A History of Pet Food Recalls
When we buy food for our dogs, we expect it to be safe. Unfortunately, the pet food industry has faced multiple recalls over the years because of harmful contaminants that made pets sick, or worse. From industrial chemicals and euthanasia drugs to dangerous levels of vitamins and toxic molds, these recalls have shaken dog owners’ trust in pet food companies. Let’s look at some of the biggest recalls in recent history.
2007 - The Melamine Recall
In 2007, over 150 brands of pet food were recalled after thousands of pets became sick or died. The issue? The food was contaminated with melamine and cyanuric acid, two industrial chemicals that should never be in food.
When combined, these chemicals form crystals in the kidneys, leading to renal (kidney) failure. More than 4,000 pets died, making this the largest pet food recall in history.
The recall led to lawsuits and even a criminal case against ChemNutra Inc., the company that imported the tainted ingredients. Sadly, while pet owners filed over 20,000 claims asking for more than $569 million in damages, the settlement was only $24 million.
2018 - Pentobarbital in Dog Food
In 2018, The J.M. Smucker Company recalled products from well-known brands like Gravy Train, Kibbles ’N Bits, Ol’ Roy, and Skippy. Testing found traces of pentobarbital, a drug used by veterinarians for euthanasia.
This drug can cause vomiting, confusion, slow heart rate, breathing problems, coma, and death if consumed. Investigations showed that suppliers were likely using ingredients from euthanized animals.
The FDA warned suppliers about serious violations, and several lawsuits were filed by pet owners seeking compensation for veterinary bills.
2019 - Excessive Vitamin D
In 2019, Hill’s Pet Nutrition recalled 33 products, including Science Diet and Prescription Diet. These foods contained dangerously high levels of vitamin D, up to 33 times the safe limit.
While dogs need some vitamin D for health, too much can cause vomiting, weight loss, increased thirst, kidney failure, and death. Many pet owners were shocked, since Hill’s products are often recommended by veterinarians.
The company later paid $12.5 million in a settlement with pet owners.
2020 - Aflatoxin Contamination
In 2020, Midwestern Pet Foods recalled numerous products after reports of pets becoming sick and dying. The problem was aflatoxins, poisonous substances made by certain molds that can grow on ingredients like corn, grains, and peanuts.
Even when mold isn’t visible, aflatoxins can be present. In this case, some foods tested at more than 25 times the FDA’s safety limit.
Symptoms of aflatoxin poisoning include vomiting, loss of appetite, unexplained bleeding, liver damage, and death. By the time the recall expanded in 2021, the FDA had reports of over 300 pets affected, including more than 100 deaths.
Conclusion
Over the years, recalls have involved chemicals, drugs, excessive vitamins, and toxic molds, all things that never should have been in pet food in the first place. These events have led many dog owners to lose trust in big pet food companies. While not every brand is unsafe, these recalls highlight the importance of staying informed about recalls through the FDA or trusted pet health websites and monitoring your dog for sudden changes in appetite, energy, or health.