what to do if food is recalled

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Check the brand, variety, package size and lot number

It’s best to keep the original bag that the food comes in – at least until its gone.  If you transfer food to an airtight container (a good practice), keep it in the bag inside the container if possible.  If you cannot fit the entire bag of food in the container, save the bag and be sure to thoroughly clean the container between new bags of food to prevent cross contamination in the event of a “bad bag”.  Bag size and variety are important as the recall may only affect specific bags and flavors.

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Stop feeding the recalled food or treats

If you determine you have a recalled product, DON’T FEED ANY MORE to your pet!  Never force your pet to eat food or treats – especially if it is a new bag.  Sometimes dogs have an “off day” and maybe something is wrong with the food.  Many owners were left with sad outcomes after forcing their dogs to eat food that was involved in the major recall a few years ago.  They simply thought their dogs were just being picky.  Be suspicious if your dog refuses to eat for several meals and/or if the food has an unusual odor or appearance.

Don’t throw away the food or bag as you may be eligible for a refund and the food company may pay for you to send some of the food back to them for testing.  This could help save the lives of other pets!

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Check your dog

Depending on the reason for the recall, you may want to have your dog checked by your vet.  Take any info you have about the recall with you in case your vet hasn’t received the notice yet.  Report ANY changes in energy level, bowel habits or temperament.  If your pet at all appears in distress, go to your vet or emergency clinic right away!

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Contact the food maker

It might be hard to get through to some manufacturers but don’t give up.  Have the bag handy to give the variety/flavor, bag size and lot number.  Let the company know how your dog is doing.  Ask them:  “What will you do next to fix the problem”.  Ask if they want you to send a sample of the food for testing.

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Follow through

If your dog becomes ill after eating a recalled food, follow through and be persistent.  The manufacturer has a legal obligation to report adverse affects caused by their products – food and/or treats.  File a report with the FDA.  You can get the form at:  www.safetyreporting.hhs.gov

Keep records & receipts of your dog’s health and treatments as you may be eligible for a refund.

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Have a back-up food plan

We don’t eat the same food everyday for years and years and neither should our pets.  No one single food is “complete & balanced” regardless of the manufacturer’s claims.  You should have at least 2 different foods (of different protein sources) that you can easily switch back and forth between.  It’s important that the foods come from different manufacturers in the event a recall involves all flavors/varieties from your foods maker.  Foods should be alternated at least every 6 months anyway to provide a variety of proteins & nutrients.  For example, if we ate chicken every day our whole lives we would miss the valuable nutrients from other proteins like fish and beef – and so would our dogs.  Balance over time is important to a dog’s health.  Continued use of a single protein can lead to an intolerance of that protein – can you spell “allergies”??  Having another food that you can quickly switch to in the event of a recall will help prevent any GI upset associated with a sudden and total change in food.  If your dog is on a prescription food from your vet, discuss what options you have in the event of a recall.  No manufacturer is immune from potential problems.