Clicky

Purina Dog Food Recall

The Nestle Purina PetCare Company, formerly known as Ralston Purina, ranks among the largest and most recognized pet food manufacturers in the industry.

The company is headquartered at 1 Checkerboard Square, St. Louis, MO 63164.

Founded in 1893 as Purina Mills, the company has been making pet foods for more than ninety (90) years. This gives them a lot of experience in developing quality and nutritious foods than many other companies globally.

From high-protein dog foods to grain-free and grain-inclusive diets, they have a lot to offer.

Purina Dog Food Journey

The Nestlé company was founded in 1867 when Henri Nestlé formulated the first source of nutrition for little kids that could not be breastfed by their mothers. Shortly after, the firm started to produce chocolate milk followed by many other products.

On the other hand, the Robinson-Danforth was founded in 1894 with the aim of creating a balanced food for animals. It was the first company in the world to offer balanced food for animals.

Ralston Purina started as a partnership between Purina and Dr. Ralston, a nutrition specialist to manufacture whole grain cereal. The main challenge for the company was to fine-tune people to start eating cereal for breakfast. And I guess that is what most of us eat now, right?

The company was promoting its products using the: “Where purity is supreme” slogan at the time and it was then that the name Purina was born.

And where did the red and square logo come from?

This logo originated from William Danforth’s childhood memory. He said that the Browns, his neighboring family, clothed all their kids with this strange pattern to help them recognize their kids at the Universal Exhibition in St. Louis, Missouri.

In 1902, Danforth took on this distinctive pattern, and it was during this time that the pet food company changed its name to Ralston Purina.

Read our article on Purina vs. Royal Canin

Merging with Nestle

The Nestlé Purina PetCare Company was founded in 2001 after Purina merged with a Nestlé subsidiary. Nestlé has continued the advocate for purity by publicizing its determination to stop false advertising concerning pet food and what it contains.

The brand line for Purina products

  • Purina ONE True Instinct,
  • Purina ONE Puppy Formula,
  • Purina ONE Sensitive Systems,
  • Purina ProPlan,
  • Purina Dog Chow Little Bites,
  • Purina Dog Chow Healthy Morsels,
  • Purina Cat Chow,
  • Purina ONE Hairball Formula, and
  • Purina ONE Indoor Advantage

It also has other affiliated lines of pet food products that include Mighty Dog, Beneful, Alpo, and Friskies.

Are you looking for high-quality dog food that contains a variety of healthy ingredients? Check out the Purina Pro Plan Sport Dog Food

Are there any Recalls on Purina Dog Food?

Yes, Purina has had 6 recalls – 2 in 2011, 1 in 2012, one in 2013, one in 2016, and one in 2021 for both its cat and dog foods.

Out of these recalls, however, only 2 (in 2013 and 2016) involved their dog foods.

The first recall on Purina dog food was in 2013 when the Purina ONE dog food was recalled for risk of salmonella contamination.

After that, the next and last Purina dog food to be recalled was the Purina Pro Plan wet dog food (sold in tubs) in 2016. The dog food was pulled from the shelves because of inadequate mineral and vitamin levels.

Check our article on Purina vs. Pedigree

List of Purina Dog Food Recall

March 2016

What was recalled: The company announced a recall on the Purina Pro Plan Savory Meals (10 oz. tubs). The recall involved these 5 recipes:

  • Braised Chicken Entrée
  • Braised Pork Entrée,
  • Braised Turkey Entrée,
  • Grilled Salmon Entrée,
  • Braised Beef & Rice Entrée

Reason for recall: Insufficient vitamins and minerals

These recipes had the Best Before date of June 2017 to August 2017 plus a production code range that started with the first 4 digits of 5363 to 6054.

In addition to Purina Pro Plan, there was a recall on the Purina Beneful line that involved

  • Prepared Meals
  • Beneful Chopped Blends

Both are wet dog foods (10 oz. tubs) recalled in 2016 for the same reasons (not containing the recommended level of vitamins and minerals).

August 2013

What was recalled: An FDA report and company update dated August 30 recall on Purina ONE Beyond Our White Meat Chicken & Whole Barley Recipe Adult Dry Dog Food (3.5 lbs. bags). The exact quantity recalled, according to the FDA statistics was 103,635 lbs.

Reason for recall: Potential salmonella risk

The recalled dog foods had a “Best by” date of Oct. 2014 plus a production code #31071083.

A table showing Purina dog food recalls

DateWhat was recalledReason for recall
March 10, 2016Purina Pro Plan Savory Meals (10 oz. tubs): Braised Chicken Entrée, Braised Pork Entrée, Braised Turkey Entrée, Grilled Salmon Entrée, and Braised Beef & Rice EntréeInsufficient vitamins and minerals
Purina Beneful (10 oz. tubs):
Prepared Meals & Chopped Blends
Insufficient vitamins and minerals
August 30, 2013Purina ONE Beyond Our White Meat Chicken & Whole Barley Recipe Adult Dry Dog Food (3.5 lbs. bags)The potential risk of salmonella contamination

Purina Pro Plan Dog Food Recall 2021

There have been no recalls on Purina dog food in 2021 (not since 2016).

The only recent 2021 recall was the Purina Pro Plan Complete Essentials Tuna Entrée in Sauce Wet Cat Food in 3oz.

These cans were pulled out of the shelves as they possibly contained black flexible plastic pieces that posed a choking hazard.

Do you prefer feeding your canine friend grain-free food? You should try Purina Grain Free Dog Food

FDA Dog Food Recall: How do I find out about dog food recalls?

If you want to learn more about dog food recalls, the FDA Dog Food Recall website is the best and most reliable resource.

You can also follow the pet food manufacturer’s news center for updates on any recalls on the company’s products.

What is Purina doing to ensure product safety?

Purina is one of the pet food brands in the market that prioritizes dog food safety. The brand uses quality control procedures that are considered the most rigorous in the pet food industry.

In addition, Purina has employed highly-trained specialists that ensure the dog foods they produce are high-quality and safe for your canine friend. Purina also sources its ingredients carefully from reliable sources and ensures safe packaging.

FAQs

The Dog Food Killing Dogs: Midwestern Kibble

Wondering what dog food is killing dogs? It has been in the news a lot since late 2019, the whole of 2021 and is still being reported in 2022. It is the Midwestern dry kibble that has killed over 200 dogs and gotten other 400+ ill.

What caused Midwestern Dry Kibble to be Fatal Kibble.

Midwestern dog food recipes were found to have very high toxic levels of aflatoxins

Aflatoxin, which is a byproduct of corn mold, Aspergillus flavus is dangerous to dogs in large quantities. It can cause severe liver damage and even death. Many popular brands of dog food have recently been recalled because they contain high levels of aflatoxin, so it’s important to be aware of the risks.

Dog deaths by Aflatoxins – More than 2 dozen dogs died Initially

In 2020, over 20 dogs were reported to have died after eating a dog food recipe called Sportmix, a dry kibble. When it was reported back in early 2021, NBC indicated that Midwestern Pet Foods, Inc., the company behind Sportmix had recalled most of its corn-based kibble manufactured in their Oklahoma factories.

Another 70 dogs were reported to have died by the end of 2020

About 70 unconfirmed deaths were reported in connection to pets eating Sportmix and other brands of Midwestern corn-based kibble such as Pro Pac, Splash, Nunn, and Sportstrail labels.

More dogs die in August 2021 – 130 deaths

Late in August 2021, Today.com reported that Midwestern’s Sportmix brand had killed 130 pet deaths and more than 220 illnesses. The August inquiry led to FDA inspecting all manufacturing operations of Midwestern dog food brands.

Fatal Levels of Aflatoxins;

FDA took Samples of SPORTMiX that were later found to contain levels of aflatoxin as high as 558 parts per billion (ppb) against a set limit of 20 ppb of aflatoxin. In other words, the aflatoxins in SportMix were 27.9 times the maximum amount allowed and was enough to kill several pets – 70 to 80 in late 2020/early 2021, and over 130 in July-August 2022.

You can read more about Midwestern dog food recall here.

Taste of the Wild Dog Food Recall 2022

Your dog’s diet is imperative to a healthy and happy life. And if your pooch loves a particular brand, you want to know everything about it from its ingredients to recipes and more. In my article today, we look at the Taste of the Wild dog food recall in detail.

A somewhat new dog food brand, Taste of the Wild was introduced to the pet food market about 2007. The brand aimed at meeting the increased need for high-quality natural dog foods in the market as well as grain-free diets with healthy ingredients.

Taste of the Wild is produced and marketed by Diamond Pet Foods, a family-owned firm that was established in 1970 by Schell and Kampeter. The two were brothers-in-law with a common vision and bought a former milling company.

The company’s headquarters are located in Meta, Missouri, and has facilities in Gaston, Lathrop, and the newest one is in Ripon. Their dog food is highly recommended by many reviewers. Most of them commended the brand for using an adequate amount of named meats as the source of animal-based protein.

Like many great and reliable dog food brands, however, it is not without its downfalls. From dog food recalls to lawsuits, you will find our article today informative and very helpful.

Has the Taste of the Wild dog food ever been recalled?

Although most dog owners highly recommend the Taste of the Wild dog food brand, their major concern is on Diamond Pet Food due to its recall history. That being said, Taste of the Wild has only been recalled once in 2012 due to possible salmonella contamination. A Food and Drug Administration (FDA) report dated May 5, 2012, pulled all the brand’s dog foods with several specifications that we shall give in detail at the recall history section below. 

Taste of the Wild Dog Food Recall History

The Taste of the Wild brand line comprises 3 products, including Taste of the Wild, Taste of the Wild Prey Limited Ingredient, and Taste of the Wild Ancient Grains. The one dog food recall in May 2012 on the brand was a huge one. In fact, the recalled dog food due to positive tests of salmonella contamination had sickened dozens of people and lots of pooches. The foods all came from a single Diamond Pet Food facility in South California.

Check out the table below:

YearReason for RecallAnnouncementWhat Was Recalled
May 2012Possible salmonella contaminationFDA report dated 5th May 2012.
Read the FDA Report here.
All Sizes Of Taste Of The Wild Dry Dog Food With The Following: Production Codes With Numbers 2 Or 3 In The 9th Digit Letter X In The 10th Or 9th DigitBest By date of December 9, 2012, through April 7, 2013.

That must have been a wide range of products involved in the recall.

Taste of the Wild Dog Food Complaints

While the Taste of the Wild dog food brand has had one major recall, the manufacturing firm has found itself in hot soup due to lawsuits. In recent years, the brand has had numerous class-action lawsuits due to complaints about dog food. Check out the information in detail below:

LawsuitLawsuit DateComplaint
Jackson et al. v. Schell & Kampeter Inc. d/b/a Diamond Pet Foods et al.February 2019, IllinoisClaims positive tests for lead, arsenic, lead pesticides as well as other lethal constituents in Taste of the Wild dog food. Read case info here or here
Grossman v. Schell & Kampeter Inc. d/b/a Diamond Pet Foods et al.August 2018Claims unidentified heavy metals, pesticides, acrylamide, as well as bisphenol A (BPA) in Taste of the Wild dog food. Read more about this case here.
Marciano v. Schell & Kampeter Inc. d/b/a Diamond Pet Foods et al.May 2012Claimed neglect, excessive supplementation, state law infringements, and more for salmonella contamination recall on Taste of the Wild dog food among other brands.
Read more about the $2 million case settlement here.

The 2012 lawsuit against Taste of the Wild was in due course settled for $2 million where some clients got $10 checks in the mail. Other customers also collected refunds for spent vet bills as well. 

Taste of the Wild Dog Food Heart Disease

Taste of the Wild dog food is also featured in the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) June 2019 investigation on sixteen (16) pet food brands that are under scrutiny for heart disease.  The dog food was fed to pets that developed dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) from 2014 to 2019. We found this information in a CBS News Article here.

Most of these incidents are found in large dogs but this time the case was different as even small dogs were affected as well. The major culprits of heart disease were caused by grain-free dog foods. Taste of the Wild has 10.1% of the total 524 DCM cases. With a few answers from the FDA as of now, there has been no recalls on any of the featured brands. However, the most irritating response they gave regarding the issue is that it is a complex scientific issue that may involve multiple factors.

Speaking to the VIN News Service, a Diamond Pet Food company spokesperson said that Taste of the Wild is linked to causing DCM in 53 pets only. The company has, however, sold about 29 million bags of the brand. She believes there are more unanswered queries regarding the inquiry.

Taste of the Wild Dog Food Ingredients

Usually, the ingredients of the brand depend on the formula you choose for your canine buddy as they offer a range of products. Most of the ingredients used by Taste of the Wild dog food are sourced from the United States. Nonetheless, some that are not locally obtainable have been outsourced from reliable suppliers in different countries. They include New Zealand (lamb), Germany (potato protein), China (handpicked nutrients), and Belgium (chicory). You can always check this info on the backside of the food packaging.

Taste of the Wild High Prairie Grain-Free Dry Dog Food Recall

There is no record of the Taste of the Wild high prairie grain-free dry dog food having a recall in any of the sites, including the FDA site.

The High Prairie Adult dry dog food formula is a fantastic choice for younger pooches and active dogs that need high protein diets to thrive well. This recipe includes a range of proteins from fish and animals to provide your pooch with vital amino acids needed for a balanced diet. The major con for this formula is that it contains chicken which is a common allergen to dogs.

Wrap-Up

Overall, Taste of the Wild is an excellent dog food brand that tries to use natural and healthy ingredients to keep your doggie happy and healthy. Compared to others in its class, the brand only has had just one major recall which is a good sign of trust. And although it has several lawsuits and an impending FDA investigation, that is common in the pet food industry. We would recommend the brand, but always consider your dog’s needs first.

FAQs

Q: Is Taste of the Wild Safe now?

A: Yes, there is no current active recall on any brands by Taste of the Wild. We will be sure to update this article if there is any recall, lawsuits, or complaints about their kibble. Dog Food Advisor has rated their kibble at 4.5 out of 5 with a justification for the high rating being high-quality grain-free ingredients such as named animal-based protein and other US-sourced ingredients.

Q: What are some of the best Taste of the Wild Dog Food.

A: Below are some of the best Taste of the Wild dog food;

  1. Taste of the Wild High Prairie Grain-Free  – 4.5/5 by DFA
  2. Taste of the Wild with Ancient Grains – 4.5/5 by DFA and 4.7/5 on Amazon by 16k+ customers
  3. Taste of the Wild Cans – 5/5 by DFA and 4.5/5 by 2k+ customers on Amazon

Midwestern Pet Foods Recalls

Since 2016, Midwestern Pet Food has had its fair share of hard nights due to recalls on both cat and dog foods. This recall involved multiple brands produced and marketed by the company at their Monmouth facility in Illinois due to possible salmonella contamination. The brand had specific lots of at least 11 products pulled out of the shelves. In addition, the Food and Drug Administration inspected their other 4 plants and recalled more brands for high levels of aflatoxin (558 ppb) in dog foods, which exceeds the recommended 20 ppb. The Midwestern Pet Food recalled brands may have resulted in over 220 illnesses and 130 deaths in 2020 and 2021.

All these products were sold via brick-and-mortar retail stores and online throughout the US.

About the Company

Founded in 1926, Midwestern Pet Foods is a family-owned and operated company that started from humble beginnings as a milling company. Currently in its family’s 4th generation headship, its marketing hype states, “specializes in the manufacture of nutritional dog and cat food recipes, treats, and oven-baked biscuits.”

Midwestern Pet Foods company makes and markets 12 pet food products including CanineX, Earthborn Holistic, Meridian, Nunn Better, Pro Pac, Pro Pac Utilities, Splash, Sportmix, Unrefined, Sportmix Wholesomes, and Sportstrail. The company has several manufacturing plants located in Monmouth, IL, Evansville, IN, Waverly, NY. 

Recall History

As mentioned earlier, Midwestern Pet Foods has had no recalls before until between 2020 and 2022 when several recalls on different lots of specific brands were made. Below is a table representing a breakdown of the recalls:

What Midwestern Pet Food Brand were RecalledBag Size Date of ExpiryLot No.
Earthborn Holistic Adult Vintage25#

4#, 12.5#, 25#
May 4, 2022; May 5, 2022; Aug. 4, 2022; Sept. 19, 2022M2 L1M3 L1, L2M3, L1, L2, L3M3, L1, L2
Earthborn Holistic Coastal Catch4#, 12.5#, 25#May 3, 2022; Aug. 4, 2022M1, M2, L1, L2, L3M3, M1, L1, L2, L3
Earthborn Holistic Great Plains Feast4#, 12.5#, 25#Aug. 8, 2022; Sept. 15, 2022M3, M1, L1, L2, L3M1, M2, L1, L2
Earthborn Holistic Large Breed25#May 3, 2022; May 4, 2022; Aug. 12, 2022; Sept. 15, 2022M2, L1, L2M3, L2M2, L1, L2M3, L1, L2
Earthborn Holistic Meadow Feast28#14#, 28#12.5#, 25#Apr. 26, 2022; May 9, 2022; Sept. 18, 2022M3, L2M1, M3, L1, L3M1, M2, L1, L2
Earthborn Holistic Ocean Fusion254#, 12.5#, 25#Aug. 3, 2022; Sept. 18, 2022M3, M1, L1, L2M1, L1, L2, L3
Earthborn Holistic Primitive Feline5#, 14#5#, 14#Apr. 29, 2022; Sept. 17, 2022M1, L1, L2, L3M3, M1, L1, L2

It would be hard to include the long list of Midwestern Pet Foods recall on a variety of its brands in this short article and table, but you can read it in full on the FDA website here. If your dog or cat has consumed any of the brands or sub-brands of Midwestern Pet Food featured in the recall, make sure you go to your vet. You should also dispose of the remaining bags of the recalled brands completely.

Reasons for Recall

The main reason why the Midwestern Pet Foods brand was pulled out of the shelves was due to high levels of aflatoxin in their foods as well as potential salmonella contamination. Out of its 12 brands and sub-brands, only 1 was not involved in the huge recalls list by the FDA.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) said that their inspections showed confirmation of serious food safety rules violations. The agency conducted these investigations in collaboration with the Oakland Department of Agriculture first between Dec. 31, 2020, and Feb. 5, 2021. The inspection, first at the firm’s Chickasha plant is OK, following a voluntary Class I recall about 19 products by Midwestern Pet Foods due to potentially high levels of aflatoxin levels.

This inspection on the brand was triggered by several consumer complaints leading to a follow-up by the FDA on the matter. The foods were suspected to cause mycotoxin poisoning that lead to the illness and possible death of pets, especially on the SPORTMiX High Energy Dog Food.

You can read more about the recall on the FDA official warning letter to Midwestern Pet Foods here.

Aflatoxin, on the one hand, is a toxic substance produced by some molds, such as Aspergillus flavus. This mold grows on certain pet food ingredients like peanuts, corn, as well as other grains. When consumed at high levels, it can lead to aflatoxicosis, damage of the liver, and even death. The danger of these toxins is that they can be present even when you can’t see mold on pet foods. Signs of aflatoxin poisoning in pets, as stated by the FDA, include vomiting, decreased appetite, lethargy, diarrhea, mysterious bleeding, or bruising. You may also see a yellowish tint to the gums, eyes, or skin because of liver damage.

Salmonella contamination, on the other hand, mainly occurs when you feed your pet raw diets, even those that you buy in pet food stores. The germs cause sickness in your dogs and cats and can extend the infection to your family through handling it directly or taking care of your pet. Symptoms of salmonella infection in dogs include increased fatigue, fever, and vomiting. As for cats, they will exhibit loss of appetite, excess salivation, and fever.

If you notice any signs written above in your pet that consumed the recalled Midwestern Pet Foods brand(s), be sure to see your veterinarian for diagnosis and treatment.

Midwestern Pet Food Recall List

The Midwestern Pet Food recall brands in the list of the FDA is long and the following brands and sub-brands are included:

  • 12 varieties of the Earthborn Holistic brand,
  • 3 varieties of the Meridian brand,
  • 13 varieties of the Pro Pac Ultimates brand,
  • 21+ varieties of the Sportmix brand,
  • 1 variety of the Sportstrail brand,
  • 3 varieties of the Unrefined brand,
  • 3 varieties of the Venture brand, and
  • 2 varieties of the Wholesomes brand.

You can read about these recalls in detail here on the official FDA website. 

In a statement issued by Steven Solomon, the FDA’s Center for Veterinary Medicine director, the agency said that they were issuing a corporate-wide warning letter following their inspection on various manufacturing facilities owned by the Midwestern Pet Foods, Inc. This was in relation to their dry food variety that led to the sickness and likely death of hundreds of pets.

FDA Report on the Recall

The FDA issued an official notice to Midwestern Pet Foods, Inc. about a recall on their brands and sub-brands following inspections of the company’s manufacturing plants. In its report, the FDA said that MPF’s plants revealed a critical violation of pet foods safety. In their opinion, the conditions at the firm’s plants would have possibly led to the sickness and possible death of hundreds of felines and canines.

Here is what the FDA reported:

“Analysis of these subsequent samples found that additional SPORTMiX branded products, spanning multiple products and lot codes, contained aflatoxin at levels as high as 558 ppb. FDA considers that aflatoxin levels in dog and cat food above 20 ppb will support a charge of adulteration…because of the reasonable possibility that a regular diet of such food will be fatal or injurious to the health of the pet. Therefore, these pet food products manufactured in your Oakland facility are adulterated in that they bear or contain a poisonous or deleterious substance which renders them injurious to health.”

You can get a full FDA report on their official letter to MPF here.

The FDA also reported having found Midwestern Pet Foods’ food safety programs unsatisfactory to avoid or reduce contamination. As such, the company was given 15 days to answer back with a plan of action to amend the breaches before facing legal action. 

Simply Nourish Dog Food Recall

Do you love feeding your canine buddy the Simply Nourish dog food brand? I am sure that you will find my article on Simply Nourish Dog Food recall very helpful. As pet parents, we know that our feline and canine friend’s health highly depends on their diet. That is why a diet with the best nutrition should be a priority for your pooch.

Speaking of dog nutrition, different people have different opinions on what should make up your dog’s daily diet. Most vets and dog nutritionists, however, say that decent dog food should have ingredients such as meat, veggies, wholesome grains, and fruits. In addition, it should be free of fillers and synthetic additives or colors. So, does Simply Nourish fall into the category of good dog food?

In my article today, I shall be looking into the Simply Nourish dog food brand with the main focus on their recalls and the reasons behind it. 

Is Simply Nourish a good dog food?

Simply Nourish dog food is ranked as above-average dog food that is available in both dry and canned varieties. The brand is known for using a significant amount of meat as well as high-quality ingredients for the most part making their dog food an excellent choice for your pooch.

The Simply Nourish dog food brand was initially introduced to the pet food industry by American Nutrition Inc. Founded in 1972, this family-owned pet food company has its head office located in Ogden, UT, and is owned by Jack Behnken. Annually, Simply Nourish is said to make over 300k tons of both wet and dry cat and dog foods. You will find their products under brand names such as Natural Harmony, Atta Boy, Atta Cat, Vita Bone, and Basic Plus.

You can read more about American Nutrition Inc. here.

In March 2020, the American Nutrition Inc. (ANI), and C.J. Foods, which are two top-notch pet food brands, merged to form Alphia. C.J. Foods (CJF) has more than 35 years of experience in making high-quality dry pet food while ANI boasts over 60 years of experience in the same field. CJF is owned by a private equity firm called J.H. Whitney Capital Partners that is based in Connecticut since 2014.

You can learn more about Alphia, the company formed after merging the two pet food giants here.

With the merging of the two established pet food manufacturers in the US, you can only expect the best.

Who makes Simply Nourish dog food?

Simply Nourish is produced by American Nutrition which is based in the US. The company has production plants in 3 different locations including Ogden, UT, Woodland, WA, and Hazelton, PA. Both their wet and dry dog food varieties are made using premium ingredients to promote your canine companion’s overall health and happy lifestyle.

The brand has a wide variety of dog food recipes with a lot of sub-varieties in its wet and dry range including Source, Natural Solutions, Limited Ingredients, among others. You can find recipes for pups, small & large dog breeds as well as those targeting pooches with sensitivities and allergies. And whether your dog likes grain-free or grain-inclusive formulas, Simply Nourish got your needs covered. Their recipes also use a moderate range of fish and meat ingredients. You can always find this Nutritional Info at the back of the package on the ingredient list.

All Simply Nourish dog food brand products are quality and always meet the food standards set by the American Association of Feed Control Officials (AAFCO), Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and US Department of Agriculture (USDA).

Simply Nourish dog food recall 2019, 2020, and 2021

Simply Nourish has never had dog food recalls between 2019 and 2020. In 2021, August to be precise, 8 Simply Nourish products were pulled out of the shelves due to high levels of vitamin D. This recall involved more than 51,000 packages of the brand’s frozen dog food that were marketed in 2 lb. and 4.5 lb. weight packaging with “Best By” dates as shown in the table below.

Simply Nourish dog food recall history

I love the Simply Nourish brand’s limited history of dog food recalls which puts a stamp on the high-quality nutritional value of most of its products and recipes. Before the August 2021 recall on the frozen batches below, the brand shows no records of any other recalls.

Date of RecallAnnouncement Reason for RecallWhat Was Recalled 
August 2021Voluntary recall FDA website hereElevated levels of vitamin DSimply Nourish Frozen Chicken & Veggies 2 lb., UPC Code 73725792262, “Best By” date 11/10/2022 to 1/12/2023Simply Nourish Frozen Chicken & Veggies 4.5 lb. UPC Code 73725762264, “Best by” range 11/10/2022 to 1/12/2023Simply Nourish Frozen Beef & Barley 4.5 lb. UPC Code 73725732267 “Best by” range 11/10/2022 to 1/12/2023Simply Nourish Frozen Turkey & Sweet Potato 2 lb./4.5 lb. UPC Code 73725792260/3 “Best by” range 11/10/2022 to 1/12/2023Simply Nourish Frozen Pork & Veggies 2 lb./4.5 lb. UPC Code 73725792079/8 “Best by” range 11/10/2022 to 1/12/2023

Reasons for Simply Nourish dog food recall

Simply Nourish has only been recalled once in August 2021 due to high levels of vitamin D in 51,000 packages of its frozen dog food range. Despite the recall, however, no dog parents have reported any sicknesses to date. At least not yet and no other Simply Nourish products have been affected. So, what do we know about vitamin D?

Vitamin D is a vital nutrient that is important for your canine buddy’s overall health as it helps your pooch normalize the balance and maintenance of phosphorous and calcium in his body. This nutrient is commonly found in a number of sources in your dog’s diet including egg yolks, liver, and fish. Your dog can also get vitamin D from dairy and beef.

While vitamin D is a must-have nutrient for your doggie friend, eating food with very high levels of it can lead to severe health problems due to vitamin D toxicity. Other than diet, other causes of vitamin D toxicity in dogs include consumption of human vitamin D supplements or eating chemicals with the compound. Symptoms of vitamin D poisoning are decreased appetite, vomiting, excessive drooling, adding/losing weight, as well as increased water drinking or urination.

According to the FDA, vitamin D poisoning diagnosis and treatment can only be done by your vet since the signs named above can be from other diseases. Make sure that you pay your vet a visit when you notice signs of vitamin D toxicity in your canine friend.

FAQs

Has Simply Nourish dog food been discontinued?

Despite the large recall on 51,000 packages of the Simply Nourish Frozen dog food variety, there has been no announcement about discontinued production of the brand’s food. The products were pulled out of the shelves for high levels of vitamin D which can lead to toxicity.

Pedigree Dog Food Recall (2004 – 2021/22)

If you love feeding your canine friend the Pedigree brand, you will find my article today on Pedigree dog food recalls today very helpful. Overall, Pedigree makes good food that targets dog owners looking for recipes that come with an affordable price tag. And while the brand may not feature in the high-quality dog food arena, those that feed it find it a good pick.

The brand has found itself in the middle of a number of recalls on its dog foods, both in the dry and wet or canned categories. Some of the reasons include voluntary withdrawal of certain foods from the shelves for metal contamination. The brand is also among the trademarks that feature in the list of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) investigations for vitamin D toxicity. 

Personally, I do not recommend what I can’t feed Chester, my yellow Lab, which includes cheap dog food. There is always a catch when a brand sells its dog food at a cut-rate price while other brand prices rise steeply. Perhaps they are using lots of fillers and low-quality ingredients in their recipes. It is not worth putting your dog’s health at risk by picking substandard dog food. Like you, he or she thrives best on a premium diet plus clean water, vaccination, exercise, and vet visits.

Is Pedigree among the cheap dog food brands? Today, I shall give an in-depth review of the recalls that the Pedigree dog food brand has faced and the reasons, as well as other notable skirmishes that the brand has found itself in.

About Pedigree Dog Food

Pedigree dog food was invented 64 years ago (in 1957) under the name Chappy in Leicestershire, England in the UK. The firm was started by the Chappell Brothers in the 1930s in Manchester, England, where they named their product Chappie Dog Food. Very little is known about the Chappell Brothers other than their use of low-quality meats to make dog food back then.

After a lot of transformation, the firm is now owned and operated by Mars, Inc., which is located in McLean, Virginia in the United States. Their facilities are located in Melton Mowbray in England and Birstall in Leeds. Chappie Dog Food was Mars Inc.’s initial pet food acquisition. Among the renowned dog food brands, names included Kal Kan dog food, a wet food variety that was made using horse meat in Vernon, California.

The brand line comprises approximately 10 products including Pedigree Healthy Weight, Healthy Joints, Healthy Longevity, Adult Complete Nutrition, Choice Cuts, Sensitive
Nutrition, Healthy Digestion, Healthy Heart, and Little Champions.

History of Pedigree Dog Food Recalls

Pedigree dog food has had its fair share of hard nights from recalls since 2004 with the latest issued recall being in February 2021. The 2004 recall was only issued in Asian countries, 2007 in New Zealand, August 2008 in Albertsons stores in southern California and Las Vegas, and 2014 in dollar general stores in Tennessee, Arkansas, Mississippi, and Louisiana. While these ones were in specific countries, the rest of the recalls were general. 

Reasons for the foods to be pulled out of the shelves varied from possible small metal fragments in dog food to potential choking hazards, possible salmonella contamination, and more (discussed after the table and one subtopic below). These cases were on both their canned and dry dog food varieties as seen in the table below:

Date of RecallAnnouncement Reason for RecallWhat Was It Recalled?
March 2004Company & Newspaper reports.
This resulted in the Pedigree Dog Food brand being sued by dog owners. The report is here.
Suspected link to cases of kidney failureAll varieties of – Pedigree Dry Dog Foods, Pedigree Puppy Dry Dog Foods & Pedigree Puppy Small Breed Dry Dog FoodPedigree Dog’s Delight – Ringo, Tasty Bone, Puppy Biscuit Dog Treats
September 2007Newspaper reportPossible metal fragmentsPedigree Beef & Liver, Lamb & Vegetable, Beef Rice & Vegetable, and Chicken & Rice Dog RollsOptimum Beef, Lamb & Vegetable, Chicken & Rice, and Selected Meat Rolls
August 2008FDA ReportPotential salmonella contaminationPedigree Complete Nutrition Small Crunchy Bites 20 lbs. bags
September 2008FDA ReportPossible salmonella contaminationPedigree Large Breed Adult Nutrition (20, 30, 36.4, & 40 lb. bags)Pedigree Small Crunchy Bites Adult Nutrition (4.4, 8.8, 20, 32, 40, 44, & 52 lb.)
June 2012FDA ReportPossible choking hazardPedigree+ Healthy Weight Premium Ground Entrée in Meaty JuicesPedigree Weight Management Meaty Ground Dinner Beef & Liver Dinner in Meaty Juices
August 2018FDA ReportPossible small metal fragmentsPedigree Adult Complete Nutrition Dry Dog FoodPedigree Adult Complete Nutrition Dry Dog Food
2 February 2021Switzerland’s Federal Consumer Affairs Bureau
Press Release in French
Excessive vitamin DPEDIGREE Adult with chicken, 10kg, expiry date 15.02.2022
PEDIGREE Adult with lamb, 3kg, expiry date 08.02.2022
PEDIGREE Dry Adult with chicken, 3kg expiry date 06.02.2022 and 15.02.2022

Pedigree Dog Food Poison

Mars Petcare UK announced a recall on some of its Pedigree products including dog foods for possible vitamin D poisoning in January 2021. The featured 7 products in this vitamin D toxicity include:

  • Pedigree Adult Dry Dog Mixer (10kg)
  • Pedigree Adult Dry Dog Mixer (3kg)
  • Pedigree Complete Chicken & Veg Dry Dog Food (12kg)
  • Pedigree Complete Chicken & Veg Adult Dry Dog Food (2.6kg)
  • Chappie Complete Chicken Dry Dog Food (3kg)
  • Pedigree Complete Small Dog Beef (1.4kg – Republic of Ireland), and
  • Pedigree Complete Dry Chicken & Veg E7 (2.6kg Republic of Ireland)

The company advised dog owners that purchased products with the mentioned barcodes to stop feeding their pooches immediately. And as the dog owner contacts the brand’s customer care, Mars Petcare is working with suppliers and vendors to pull the recalled products from their shelves and cease selling them.

Vitamin D is a vital nutrient that helps our dogs regulate the balance and maintenance of phosphorous levels in their body. When eaten in large amounts and for long, however, it poses a threat to your dog’s health with symptoms ranging from vomiting, excessive drooling, and more. You can more about vitamin D toxicity in dogs here.

Why was Pedigree Dog Food Recalled?

The reasons behind the recalls for the Pedigree dry and wet dog food brand varieties range from possible salmonella contamination to the possible presence of small metal fragments in dog food and possibly choking hazards. Other reasons were suspected links to cases of kidney failure in pooches as well as vitamin D poisoning.

Pedigree dry dog foods recalled for the possible presence of metal fragments were packed in 15 lb. and 55 lb. bags sold in some of Dollar General and Sam’s Club stores in the US. Salmonella in dog foods has been linked to causing sickness not only in pets but also in dog owners. Kidney failure can be caused by vitamin D poisoning or feeding high-protein treats and such.

Pedigree Can Dog Food Recall

In July 2012, Mars Petcare Inc removed recalls on three of its Pedigree canned dog food varieties in the Weight Management line from the shelves for the possible presence of metal fragments. The firm said that the pieces might have broken from the conveyer belt and fell into the food during production. The featured products included:

  • Pedigree+ Healthy Weight Premium Ground Entrée in meaty juices
  • Pedigree Weight Management Beef & Liver Dinner in meaty juices
  • Pedigree Weight Management Chicken & Rice dinner in meaty juices

All these products include a lot of code that starts with 209, 210, 211, or 212 printed on the end. The best before the date for these wet foods is between February 24, 2014, and March 23, 2014. Only these varieties circulated in the US were affected. In response to this problem, the company said that it had replaced the broken belt to ensure your dog’s safety when eating the food.

Pedigree Dry Dog Food Recall 2021

Pedigree Adult with Chicken (10kg), Pedigree Adult with Lamb (3kg), and Pedigree Dry Adult with Chicken (3kg) were recalled on February 2, 2021. According to a press release, the Federal Consumer Affairs Bureau of Switzerland, the three products were recalled for having excessive amounts of vitamin D. Below are other previous recalls for the brand’s dry dog food variety.

The dry dog food variety of the Pedigree brand was the first to be recalled for suspected links to cases of kidney failure in dogs in March 2004. This recall only included some Asian countries and was made in Thailand and Taiwan. During this time, hundreds of pups and adult dogs died from kidney failure due to the presence of mold on corn and rice ingredients.

In August 2014, the brand pulled their Pedigree Adult Complete Nutrition dry dog food variety for the possible presence of metal fragments in the dog food bags. This time, the dog foods were recalled in the US at the Dollar General and Sam’s Club stores. Luckily, no injuries or illnesses were reported, at least not yet. Below is a report by the Indiana State Department of Health.

Pedigree Dog Food Shortage 2021

There are no records of a shortage of dog food at Pedigree. However, the brand has found itself in the middle of recalls for several years where cases of dogs dying and getting really sick were reported. You are, therefore, advised not to feed your canine buddy the featured products to ensure his or her safety.

Pedigree Dog Food making dogs sick 2021

In 2021, Pedigree had several dog food products recalled for vitamin D poisoning in many countries. Switzerland’s FCAB recalled 3 Pedigree products while other 7 products with the same poisoning were recalled in other countries including the US. The products were making dogs sick and we’re all in the dry dog food category. No severe casualties have been reported yet.

FAQ

Has pedigree dog food ever been recalled?

Yes, twice for potential salmonella contamination and the possible presence of metal fragments, once for vitamin D toxicity, possible choking hazard, as well as a suspected link to cases of kidney failure. While the number of times sounds minimal, the dog foods recalled in each category were with some causing serious harm as reported by dog owners.

Q: Is Pedigree a good dog food brand.

A: I have a 1700-word article with details of the criticism and a few positive aspects of Pedigree dog food here. Read the answer to the questions of whether Pedigree dog food is a good brand.