NOTE: We try our best to bring you the important dog food recalls as they happen but it’s not always possible. Subscribe to free recall notices from the:
On June 18, 2022, Freshpet Inc., of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, issued a voluntary recall of a single lot of dog food. The Freshpet Select Fresh From the Kitchen Home Cooked Chicken Recipe in 4.5 pounds bags is the only product involved in this recall.
This recall was issued because due to potential contamination with Salmonella bacteria. According to the company, “Our Freshpet Team had designated this single lot for destruction, but a small portion of the lot was inadvertently shipped to retailers in limited geographic markets in the last two weeks.”
These potential markets may include:
Walmarts in
Alabama and Georgia.
Targets and other select retailers in:
Connecticut
Massachusetts
Maine
New Hampshire
New Jersey
New York
Pennsylvania
Puerto Rico
Rhode Island
Vermont and West Virginia.
To date, Freshpet has not received any reports of illness, injury or adverse reaction.
Salmonella poses a risk to animals ingesting the affected product (including dogs and cats) and can also be transmitted to humans. Pets infected with salmonella may display symptoms including:
Fever;
Lethargy and shock;
Diarrhea (which may last up to 3-4 weeks or longer);
Vomiting;
Weight Loss;
Dehydration; and
Mucus and/or blood in stool.
People infected with salmonella can also have:
Diarrhea;
Fever; and
Abdominal cramps.
For some people, their diarrhea may be severe enough to require hospitalization.
What to do Next with this Dog Food Recall
Consumers should immediately stop feeding any of the recalled products and dispose any affected product immediately in trash that is secured.
Consumers should thoroughly wash their hands after handling any affected products or cleaning any potentially contaminated surfaces including freezers/refrigerators where the product was stored, bowls, utensils, bedding, toys and floors.
Dog parents who wish to request a reimbursement, can go here to do so (scroll to the bottom of the page). Or consumers may contact Freshpet at 800-285-0563 between 9am to 9pm Eastern Time, Monday – Friday for additional information.
NOTE: We try our best to bring you the important pet food recalls as they happen but it’s not always possible. We encourage our readers to subscribe to free, automatic pet food recalls through the following websites to protect your beloved pet immediately.
On March 26, 2021, Midwestern Pet Foods, Evansville, Indiana issued a voluntary recall of specific dog and cat food brands produced only at its Monmouth, Illinois Production Facility (identified in expiration date codes with an M”). The recall was issued because Salmonella contamination was discovered during routine sampling by the Company of finished products. Affected products were distributed to retail stores nationwide and to online retailers.
Cat and dog food brands affected by this voluntary recall include the following manufactured at the Monmouth Illinois Production Facility:
CanineX
Earthborn Holistic
Merdian
Pro Pac
Pro Pac Performance
Pro Pac Ultimates
Sportmix
Sportmix Wholesomes
Sportstrail
Unrefined
Venture
Wholesomes
The entire list of affected product brands and their Expiration Date/Lot Numbers can be viewed on the FDA website here. All other Midwestern Pet Foods are unaffected by this recall.
What You Should Know About Salmonella
Salmonella poses a risk to animals ingesting the affected product (including dogs and cats) and humans. Pets infected with salmonella may display symptoms including:
Fever;
Lethargy and shock;
Diarrhea (which may last up to 3-4 weeks or longer);
Vomiting;
Weight Loss;
Dehydration; and
Mucus and/or blood in the stool.
People infected with salmonella can also have:
Diarrhea;
Fever; and
Abdominal cramps.
For some people, their diarrhea may be severe enough to require hospitalization.
What to do Next
Consumers should immediately stop feeding any of the recalled products and discard them in a secure container where stray animals or wildlife cannot access them.
Consumers should also:
Clean their refrigerator/freezers where the product was stored.
Thoroughly wash their hands after handling any recalled products.
Clean and disinfect any:
Utensils;
Bowls;
Surfaces including floors; and
Pet bedding and toys.
Consumers may contact Midwestern Pet Foods Consumer Affairs at info@midwesternpetfoods.com or call 800-474-4163, extension 455 between 8am to 5pm Central Time, Monday – Friday for additional information.
As the debate rages on about whether a raw diet* is good or not for our pets, below is an interesting study about the potential risk of humans getting sick or infected from handling their pet’s raw food. The study included over 16K pet households in 81 countries. The research is published in the BMJ journal Veterinary Record.
(*Raw food includes any meat, internal organs, bones and cartilage fed uncooked to pets.)
(Did you know that more than 60% of pet owners in the Netherlands feed raw?)
The USDA (US Food and Drug Administration) issues a recall alert on August 14th regarding 35 frozen lots of Texas Tripe Raw Pet Food (manufactured by Texas Tripe Inc).
The recall was issued after samples tested positive for Salmonella and/or Listeria monocytogenes. Testing was done by the Office of the Texas State Chemist (OTSC). Of the 23 samples tested, 16 were positive.
The recalled products were sold frozen in 20- and 40-pound cases containing multiple plastic pouches in 23 product varieties. NOTE: There are no unique identifications numbers on the individual chubs (plastic pouches) to identify them as the recalled products. Lot codes are only printed on the outside of the cases.
Here is the list of all the recalled products and lot numbers:
(Courtesy: The Dog Advisor)
The States Included in the Recall
The recalled products were sold directly to consumers (online and over the phone) in the following states:
Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas and Virginia.
ALSO … A Special Note
The products below were also tested and showed positive for Salmonella and/or Listeria monocytogenes but have NOT been recalled.
Texas Tripe Chicken Blend: Lot 19196-6
Texas Tripe Pork Blend: Lot 19190-09
Texas Tripe Beef Blend: Lot 19191-05
Pet treats and food contaminated with Salmonella and/or Listeria monocytogenes pose a public health concern because they can affect both the health of animals and humans. Refrigeration or even freezing does not kill the bacteria.
What You Should Know About Salmonella
Salmonella poses a risk to animals ingesting the affected product (including dogs and cats) and humans. Pets infected with salmonella may display symptoms including:
Fever;
Lethargy and shock;
Diarrhea (which may last up to 3-4 weeks or longer);
Vomiting;
Weight Loss;
Dehydration; and
Mucus and/or blood in the stool.
People infected with salmonella can also have:
Diarrhea;
Fever; and
Abdominal cramps.
For some people, their diarrhea may be severe enough to require hospitalization.
What You Should Know About Listeria Monocytogenes
Listeria monocytogenes poses a risk to both animals ingesting the affected product and humans (if they do not thoroughly wash their hands after coming into contact with a contaminated product). Pets infected with listeria may display symptoms including:
Mild to severe diarrhea;
Anorexia;
Fever;
Nervous, muscular and respiratory system issues;
Abortion;
Depression; and
Shock and even death.
Infected animals can also serve as sources of infection to other household animals and humans.
What to do Next
Consumers should immediately stop feeding any of the recalled products and discard them in a secure container where stray animals or wildlife cannot access them.
Consumers should also:
Clean their refrigerator/freezers where the product was stored.
Thoroughly wash their hands after handling any recalled products.
The CDC has expanded its investigation to 27 states regarding the outbreak of human Salmonella infections because of contaminated bulk pig ear dog treats.
According to the CDC website, as of July 16th, 93 people have been infected with one of 3 genetic strains of the salmonella bacteria found on the bulk pig ear dog treats (from 27 states) and twenty people have been hospitalized. The CDC labels these infections as “multidrug-resistant.” Since it takes 2-4 weeks for a person to become ill (with diarrhea, fever and stomach cramps) after handling a contaminated pig ear, not all illnesses may have yet been reported.
Those at the greatest risk include children under the age of 5, adults 65 years and older and those with weakened immune systems.
In addition, infected pets can carry and infect other animals and humans.
Pet Supplies Plus has issued a recall to over 400 retail stores in 33 states for bulk pig ears (dog treats).
The recall only includes bulk pig ears stocked in open bins. Prepackaged branded pig ears are not included in this recall.
The recall was issued after testing by the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development revealed the presence of Salmonella.
The States Included in the PSP Recall
The recall involves Pet Supplies Plus stores in:
Alabama, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, North Carolina, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Wisconsin and West Virginia.
ALSO … An Investigation
On July 3rd, the FDA (together with the CDC) announced an investigation of contaminated pig ear dog treats that may be connected to human, drug-resistant Salmonella infections that have sickened 45 people in 13 states with 12 patients hospitalized from coming into contact with the contaminated pig ears.
The recall may or may not be related.
What You Should Know About Salmonella
Salmonella poses a risk to animals ingesting the affected product (including dogs and cats) and humans. Pets infected with salmonella may display symptoms including:
Fever;
Lethargy and shock;
Diarrhea (which may last up to 3-4 weeks or longer);
Vomiting;
Weight Loss;
Dehydration; and
Mucus and/or blood in the stool.
People infected with salmonella can also have:
Diarrhea;
Fever; and
Abdominal cramps.
For some people, their diarrhea may be severe enough to require hospitalization.
What to do Next
Consumers should immediately stop feeding any recalled pig ears and discard them in a secure container where stray animals or wildlife cannot access them. Consumers who have further questions are welcome to contact Pet Supplies Plus Neighbor Service team at 734-793-6564 between Monday and Friday 9 am to 4 pm ET (excluding holidays).
Yesterday, on March 26th, the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) issued a warning to dog owners to avoid feeding 3 separate lots of Darwin’s Natural Raw Dog Food.
(NOTE: All 3 lots were manufactured in October/November of 2018.)
After a consumer complaint, the FDA collected and tested samples from 3 lots and all tested positive for salmonella.
These frozen dog food products are manufactured by Arrow Reliance Inc., doing business as Darwin’s Natural Pet Products. Products are sold online direct to consumers.
UPDATE: The company just issued a public response to the FDA’s warning; it can be read here.
The Recall: The Affected Products/Lots:
Darwin’s Natural Pet Products Natural Selections Chicken Recipe with Organic Vegetables for Dogs
Package: 5309(11)181019
Manufacture Date: October 19, 2018
Darwin’s Natural Pet Products Natural Selections Chicken Recipe with Organic Vegetables for Dogs
Package: 5375(11)181106
Manufacture Date: November 11, 2018
Darwin’s Natural Pet Products Natural Selections Turkey Recipe with Organic Vegetables for Dogs
Package: 5339(11)181026
Manufacture Date: October 26, 2018
What You Should Know About Salmonella
Salmonella poses a risk to animals ingesting the affected product (including dogs and cats) and can also be transmitted to humans. Pets infected with salmonella may display symptoms including:
Fever;
Lethargy and shock;
Diarrhea (which may last up to 3-4 weeks or longer);
Vomiting;
Weight Loss;
Dehydration; and
Mucus and/or blood in stool.
People infected with salmonella can also have:
Diarrhea;
Fever; and
Abdominal cramps.
For some people, their diarrhea may be severe enough to require hospitalization.
What to do Next
Consumers should contact their veterinarian if their dogs have consumed any of these recalled products and are exhibiting any of the symptoms listed above. Also, contact your own doctor if you are feeling any symptoms of salmonella.
The affected product should be thrown away immediately.
Consumers should thoroughly wash their hands after handling any affected products or cleaning any potentially contaminated surfaces including freezers/refrigerators where the product was stored, bowls, utensils, bedding, toys and floors.
An in-depth look by Susan Thixton of TruthAboutPetFood.com at the past ten years of Pet Food and Treat recalls and what we can learn.
A Decade of Recalls
During the past ten years (January 1, 2009 to November 4, 2018) did you know there’s been 173 pet food recalls posted on the FDA website?
BUT wait; that’s NOT the whole story!
Those 173 recalls represents the number of recall Press Releases issued, NOT the total number of actual pet foods recalled. In addition, some recalls count as “one” recall even though multiple products may actually be involved in the “one” recall.
The Recalls: What’s Actually Included?
The recalls over the past ten years have included the following categories:
59 Treat Recalls
48 Raw Recalls
45 Kibble Recalls
17 Canned Recalls
3 Dehydrated Recalls
1 Cooked, Sold Frozen Pet Food
What Should YOU do Next?
Education is the best defense in keeping your pets safe and healthy.
Learn more about the last decade of recalls at TruthAboutPetFood.com. Learn about the specific causes for the recalls and which ones pose the greatest risk for your pet. (Hint: Salmonella, Listeria and E.coli rank at #1.)
Did you know that some causes behind the recalls even pose health risks to YOU, the pet owner?! (Including infants and children 5 years and younger; adults aged 65 and older; AND people with weakened immune systems.)
Remember, your pet is depending on you to be his advocate and educated consumer!
What you don’t know can hurt your beloved pet!
(Again, we thank Susan Thixton for this in-depth expose about what we can learn from the past ten years of Pet Food and Treat recalls.)
Natural Life Pet Products (St Louis, MO) is voluntarily recalling its Chicken & Potato dry dog food in 17.5 lb bags. The recall was issued for the presence of elevated levels of Vitamin D.
Why the Recall
The recall was issued after an investigation of complaints from 3 pet owners for Vitamin D toxicity after consumption. The investigation revealed a formulation error led to the elevated levels.
The Recall: What and Where
The recall specifically involves:
The 17.5 lbs Natural Life Chicken & Potato Dry Dog Food
A bag UPC of 0-12344-08175-1
A Best By Date of May 29, 2020 – August 10, 2020 (found on the back or bottom of the bag)
The recalled dog food was distributed to retail stores in:
Alabama
California
Florida
Georgia
North and South Carolina
Tennessee
Virginia
What You Should Know About Elevated Levels of Vitamin D
Dogs who eat elevated levels of Vitamin D may exhibit the following symptoms:
Vomiting
Loss of appetite
Increased thirst
Increased urination
Excessive drooling
Weight loss
When consumed at very high levels, dogs can face serious health issues including renal dysfunction.
What to do Next
Consumers should immediately contact their veterinarian if their dogs have consumed this recalled product and are exhibiting the symptoms listed above.
The affected product should be thrown away or returned to the purchase place for a full refund.
Consumers with any questions should contact Natural Life Pet Products at 888-279-9420 (Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm CST) or via email at ConsumerServices@Nutrisca.com for more information.
Bravo Packing, Inc. (of Carneys Point, NJ) has issued a voluntary recall for two products: Performance Dog in the 2-lb and 5-lb plastic sleeves. The recall was issued for potential salmonella contamination.
Why the Recall
The recall was initiated after an FDA inspection collected and tested a sample which tested positive for salmonella. No human or animal illness has been reported to date.
The recall specifically involves:
Performance Dog Frozen Raw Pet Food in 2-pound and 5-pound plastic sleeves with the Manufacture Date Code of 071418. (This code is printed on the cardboard boxes containing the plastic sleeves, NOT on the individual sleeves. There are NO unique ID numbers of the sleeves.)
If customers purchased either of these recalled products after July 14, 2018, the FDA recommends throwing the product away to protect the health of your dog and yourself from potential contamination from salmonella.
Note: Performance Dog typically works with Tefco, a Brooklyn, NYC distributor which fulfills orders to brick-and-mortar retail stores and to consumers directly.
What You Should Know About Salmonella
Salmonella poses a risk to animals ingesting the affected product (including dogs and cats) and can also be transmitted to humans. Pets infected with salmonella may display symptoms including:
Fever;
Lethargy and shock;
Diarrhea (which may last up to 3-4 weeks or longer);
Vomiting;
Weight Loss;
Dehydration; and
Mucus in stool.
What to do Next
Consumers with any questions should contact Bravo Packing, Inc., at 856-299-1044 (Monday-Friday, 6am-2pm EST or Saturday, 4am-9am EST) or via their website at http://www.BravoPacking.com.
Below are the latest recalls since our last blog post.
K9 Natural Ltd
On April 13th, K9 Natural Ltd of New Zealand voluntarily recalled four batches of its K9 Natural Frozen Chicken Feast (the 2.2 and 11lb bags) that were imported to the United States in June 2017. The recall was issued due to potential Listeria monocytogenes.
The recall involves:
K9 Natural Frozen Chicken Feast (2.2 lb bags):
Shipped to distributors/pet speciality retail stores in WA, CA, TX and CO with the batch #170517 and an expiration date of 17NOV2018.
K9 Natural Frozen Chicken Feast (11 lb bags):
Shipped to distributors/pet speciality retail stores in WA, CA, TX, CO and PA with the following batch numbers:
#150517 (expiration date of 15NOV2018)
#160517 (expiration date of 16NOV2018)
#170517 (expiration date of 17NOV2018)
There have been no reports of illness.
Customers with questions may contact the company via phone at 1 888 345 4680, M-F 8am-5pm PST & EST and S-S 14 &15 April 2018 8am-5pm PST & EST or email info@k9natural.com.
For the third time, another recall was issued on two Vital Essentials products: Vital Essentials Freeze-Dried Beef Toppers and Vital Essentials Frozen Beef Chub Entree for Dogs due to potential Salmonella contamination.
Salmonella can infect both dogs, cats and humans.
The recalled products can be identified with the following information:
Vital Essentials Freeze-Dried Beef Toppers: Lot #13815, Best by 06/04/19
Vital Essentials Frozen Beef Chub Entrée: 5 lb., Lot #13816, Best by 12/27/18
Customers may notify their retailer for a replacement or refund or contact the company at 920-370-6542.
OC Raw Dog of Rancho Santa Margarita, CA, issued a voluntary recall of approximately 1,560 lbs of their Chicken, Fish & Produce Raw Frozen Canine Formulation due to potential Listeria monocytogenes contamination.
The affected products were manufactured on October 11, 2017 with a Lot number of 3652 and a Use By Date of October 11, 2018.
The recalled Lot #3652 was shipped and sold to Independent Speciality Retailers in the following states: CA, CO, FL, MD, MN, PA and VT.
NOTE: Another recall was also issued by OC Raw Dog for its Freeze-dried Sardines because the product exceeded FDA size restrictions (of 5 inches). (The FDA has determined that salt-cured, dried or fermented un-eviscerated fish larger than 5 inches have been linked to outbreaks of botulism poisoning between 1981 and 1987 and then again in 1991.)
We try our best to keep our readers informed with the latest recall information (here on our blog and on our Twitter/Facebook pages); unfortunately that’s not always possible. To stay informed with the latest recalls, subscribe to one (we recommend all) of the recall alerts below.
(Note: We’ve been trying to publish this post since February. But with the constant barrage of recalls, it’s been almost impossible to stay up-to-date with all the information.)
The last few months have been nothing short of frightening when it comes to recalls and our beloved pets. Unfortunately, we’ve all become a bit immune to seeing recall announcements here and there. But as the few months have clearly shown, recalls are on the rise particularly with the bacterial contamination of Salmonella which can infect dogs, cats and humans.
Recent recalls include products made by:
J.M. Smucker Company: Gravy Train, Kibbles ‘N Bits, Ol’ Roy & Skippy
Northwest Naturals
Vital Essentials
TruPet
Smokehouse Pet Products
Redbarn Pet Products
Raws for Paws
Darwin’s Natural Pet Products
Blue Ridge Beef
J.M. Smucker Company: Milo’s Kitchen Dog Treats
Blue Buffalo Company
Radagast Pet Food
Steve’s Real Food
Raw Basics
An Update on the Deadly Chinese Jerky Treats
Keep reading to learn more about each recall.
J.M. Smucker (Dogs & Cats)
In early February, traces of pentobarbital (a drug used to euthanize cats, dogs and horses) were found in Gravy Train canned dog food. The findings came out of an ABC station’s investigation (WJLA in Washington, DC). The investigation found pentobarbital in 9 out of 15 cans (or 60%) of Gravy Train dog food. Over months of testing and re-testing, WJLA News tested a total of 62 samples of dog food.
The Smucker Company (Orrvile, OH) later expanded the recall to include certain lots of Gravy Train, Kibbles ‘N Bits, Ol’ Roy and Skippy wet dog food products.
(UPDATE: A day after the story broke on February 8th, a class action lawsuit was filed against Big Heart Brands Gravy Train for advertising, misrepresenting and selling contaminated dog foods.)
Near the end of February, Northwest Naturals of Portland Oregon, issued a recall for its 5lb frozen Chicken and Salmon pet food chubs (sealed plastic tubes) due to potential Listeria monocytogenes contamination.
While no pet or human illnesses were reported, Listeria monocytogenes poses a risk to both animals ingesting the affected product and humans if they do not thoroughly wash their hands after coming into contact with a contaminated product.
Again at the end of February, Carnivore Meat Company of Green Bay, WI, recalled 73 cases of Vital Essentials Freeze-Dried Beef Nibblets Entree for Dogs pet food due to potential Salmonella contamination.
The affected product was distributed through both independent and online retailers, Chewys.com and Amazon.com. Salmonella can infect both dogs, cats and humans. The contamination was found following the Michigan Department of Agriculture’s collection of a single batch, retail sample that tested positive. There have been no reports of illness.
Another recall during the last week of February included a limited recall from TruPet of Milford, OH, for their “Treat Me Crunchy Beef Delight” 2.5 oz pet treats due to possible Salmonella contamination.
On February 19th, the FDA announced a recall of Beefy Munchies dog treats by Smokehouse Pet Products of Sun Valley, CA. The recall included all sizes and package types (including individual bags, resealable bags and plastic tubs (labeled “Beefy Bites”) due to possible Salmonella contamination.
The recall was issued after routine sampling and testing by the Colorado Department of Agriculture revealed Salmonella in two 4-oz packages.
In early March, Redbarn Pet Products of Long Beach, CA, expanded its original recall (of February 9th) to include all lots of their Bully Sticks under the brand names of Chewy Louie, Dentley’s and Good Lovin’.
The presence of Salmonella was revealed through testing by the Colorado Department of Agriculture. The investigation led to a raw ingredient from a single supplier as the source. The affected products were distributed in pet speciality and grocery retail stores nationwide.
In early February, approximately 4,000 pounds of Ground Turkey Pet food were recalled by Raws for Paws of Minneapolis, MN because of the potential presence of Salmonella.
Both the 1- and 5-pound chubs (sealed plastic tubes) were including in the recall. The affected product was distributed throughout Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa and through online mail orders.
Two illnesses were reported in connection with this recall. The recall was issued after testing by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture returned positive results.
Another early February recall involved two Darwin’s Pet Food products (of Tukwila WA):
ZooLogics Chicken Meals with Organic Vegetables for Dogs; and
ZooLogics Turkey with Organic Vegetables Meals for Dogs.
Testing revealed the presence of Salmonella. According to Gary Tashjian, the Founder of Darwin’s Pet Products, customers who received these meals were notified directly. Darwin’s Natural Pet Products are sold exclusively through a subscription service directly to their customers.
Just a few days ago, the recall was expanded to include a total of four lots of products. The following products were also added to the recall with the potential of Salmonella and E. Coli (0128):
Natural Selections Chicken with Organic Vegetables Meals for Dogs; and
Natural Selections Duck with Organic Vegetables Meals for Dogs.
Again, just a few days ago, another recall was issued, this time for Blue Ridge Beef (BRB) of Eatonton, GA. The recall involves one lot of its BRB Complete Raw pet food because of the potential presence of both SalmonellaandListeria monocytogenes. The affected product is sold in 2-pound chubs (sealed plastic tubes) and are frozen. The recall only affects the following states:
Florida
Georgia
North and South Carolina
Tennessee
The contamination was revealed after samples were collected and tested by the FDA.
To learn more about the Blue Ridge Beef recall, click here.
NOTE: On March 2nd, Blue Ridge Beef also issued a recall for one lot of their Kitten Grind Raw Pet Food again for the potential contamination of both Salmonella and Listeria monocytogenes. Click here to learn more about this recall.
J.M. Smucker Company (Milo’s Kitchen Dog Treats)
Just a few days again, the J.M. Smucker Company issued another recall for two specific lots of Milo’s Kitchen dog treats. The treats potentially contain elevated levels of beef thyroid hormone. Dogs ingesting elevated levels of beef thyroid hormone may exhibit symptoms like increased thirst and urination, weight loss, increased heart rate and restlessness. While these symptoms may resolve themselves once the affected product is no longer fed, prolonged consumption can result in serious vomiting, diarrhea and rapid and/or labored breathing.
Earlier this month, Blue Buffalo (Wilton, CT) issued a recall of one lot of its BLUE Wilderness Rocky Mountain Recipe Red Meat Dinner Wet Food for Adult Dogs because of the possibility of elevated levels of beef thyroid hormones.
Dogs ingesting elevated levels of beef thyroid hormone may exhibit symptoms like increased thirst and urination, weight loss, increased heart rate and restlessness. While these symptoms may resolve themselves once the affected product is no longer fed, prolonged consumption can result in serious vomiting, diarrhea and rapid and/or labored breathing.
The Portland, OR company, Radagast Pet Food, Inc., is recalling two lots of their products as of March 20th due to the potential of Listeria monocytogenes contamination.
The two recipes being recalled include:
Rad Cat Raw Diet Free-Range Chicken; and
Rad Cat Raw Diet Free-Range Turkey.
Listeria monocytogenes poses a risk to both animals ingesting the affected product and humans if they do not thoroughly wash their hands after coming into contact with a contaminated product.
Earlier this month, Steve’s Real Food (Cottonwood, UT) issued a recall for its Raw Frozen Dog Food Turkey Canine Recipe after testing positive for Salmonella.
The affected lot (52 cases) involved their frozen 5-pound bags of turkey nuggets. They were distributed to retail pet food stores in the following states:
California
Colorado
Connecticut
Iowa
Kansas
Florida
Maryland
Michigan
Minnesota
Missouri
North Dakota
Nebraska
New Jersey
Nevada
New York
Oregon
Pennsylvania
Texas
Utah
Virginia
Washington
To learn more about the Steve’s Real Food recall, click here.
Raw Basics
Another frozen raw pet food issued a recall on March 6th. Raw Basics of Pleasant Prairie, WI, recalled its 5-pound boxes of Tucker’s Raw Frozen Pork-Bison Dog Food for potential Salmonella contamination.
The presence of Salmonella was revealed after testing done by the Nebraska Department of Agriculture. The contamination was isolated to one lot of 108 boxes (540 pounds) and distributed to pet specialty retail stores in Minnesota, Georgia, Kansas and Pennsylvania.
It’s happened again, this time in Oklahoma with a 4-year-old Yorkie.
Within hours of eating of chicken jerky dog treats with “all natural farm fresh ingredients” sourced from China, Zoe was dead.
It’s been over 11 years since imported food and treats from China have been harming – and even killing – our pets. Yet the treats still sit on store shelves for unsuspecting customers to buy and feed to their pets.
If you thought someone is looking out and protecting both you and your beloved pets, think again. If you’re looking for obvious information and disclosures about the treats you buy, think again too.
Read ALL the print, especially the tiny print buried on the back of the package (as illustrated below with the treats that killed Zoe, sold at Walmart).
With no answers from the FDA’s years-long investigative research, but with pets still being sickened and dying, become your own best advocate and learn all you can about what you feed your pet. Until safety takes precedent over profits, your pet’s health is in potential danger.
We try our best to keep our readers informed with the latest recall information (here on our blog and on our Twitter/Facebook pages); unfortunately that’s not always possible. To stay informed with the latest recalls, subscribe to one (we recommend all) of the recall alerts below.
Loving Pets, a New Jersey-based manufacturer of pet treats located in Cranbury, is voluntarily recalling a limited number of dog treats for potential salmonella contamination.
The limited recall includes the following products:
Loving Pets Barksters: Sweet Potato and Chicken and Brown Rice and Chicken;
Loving Pets Puffsters Snack Chips: Apple and Chicken, Banana and Chicken, Sweet Potato and Chicken and Cranberry and Chicken;
Salmonella can affect animals eating the products and there is also a risk to humans from handling contaminated pet products, especially if they have not thoroughly washed their hands after having come into contact with the productsor any surfaces exposed to these products. Symptoms of possible salmonella poisoning in humans include: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramping and fever. While rare, Salmonella can result in more serious ailments, including arterial infections, endocarditis, arthritis, muscle pain, eye irritation and urinary tract symptoms.
Pets poisoned with Salmonella may exhibit lethargy, diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever and vomiting. Some pets may only show signs of decreased appetite, fever and abdominal pain. Infected, but otherwise healthy pets can be carriers of salmonella and infect other animals or humans.
Contact your vet or doctor if you suspect salmonella poisoning for immediate help.
Why the Recall
The potential salmonella contamination was “discovered by the Loving Pet’s internal quality assurance team.” The contamination was identified to a single finished ingredient supplied to Loving Pets from one of its USA-based suppliers.
According to a Press Release:
“Loving Pets produces its treats in small batches, in order to offer the highest quality and control in safety. To ensure the safety of its products, Loving Pets decided to be extra cautious and recall a wider range of lot numbers so that no possible contaminated product is available on the market.”
According to the Company’s website, no illnesses, injuries or complaints have been reported.
What to do Next
Consumers may return any affected treats to the retailer where the product was originally purchased.
For additional information, consumers may also call Cathy Vesey at 866-599-PETS (7387) or visit LovingPetsProducts.com.
To learn more about the Loving Pets recall, go to:
Smallbatch Pets Inc., of Portland, Oregon, is recalling two specific lots of its frozen bags of 2lb Chicken Blend (for dogs and cats) due to finding salmonella.
The affected products were distributed to retail pet food stores in CA, CO, OR and WA and were sold between February 1st until May 5th, 2017.
The affected lots include:
Lot D032
UPC: 705105970974
Best By Date: 2/1/2018
and:
Lot E058
UPC: 705105970974
Best By Date: 2/27/2018
Salmonella and the Risks
Salmonella can affect animals eating the products and there is also a risk to humans from handling contaminated pet products, especially if they have not thoroughly washed their hands after having come into contact with the productsor any surfaces exposed to these products. Symptoms of possible salmonella poisoning in humans include: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramping and fever. While rare, Salmonella can result in more serious ailments, including arterial infections, endocarditis, arthritis, muscle pain, eye irritation and urinary tract symptoms.
Pets poisoned with Salmonella may exhibit lethargy, diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever and vomiting. Some pets may only show signs of decreased appetite, fever and abdominal pain. Infected, but otherwise healthy pets can be carriers of salmonella and infect other animals or humans.
Contact your vet or doctor if you suspect salmonella poisoning for immediate help.
Why the Recall
According to a statement from Michael Vogel of Smallbatch Pets:
“The FDA (under the direction of the CVM) called us and they want us to recall two lots due to finding salmonella. No reported illness to dogs, cats or humans.”
What to do Next
Consumers with these products may return the affected product to the place of purchase for a full refund or contact the company by calling 888-507-2712 or by email at info@SmallBatchPets.com.
EuroCan Manufacturing of Ontario, Canada, is voluntarily recalling one lot of its Barnsdale Farms® Pig Ears due to the potential presence of Salmonella contamination.
The products were packaged as individually shrink-wrapped packages in quantities of 6, 12 and 25 under the following brands:
Barnsdale Farms®
Barnsdale Farms Select®
Houndstooth®
Mac’s Choice®
The recalled products are all from one Lot (#84) and were distributed throughout the United States and Canada.
Salmonella can affect animals eating the products and there is also a risk to humans from handling contaminated pet products, especially if they have not thoroughly washed their hands after having come into contact with the productsor any surfaces exposed to these products. Symptoms of possible salmonella poisoning in humans include: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramping and fever. While rare, Salmonella can result in more serious ailments, including arterial infections, endocarditis, arthritis, muscle pain, eye irritation and urinary tract symptoms.
Pets poisoned with Salmonella may exhibit lethargy, diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever and vomiting. Some pets may only show signs of decreased appetite, fever and abdominal pain. Infected, but otherwise healthy pets can be carriers of salmonella and infect other animals or humans.
Contact your vet or doctor if you suspect salmonella poisoning for immediate help.
Why the Recalls
While there have been no reports of illness, the company suspended distribution of the affected products while they, along with the FDA, continue to investigate the source of the problem. Routine testing revealed the presence of Salmonella in the recalled products.
What to do Next
Consumers who purchased any of the recalled pig ear products (Barnsdale Farms®, HoundsTooth® and Mac’s Choice®), should return them to the place of purchase for a refund. Consumers with questions should contact the Company directly at 888-290-7606 (Monday-Friday, from 9am – 5pm EST).
To learn more about this recall and to see images of the recalled products, go to:
individual chubs (plastic pouches) to identify them as the recalled products. Lot codes are only printed on the outside of the cases.
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