Several batches of dog food have been recalled across the country because they may contain metal and plastic pieces that could injure pets, according to a Food and Drug Administration notice.
Mars Petcare US issued a voluntary recall on July 2, saying that two lots of Pedigree-branded food had accidentally arrived on store shelves. The food cartons were previously tested and found to be contaminated with “sharp metal and plastic foreign material” and were sent to a third party for disposal.
Instead, the products were “fraudulently diverted” and sold into the US market, according to the company, which is working with federal authorities to investigate.
The brand has received no reports of injuries or deaths, but it warns that ingesting metal and plastic parts may cause choking, lacerations or blockage of the gastrointestinal tract. Here’s what to know.
Which dog food was recalled?
- Pedigree 13.2 oz cans of high protein shredded chicken and duck flavor for dogs. Lot Code: 613C3KKCFC and 613C1KKCFC
What to do with recalled pet food?
Consumers who purchased the affected products should stop feeding them to their pets and contact Pedigree for a replacement. Consumers can contact the company at 1-800-525-5273.
Pet owners who are concerned that their pet may have eaten contaminated food should contact their veterinarian with concern, as foreign objects can cause choking or gastrointestinal obstruction or injury. If your animal shows any of the following signs of possible injury or illness after eating food, contact a veterinary professional as soon as possible.
According to the American Red Cross and the American Kennel Club, symptoms of choking in a dog include:
- Assuming the “tripod position”, a stance in which an animal leans forward while supporting the body with the front legs, in an attempt to open the airway.
- drooling
- watering mouth, nausea or cough
- clawing at the mouth or throat, or rubbing on objects
- Difficulty breathing, rattling, rattling or other unusual sounds when trying to breathe
- blue gums
- collapse, weakness or unconsciousness
According to PetMD, symptoms of gastrointestinal blockage include:
- vomit
- loss of appetite
- weight loss
- weakness or lethargy
- stomach ache
- difficulty using the bathroom
According to PetMD, symptoms of gastrointestinal lesions include:
- Vomiting, especially vomiting with traces of blood. The blood may be bright red or dark and speckled, like coffee grounds. this is an emergency.
- Dark colored, tarry stools that may contain blood. This also indicates emergency.
- stomach ache
- lethargy, weakness
- weight loss, loss of appetite
- drooling
- Yellowing of gums and lips (sign of anemia)