corn meal, soy protein and rice bran being imported from China for contaminants.

The most recent pet food recalls have been undertaken proactively, due to association with involved ingredients and suppliers, rather than as a result of complaints about animals that have consumed the food and become ill.

It is easy to become frustrated and discouraged about ongoing reports of potential concern with the diets we are feeding our pets. However, remember you family veterinarian is the best source of information for the health of your pet.

Dr. Randi Olson is a veterinarian at Vale Park Animal Hospital and can be reached at 219.462.5785.