There’s a Massive Dog Food Recall Happening — Here’s What You Should Know

Despite widespread concern that the government shutdown might affect our food supply because of lack of testing for foodborne diseases or warnings of recalls, it seems that somebody must be home at the FDA, because this week the issues behind a December recall were explained. Nope, we didn’t learn more about the lettuce problems; this was an issue with Fido’s feast.

According to Cooking Light, the huge recall of dry dog food that was expanded last month now has even more causes behind it than originally announced. The recall first mentioned excessive levels of added vitamin D in nine brands, as outlined by the FDA here. Excess of vitamin D can lead to health complications for dogs, such as kidney failure, and can be potentially fatal. But the new issue is that a tenth brand, A+ Answers Straight Beef Formula for Dogs has tested positive for Salmonella. Salmonella in dog food can be an issue not only for the dogs (like the excess of vitamin D), but also for owners who handle it. So far, it’s just been a single sample, so a full national recall hasn’t been issued on it, but if you have any of the listed brands, be sure to check the brands, dates, and batches listed in the FDA warnings.

Basically, it’s best if you just triple check that what you’re feeding Rover is safe, and if it isn’t, you’ll want to get rid of it right away — in a way that no other animals might get to it (as much as you hate raccoons, you really shouldn’t give the ones that eat your trash Salmonella. It’s not nice). You’ll also want to clean and sanitize anywhere the food was stored, because it can transfer on contact.

As the old saying goes, better safe than sorry!