Although the exact cause of the problem is not yet known, animals that have become ill after consuming the recalled products have shown signs of acute kidney failure.

Erik Johnson, an owner of the international pet wellness business Healthy Pet Solutions, agrees we may only be hearing about the worst of the cases so far. Kidney damage does not necessarily show up immediately, so it is possible that hundreds or even thousands more of our pets may have undiagnosed kidney damage. Some of these pets will be strong enough to fight off kidney failure and others will not, Johnson says.

The good news, Johnson says, is that pet owners can take some significant steps to help their pets:

• Stop feeding the recalled food - for a list of recalled items, go to http://www.menufoods.com/recall/index.htm.

• Watch for signs of kidney failure - dramatically increased thirst, loss of appetite, lethargy, or vomiting may all be warning signs. If your pet seems to sleep more than usual or does not want to play as usual, be especially vigilant. Accidents outside the litter box or forgetting their housebreaking may also be warning signs.

• Call your veterinarian immediately if you see signs of kidney failure. Affected pets may need intravenous fluids, antibiotics, medications to suppress vomiting and diarrhea and a treatment plan to flush the kidneys and support the body. Quick action is important but even treated pets may be left with some kidney damage that will require lifetime treatment.

• Add a little extra support for seemingly healthy pets. Some veterinarians are suggesting blood and urine tests for all pets fed the recalled food. Supplements designed specifically to strengthen kidney function, like Healthy Pet's Kidney Booster or Kidney Solution II from Pet-Helper.com, may be useful in helping the animal battle kidney problems. And just as we humans often boost our levels of vitamins when we are having health issues, pet owners may want to consider adding a multi vitamin to the pet's daily regime.

Only a small percentage of all the commercially prepared pet foods are involved in the recall, so pet owners should be able to find suitable substitutes. For pet owners concerned about returning to commercially prepared brands, Johnson suggests home cooked meals can be as good for your dog or cat as they are for you.

• Focus on meats and vegetables - Dogs can handle a variety of foods but most cats want mainly meat and can digest little else. Some cats enjoy melon.

• Introduce new foods slowly - dogs especially like beef, green beans, carrots, apples, melons, and cherries and may over indulge. Too much of a new food can cause intestinal distress for the dog.

• Avoid junk food and processed foods - Most processed human foods contain too much salt for a canine or feline diet.

• Steer clear of foods that can make your animal sick. Never feed dogs chocolate, grapes, raisins, fruit pits and seeds, green potatoes, spices, cooked bones or the sugar substitute xylitol. Limit their intake of cheese and dairy, onions, garlic, processed meats, citrus fruits, broccoli and spinach (never give spinach to dogs with urinary tract problems)

• Make sure you are providing all needed nutrients. Your veterinarian or any number of books can provide diets. Recipes also are available from Johnson at erik.johnson@hls-herbs.com or by visiting www.pet-helper.com.

Treat your pet right with this healthy home cooked soup from www.pet-helper.com you can make a different variety each week. Meat (beef marrow bones or beef oxtails), chicken or turkey carcass or legs, or fish (not shellfish) Vegetables choose a mix of potatoes, carrots, kale, beets, green beans, zucchini, yellow squash, broccoli, or parsley. 2 Tablespoons oil Water Cut vegetables into chunks, put with meat, oil, and water to cover in a stock pot, bring to boil and then simmer covered for several hours until very tender. Allow to cool, then put everything except bones into a blender, add marrow from bones if using beef and blend to a thick soup. Store refrigerated what you will need for 3 days, freeze the rest in serving size containers. Serve over rice, over dry food, or alone.