Dog food recalls have become increasingly common in recent years. In 2024 alone, multiple major brands issued voluntary recalls due to contamination concerns — from salmonella and listeria to elevated heavy metals. If you feed your dog commercial kibble, wet food, or fresh food, it's worth knowing how to check whether your current bag is affected.
Here's exactly what to do.
1. Check the FDA Recall List First
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration maintains an up-to-date list of all pet food recalls. This is the single most reliable source. Visit www.fda.gov/animal-veterinary/safety-health/recalls-withdrawals and look for the most recent entries.
The FDA list includes the brand name, product description, lot numbers, UPC codes, and the reason for the recall. You can cross-reference this with the bag in your home.
2. Look for Lot Numbers and Best-By Dates
Not all batches of the same brand are affected. You need to check the lot number, best-by date, and sometimes the manufacturing plant code. These are usually printed on the back or bottom of the bag, often near the seam.
Most recall notices include a specific date range. If your bag falls outside that window, it's likely safe — but when in doubt, contact the manufacturer directly.
3. Sign Up for Brand Alerts
Many pet food brands now offer email or SMS alerts for recalls. If you feed a specific brand regularly, check their website for a "product alerts" or "recall notifications" section. Some brands, like The Farmer's Dog and Ollie, have direct notification systems for their subscribers.
4. Watch for Symptoms in Your Dog
Even if you miss the recall notice, your dog might show signs first. Common symptoms of contaminated food include:
- Vomiting or diarrhea (sometimes with blood)
- Loss of appetite or lethargy
- Excessive drooling or lip smacking
- Signs of abdominal pain (whining, hunched posture)
If your dog shows any of these after eating, stop feeding the current batch and contact your vet. Bring the bag with you — the lot number helps investigators.
5. What to Do If Your Brand Has Been Recalled
- Stop using the food immediately. Seal the bag and set it aside.
- Check the specific lot or batch number on the recall notice — not every bag of that brand is necessarily affected.
- Contact the manufacturer for a refund or replacement. Most brands will offer a full refund for recalled lots.
- Dispose of the food properly so other animals can't get to it. Double-bag it in sealed trash bags.
- Monitor your dog closely for 24–48 hours. If symptoms appear, see your vet.
Are Some Brands Safer Than Others?
No brand is immune to recalls. Some of the most respected names in the industry — including Orijen, The Farmer's Dog, and Honest Kitchen — have all issued recalls or faced scrutiny. A recall history doesn't necessarily mean a brand is bad. In fact, voluntary recalls often indicate that a company has good quality control and is transparent about issues.
What matters more is how a brand handles the recall: how quickly they notify customers, whether they offer refunds, and whether they address the root cause.
Quick Reference: Recent Recall Causes
- Salmonella / Listeria — bacterial contamination, can affect both pets and humans handling the food
- Elevated Vitamin D — too much vitamin D can cause kidney damage
- Foreign material — plastic fragments, metal shavings found in kibble
- Aflatoxin — mold toxin from improperly stored grains
- Pentobarbital — euthanasia drug found in some canned foods (rare but serious)
Staying informed is the best way to protect your dog. Bookmark the FDA recall page, check it once a month, and you'll catch most issues before they reach your dog's bowl.
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