As caretakers of our canines, we must always be alert to the safety of the foods we give them. The safety of pet foods comes under the jurisdiction of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). A recall may be conducted on a firm’s own initiative, by request, or by FDA order under statutory authority.
You can stay up-to-date on pet food recalls by regularly searching the website of the FDA, the American Veterinary Medicine Association, Dog Food Advisor, or another reliable source.
Here is information on some recent dog food recalls:
On August 14, 2013, The Proctor and Gamble Company announced it is recalling specific lots of Iams and Eukanuba dog and cat foods due to possible contamination with Salmonella bacteria. Go to dogfoodadvisor.com/dog-food-recall/iams-eukanuba-dog-cat-food-recall to learn which products are affected.
Natura Pet recalled all dry pet foods manufactured in mid-June 2013 and with expiration dates prior to June 10, 2014. These include Innova, California Natural, EVO, Healthwise, Mother Nature, and Karma branded dry pet food and treats. The FDA found salmonella in one of these products and ordered the recall.
The Robert Abady Company announced in June that it is voluntarily recalling two of its frozen dog food products: Abady Frozen High Stress/High Performance Dog Food and Abady Frozen Growth Formula for Puppies of the Large and Giant Breeds.
Great Life Performance Pet Products has notified its distributors to withhold certain products because they spoiled before their expiration dates. This is technically not a recall. The products are Great Life Grain Free Buffalo and Dr. E’s Grain Free Buffalo. No salmonella or other contaminants were found.
Many recalls of both human and pet food are due to salmonella contamination. Salmonella bacteria can cause devastating infections in both animals and humans. When we live together as a family, cross-contamination (zoonosis) can easily happen. Eating food contaminated with salmonella is the primary culprit. The foods most commonly infected are beef, poultry, milk, and eggs, especially raw or undercooked. We know from news stories over the past few years that the bacteria also occur in some fruits and vegetables.
Symptoms of salmonella infection in dogs include fever, shock, lethargy, diarrhea, vomiting, anorexia, weight loss, dehydration, skin disease, stool mucus, abnormally fast heart rate, swollen lymph nodes, vaginal discharge, and spontaneous abortion. Dogs most at risk are very young or old due to undeveloped or compromised immune systems and those on antibiotic therapy. If you see possible signs of infection, consult your veterinarian immediately for diagnoses and treatments.
The Centers for Disease Control and many dog health websites provide practical tips that can help prevent salmonella poisoning in your pets. Here are some basic pointers.
Inspect food packages before purchase, checking for holes and tears in bagged food and dents in canned food. Only purchase food in packages that are fully sealed and intact.
We humans can contract salmonella just from touching pet food, so wash your hands thoroughly after handling any pet food or treats. Also, keep all pet foods and treats away from human food and keep pets off countertops or other areas where human food is prepared.
Keep all dog dishes squeaky clean. Wash them with hot water thoroughly between meals, then clean and sanitize your sink after cleaning dog dishes.
Do not use the pet’s dish or your hands to transfer food to the bowl. Use a clean, dedicated scooper for the food.
Store dry pet food in a cool, dry place under 80 degrees F. Don’t leave any uneaten dog food out after mealtime. Put it in the refrigerator to keep at 40 degrees F or cooler.
Following these suggestions and staying tuned in to recall announcements will help you and your dog avoid the potentially life-threatening effects of eating contaminated food.
Mary Alice Coverdale and her husband, Gordon Kennedy, live in Stockton with their two rescue dogs, Sadie and Ginger. Mary Alice has been a journalist, editor, teacher, mom, grandma, and will soon be a great-grandma! She provides freelance editing and writing services through We Write It Right,
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