Introduction
Pet food recalls due to toxicity concerns have become more common in the last couple decades. While most pet foods undergo rigorous safety testing, sometimes issues can slip through the cracks. Exposure to toxic ingredients like melamine, salmonella, aflatoxins, and excess Vitamin D can make dogs seriously ill. Since 2007 there have been numerous major dog food brands that have issued recalls due to toxicity risks. Most occurred due to manufacturing issues, while some were caused by ingredient suppliers. When a toxin is discovered in dog food, it’s critical that the manufacturer issue a prompt recall before more pets can be harmed. While recalls can erode consumer trust, being transparent about problems is vital for preventing further illness and fatalities. This discussion will provide an overview of notable dog food recalls related to toxicity over the past 15 years.
2007 Menu Foods Recall
In March 2007, the Menu Foods company issued a massive recall on wet dog and cat foods. The recall involved over 60 million containers of wet food across more than 90 brands, including major labels like Iams and Eukanuba. The recalled products were manufactured at two Menu Foods facilities in the United States.
After receiving numerous reports of animals suffering kidney failure after eating the food, Menu Foods determined the cause to be contamination from melamine and cyanuric acid. Melamine is an industrial chemical used to manufacture plastic products. When combined with cyanuric acid, found in fertilizers, the two chemicals can form crystals that can lead to kidney stones and eventual kidney failure in pets. The melamine contamination was traced back to a single supplier in China that had added the substance to wheat gluten to increase the apparent protein content. Thousands of dogs and cats were sickened or died after consuming the contaminated wet foods. The incident led to one of the largest pet food recalls in history.
Nutro Products Recall
In April 2009, Nutro Products recalled several varieties of its dry dog and cat foods. The products were found to contain excessive levels of zinc and potassium, potentially causing vomiting, diarrhea, and other symptoms. The recall included Nutro Natural Choice Chicken Meal, Rice & Oatmeal Formula Adult Dog Biscuits and Nutro Natural Choice Oatmeal & Rice Formula Puppy Biscuits.
The company received over 900 complaints of dogs vomiting, some with blood, or suffering from diarrhea and lethargy after eating the recalled products. The source of the elevated zinc and potassium levels was believed to be a vitamin premix obtained from a U.S. third party supplier. Nutro took full responsibility and worked closely with the FDA to recall the affected products.
Pet owners who had purchased the recalled Nutro dog biscuits were advised to immediately discontinue feeding them and monitor their dogs closely. Any dogs showing symptoms after eating the biscuits were recommended to see a veterinarian. Nutro also offered refunds to customers with recalled products.
Diamond Pet Foods Recall
In 2005, Diamond Pet Foods issued a voluntary recall for a number of its dry dog food products due to aflatoxin contamination. Aflatoxins are toxic substances that are produced by the Aspergillus flavus mold. While the mold itself is not harmful to dogs, ingestion of aflatoxins can cause illness and liver damage.
The recall included several of Diamond’s brands that were manufactured at their facility in South Carolina between December 3, 2005 and April 17, 2005. The recall included brands like Diamond, Country Value, Premium Edge, Professional, and Chicken Soup for the Pet Lover’s Soul.
An investigation found that the source of the aflatoxin contamination was a damaged shipment of corn. Testing discovered levels of aflatoxin as high as 224 parts per billion in the recalled products, when the maximum acceptable level is only 20 parts per billion.
Exposure to high levels of aflatoxins resulted in the deaths of approximately 100 dogs across the country during this period. The recall affected 23 different states where the contaminated products were distributed.
As a result of this incident, Diamond Pet Foods instituted more rigorous testing procedures to screen corn shipments for aflatoxin contamination prior to production. This was aimed at preventing a similar recall from occurring in the future.
Purina Beneful Recall
In March 2016, Purina Beneful wet dog food was recalled due to concerns about unapproved propylene glycol in the food. The FDA had been investigating reports of animals becoming ill after eating Beneful wet dog food tubs. Their investigation found that the propylene glycol used in some Beneful products was contaminated with mycotoxins at low levels. Mycotoxins are toxic substances that can cause symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, and liver damage in pets. Even though the levels found were below the FDA limits for animal consumption, Purina decided to voluntarily recall the affected Beneful wet dog food tubs out of an abundance of caution.
Evanger’s Dog & Cat Food Recall
In February 2017, Evanger’s Dog & Cat Food voluntarily recalled five lots of its Hunk of Beef product because it had the potential to contain pentobarbital, a euthanasia drug. The owner of the company said that meat from a cow contaminated with pentobarbital was used to make the food.
Pentobarbital is used by veterinarians and animal shelters to euthanize animals including dogs, cats and horses. While it is not believed to be harmful to humans, it can be fatal to animals even in small doses. Symptoms of pentobarbital poisoning in dogs include drowsiness, dizziness, excitement, loss of balance, nausea, nystagmus and inability to stand.
The contaminated Hunk of Beef cans affected by the recall had expiration dates of June 2020 to September 2020. The recall was initiated after testing performed by the Michigan Department of Agriculture showed the presence of pentobarbital in a single batch. The FDA investigated the plant and determined the contaminated meat source entered the Evanger’s facility from an outside supplier.
At least five dogs died after consuming the contaminated product, according to the FDA. The agency advised pet owners who purchased any Evanger’s products not covered by the recall to dispose of those products immediately and consult their veterinarian, especially if their pet is showing symptoms of illness.
Blue Buffalo Recall
In March 2017, Blue Buffalo recalled certain canned dog food products after discovering some products contained potentially elevated levels of beef thyroid hormone. The recall affected a single lot of the following canned dog foods that were produced in one manufacturing facility and distributed nationwide:
- Blue Wilderness Rocky Mountain Recipe Red Meat Dinner Wet Food for Adult Dogs
- Blue Wilderness Trail Trays Beef Grill Steaks Flavor
- Blue Buffalo Homestyle Recipe Healthy Weight Chicken Dinner with Garden Vegetables
- Blue Buffalo Homestyle Recipe Beef Dinner with Carrots, Peas and Potatoes
The affected cans were all coded with best by dates between June 2019 and August 2019. According to Blue Buffalo, beef thyroid hormone was present at elevated levels due to an error at the supplier’s facility. While the ingredient is approved for use in pet food, the excess levels could potentially cause increased thirst and urination, weight loss, increased heart rate, and restlessness in dogs who consume it.
After discovering the issue, Blue Buffalo promptly announced the voluntary recall and advised pet parents who purchased the recalled products to dispose of them or return unopened cans for a refund. At the time, there were a small number of reports of dogs exhibiting some of the symptoms associated with excess beef thyroid hormone levels. However, Blue Buffalo assured that the health issues appeared to be temporary and that affected pets recovered after consuming the recalled products.
Hill’s Pet Nutrition Recall
In January 2019, Hill’s Pet Nutrition voluntarily recalled select canned dog food products due to potentially elevated levels of vitamin D. An excess of vitamin D can cause vomiting, loss of appetite, increased thirst, increased urination, excessive drooling, weight loss, and joint issues. Prolonged consumption can lead to serious health issues in dogs including renal dysfunction.
The recall affected canned Prescription Diet and Science Diet foods that were sold through veterinary clinics, pet specialty retailers and online in the United States and Canada. Specific products recalled included:
- Hill’s Prescription Diet c/d Multicare Canine Chicken & Vegetable Stew 12.5oz
- Hill’s Prescription Diet i/d Canine Chicken & Vegetable Stew 12.5oz
- Hill’s Prescription Diet i/d Canine Chicken & Vegetable Stew 5.5oz
- Hill’s Prescription Diet z/d Canine 5.5oz
- Hill’s Prescription Diet g/d Canine 13oz
- Hill’s Prescription Diet i/d Canine 13oz
- Hill’s Prescription Diet j/d Canine 13oz
- Hill’s Prescription Diet k/d Canine 13oz
- Hill’s Prescription Diet z/d Canine 13oz
- Hill’s Science Diet Adult 7+ Healthy Cuisine Roasted Chicken, Carrots & Spinach Stew dog food 12.5oz
- Hill’s Science Diet Adult 7+ Youthful Vitality Chicken & Vegetable Stew dog food 12.5oz
After receiving reports from pet owners about dogs with vitamin D toxicity, Hill’s promptly initiated the recall and advised pet owners who purchased the recalled products to discontinue use. Hill’s also offered to reimburse pet owners for veterinary expenses related to vitamin D toxicity.
Sunshine Mills Recall
In September 2020, Sunshine Mills issued a voluntary recall for certain dog food products due to potential aflatoxin contamination. Aflatoxins are toxins produced by the Aspergillus flavus mold which can grow on corn and other grains used in pet food. At high levels, aflatoxins can cause illness and liver damage in pets.
The affected Sunshine Mills dog food was manufactured in the company’s Oklahoma plant and included several Nature’s Menu Super Premium dog food products sold in retail stores nationally. The recall included certain batches of certain dog food formulas with expiration dates ranging from October 2021 through September 2022.
The FDA had found elevated levels of aflatoxins in some bags of the recalled dog food, prompting Sunshine Mills to issue the voluntary recall. The company stated that no illnesses had been reported in association with the recalled products to date. However, the potential for aflatoxin toxicity was considered a serious health risk.
Pet owners who had purchased the recalled Nature’s Menu dog food products were advised to stop feeding them and to return unopened products to the retailer for a refund. Consumers with questions about the recall were directed to contact Sunshine Mills.
Proper pet food storage, handling and mold controls during manufacturing are important to prevent aflatoxin contamination. The Sunshine Mills recall demonstrated how such processes can occasionally fail and allow toxins into pet foods, underscoring the need for vigilant quality control and consumer awareness.
Conclusion
Over the years, there have been several major recalls of dog food due to toxicity concerns. The 2007 Menu Foods recall impacted over 100 brands and resulted in the deaths of thousands of pets. Other significant recalls came from major brands like Nutro, Diamond Pet Foods, Purina, Blue Buffalo, Hill’s and Sunshine Mills. The reasons for the recalls ranged from melamine contamination, excessive vitamin D, mold growth, and salmonella bacteria. These recalls highlight the need for pet owners to stay informed and monitor any warnings about their pet’s food.
Pet owners can take steps to protect their dogs from potentially toxic food. Always check the FDA and brand websites for any recalls before purchasing a product. When switching foods, do so gradually to allow your dog’s stomach to adjust. Store food properly in cool, dry conditions in a container with a tight lid. Discard food that is past its expiration date or that smells odd. If your dog shows signs of illness like vomiting or lethargy after eating, stop feeding the food immediately and contact your vet. Stay alert about any pet food recalls and monitor your dog’s health closely after starting a new diet.