Pet Food Recalls: Latest Alerts & Recall History (Updated 2026)

Pet food recalls are official actions taken to remove pet food products from the market if they pose a potential health risk to animals. Recalls can be issued voluntarily by manufacturers or requested by regulatory authorities (like the FDA) after a problem is discovered.

Recalls play an important role in maintaining safety standards and ensuring quality control issues are addressed as quickly as possible. While many recalls are precautionary, they are issued to protect pets from products that might cause illness, injury, or nutritional deficiencies. Recalls can happen for several reasons, including contamination with harmful bacteria, the presence of foreign materials, or incorrect labeling.

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🚨 Why Pet Food Gets Recalled

Pet food recalls can occur for a variety of reasons, ranging from bacterial contamination to manufacturing mistakes. Here are a few of the most common issues behind recalls: 

Salmonella Contamination

Salmonella is one of the most common causes of pet food recalls, particularly in raw pet foods and treats². These harmful bacteria can make both pets and humans sick and cause symptoms such as diarrhea, vomiting, fever, and loss of appetite.

Contamination might be identified through routine testing or after receiving reports of sick pets. Because Salmonella can spread through handling contaminated food³, recalls are often issued even if no illnesses have been reported. 

Listeria Contamination

Listeria monocytogenes is another dangerous bacteria⁴ that can contaminate pet food, especially refrigerated and raw products. While healthy pets may show mild symptoms or none at all, infections can be severe for young, senior, or immunocompromised animals. Listeria also poses a risk to humans handling contaminated food⁵. 

Excess Vitamin D

Vitamin D is an essential nutrient for pets, but excessive amounts can be toxic⁶. Manufacturing errors involving ingredient formulation or mixing can result in dangerously high vitamin D levels in pet food.

For example, dogs that consume excessive vitamin D may develop symptoms including vomiting, increased thirst, excessive urination, kidney damage, and, in severe cases, death.

Aflatoxin Mold Contamination

Aflatoxins are naturally occurring toxins produced by certain molds that can grow on ingredients such as corn, grains, and peanuts. Pet food manufacturers routinely test ingredients for aflatoxins, as even low levels can be harmful to pets, particularly when consumed over time.

Exposure to aflatoxins can cause lethargy, vomiting, loss of appetite, jaundice, liver damage, and death⁷.

Foreign Materials

Foreign material contamination occurs when non-food objects accidentally enter pet food during manufacturing or packaging⁸. These contaminants can present choking hazards or cause injuries to a pet's mouth, digestive tract, or internal organs.

Labeling Errors

Not all recalls involve contamination. Some occur because of incorrect labeling⁹, such as undeclared allergens, missing ingredient information, or inaccurate nutritional content.

Labeling mistakes can be especially dangerous for pets with food sensitivities, allergies, or medical conditions requiring specific diets. In these cases, the product itself may be safe, but the inaccurate label creates a potential health risk.

🔎 How to Check Whether Your Pet Food Has Been Recalled

Pet food recalls often affect specific products, production runs, or lot numbers rather than an entire brand. If you hear about a recall, following a systematic process can help you determine whether the food in your home is affected.

1. Check the Product Name

Begin by finding the exact product name on the packaging. Pay attention to details such as the brand, recipe, flavor, package size, and product type, as recalls may only apply to certain varieties within a product line.

Even small differences in product names can determine whether a food is included in a recall, so it’s important to compare the information carefully.

2. Check the Lot Number

Next, locate the lot number¹⁰, batch code, best-by date, or expiration date printed on the packaging. Manufacturers use these identifiers to track specific production runs.

3. Compare With Recall Announcements

Once you have the product information, compare it against the official recall notice. Review all listed details, including the product name, lot numbers, package sizes, production dates, and Universal Product Codes (UPC, also known as the bar code).

4. Contact the Manufacturer

If you're unsure whether your pet food is affected, contact the manufacturer directly. Most companies provide customer service phone numbers, email addresses, or recall hotlines to assist consumers.

5. Verify Through FDA Resources

The FDA maintains an up-to-date database of pet food recalls, withdrawals, and safety alerts. Checking official FDA resources can help confirm whether a recall is legitimate and provide additional details about the potential health risks involved.

👉 What to Do If Your Pet Ate Recalled Food

Discovering that your pet has eaten a recalled product can be alarming, but taking the right steps quickly can help reduce potential health risks. 

1. Check the Recall Notice

Start by carefully reviewing the recall announcement. Confirm that the product matches the recalled item by checking details such as the brand name, product name, package size, lot number, expiration date, and Universal Product Code (UPC).

Recall notices often explain the reason for the recall, the level of risk involved, and any specific instructions for pet owners. Understanding these details can help you determine the appropriate next steps.

2. Stop Feeding the Product

Immediately discontinue use of the recalled food, even if your pet appears healthy. Store the product in a secure location away from pets and children until you can dispose of it according to the manufacturer's instructions or return it for a refund.

3. Monitor Your Pet for Symptoms

Watch your pet closely for signs of illness, especially if the recall is linked to contamination or toxic substances. Symptoms may appear within hours or may take several days to develop, depending on the issue.

Symptoms will vary depending on the issue, and you’re best placed to know what’s normal for your pet, but common warning signs include:

• Vomiting

• Diarrhea

• Lethargy

• Loss of appetite

If you notice any unusual behavior or symptoms, seek veterinary advice promptly.

4. Contact Your Veterinarian

Even if your pet is not showing symptoms, it may be worth contacting your veterinarian for guidance, particularly if the recall involves serious contaminants.

Your veterinarian can assess your pet's level of risk, recommend monitoring strategies, and determine whether diagnostic testing or treatment is necessary.

5. Save the Packaging

Keep the original packaging, remaining food, and any receipts if possible. These materials may contain important information such as lot numbers and production codes that help confirm whether the product is affected by the recall.

Having this information available can also assist your veterinarian, the manufacturer, or regulatory agencies during any investigation.

6. Report the Incident

If your pet becomes ill after consuming recalled food, report the incident to your veterinarian and the pet food manufacturer. Pet owners in the United States can also submit complaints to the FDA through its Safety Reporting Portal.

FAQ

What pet food is currently being recalled?

Pet food recalls change frequently as manufacturers and regulatory agencies identify potential safety issues. We keep a list of official recalls in this article, but the FDA's Pet Food Recalls and Withdrawals database is updated whenever new recalls, market withdrawals, or safety alerts are announced.

How often are pet foods recalled?

Pet food recalls are relatively uncommon compared to the number of products sold each year, but they occur regularly enough that pet owners should stay informed. Some years may see only a handful of major recalls, while others experience recall events most months.

Where can I check official pet food recalls?

The best source for official recall information is the FDA's Pet Food Recalls and Withdrawals page. Our list above is populated with recall information from this official information. You can also visit manufacturer websites, sign up for recall alerts, or check resources provided by veterinary organizations such as the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), whose list of recalls also includes voluntary recalls and safety alerts¹¹. 

Can dogs get sick from recalled food?

Yes. Depending on the reason for the recall, dogs may develop symptoms ranging from mild digestive upset to serious illness. Common signs include vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, loss of appetite, increased thirst, and other changes in behavior. The severity of symptoms depends on the specific contaminant, toxin, or defect involved and the amount consumed.

Should I throw away recalled dog food?

If your dog's food has been recalled, stop feeding it immediately. Follow the instructions provided in the recall notice, as some manufacturers request consumers return the product for a refund, while others recommend safe disposal. Before discarding the food, keep the packaging and lot number information in case you need to contact the manufacturer or report an issue.

Which brands have never had a recall?

Many brands have never issued a recall. For our recommendations, you can read our list of the best dog food subscriptions without recalls.

References

1. https://www.fda.gov/animal-veterinary/safety-health/recalls-withdrawals

2. https://www.fda.gov/animal-veterinary/animal-health-literacy/get-facts-raw-pet-food-diets-can-be-dangerous-you-and-your-pet

3. https://www.fda.gov/animal-veterinary/animal-health-literacy/get-facts-about-salmonella

4. https://www.fda.gov/food/foodborne-pathogens/listeria-listeriosis

5. https://www.fda.gov/animal-veterinary/animal-health-literacy/get-facts-about-listeria

6. https://www.fda.gov/animal-veterinary/animal-health-literacy/vitamin-d-toxicity-dogs 

7. https://www.fda.gov/animal-veterinary/animal-health-literacy/aflatoxin-poisoning-pets 

8. https://www.petfoodprocessing.net/articles/17992-no-bones-about-it-ensuring-food-safety

9. https://www.fda.gov/animal-veterinary/animal-foods-feeds/animal-food-labeling-and-pet-food-claims

10. https://www.fda.gov/animal-veterinary/report-problem/how-report-pet-food-complaint

11. https://www.avma.org/news/recalls-alerts