Animals Unfolded

On the heels of a nationwide recall of dog food by one company over concerns of pentobarbital contamination, yet another has issued one for the same reason. On February 14, a recall of a single lot of canned dog food product manufactured by Against The Grain was listed on the Food and Drug Administration's website.  The product,  Against the Grain Pulled Beef with Gravy Dinner for Dogs, was manufactured in 2015, and sold in 12 oz. cans. The packaging bears a lot number of 2415E01ATB12, and the second half of the UPC code is 80001—the latter of which can be found on the back of the product label. The food was distributed to independent retail outlets in two states, Washington and Maryland, and has an expiration date of December 2019.   No other pet foods in the Against The Grain product lines are thought to be affected, and no illnesses or deaths have been reported at this time.  If ingested by pets, pentobarbital can cause dizziness, drowsin...

Illinois-based Evanger’s Dog and Cat Food Company is voluntarily recalling specific lots of one of its products as it may be contaminated with pentobarbital.  If ingested by pets, pentobarbital can cause dizziness, drowsiness, loss of balance, nausea and in some cases, excitement. Death can result in some cases. Evanger’s indicated on their website that a few weeks ago,  5 dogs had taken ill  after consuming the product matching one of the lot numbers.  Though the substance was found in only one lot of Hunk of Beef Au Jus (12 ounce cans), the company made the decision to recall additional lots of the product—5 in all—that were produced the same week. Evanger’s uses suppliers that are USDA approved. A few weeks ago, after learning of the illness of the 5 pets and subsequent death of one of them, an investigation was launched by the pet food company. It was first thought that a toxin or bacteria might be the culprit, but on January 29, they learned the caus...

Nestle Purina has issued a voluntary recall of some formulas of their wet dog food according to a release dated March 9, 2016. Though many pet food recalls stem from contamination by a pathogen, it's not the case with this recall. Nestle indicates that the products contain insufficient levels of vitamins and excess minerals. The voluntary recall only involves a handful of brands, which includes Beneful Prepared Meals, Beneful Chopped Blends and 5 varieties of Pro Plan Savory Meals in 10 oz. tubs. They bear a best-by date range of June 2017 to August 2017 and production code range starting with 5363 to 6054 as the first four digits. A full list of products – which is lengthy – along with the UPC codes, lot codes and expiration dates can be found by clicking here . Though no illnesses have been reported, the company notes that if consumers have fed their pet food on the list and have concerns, that they consult their veterinarian.   Consumers who have bought the pro...

A pet food recall by Manchester, CT-based  Bravo  has been put in place. The recall involves several products that were distributed to retail stores, internet retailers — even directly to consumers, between November 21, 2014 and January 15, 2015. Here's the information on the recalled product: Bravo Blend Chicken Diet for Dogs and Cats Product Number: 21-102 Size: 2 lb. (32 oz.) chub Best used by date 11-13-16     UPC:  82954621 1028 Recalls like this reiterate two important points when handling pet consumables: the need for  safe handling and handwashing techniques , and  saving the UPC code information from product packaging . Salmonella, also referred to as  salmonellosis , causes digestive problems, and dogs will typically present with fever, diarrhea, vomiting and weakness. Other symptoms can occur. Salmonella can affect other animals —  not just the dogs who consume the treats. There is risk to humans just the same...

Connecticut-based Oma's Pride  has initiated a voluntary recall of one of it's products, Purr Complete Poultry Feline Meal as it may be contaminated with Salmonella. There have been no reported illnesses related to the product. These types of recalls reiterate two important points when handling pet consumables: the need for safe handling and handwashing techniques , and saving the UPC code information from product packaging . Salmonella, also referred to as salmonellosis , causes digestive problems, and dogs will typically present with fever, diarrhea, vomiting and weakness. Other symptoms can occur. Salmonella can affect other animals —  not just the dogs who consume the treats. There is risk to humans just the same, from handling contaminated pet products. People handling dry pet food and/or treats can become infected with salmonella, especially if they have not thoroughly washed their hands after having contact with the food or any surfaces...

Flickr photo by marioanima Ohio-based Pro-Pet, LLC has initiated a voluntary recall of a limited number of their dry dog and cat food formulas citing a possible Salmonella contamination. According to an FDA press release, a single field test indicated that products manufactured on a single production line, and during a window of two days may have the potential for Salmonella contamination. There have been no reported illnesses related to the product. These types of recalls reiterate two important points when handling pet consumables: the need for safe handling and handwashing techniques , and saving the UPC code information from product packaging . Salmonella, also referred to as salmonellosis , causes digestive problems, and dogs will typically present with fever, diarrhea, vomiting and weakness. Other symptoms can occur. Salmonella can affect other animals —  not just the dogs who consume the treats. There is risk to humans just the same, from handling contaminate...