When it comes to our furry friends, their health and well-being are paramount. A significant aspect of ensuring their health is the quality of the food they consume. Unfortunately, even some of the most popular and trusted brands have had recalls due to various issues such as contamination, presence of harmful substances, or manufacturing defects. In this post, we’ll look at ten dog foods that have had recalls, shedding light on the reasons behind these recalls and the implications for pet owners.
1. Blue Buffalo
Blue Buffalo, known for its “natural” and “holistic” pet food marketing, has faced multiple recalls over the years. In 2017, the company recalled certain lots of their Homestyle Recipe Healthy Weight, Chicken Dinner with Garden Vegetables wet dog food due to potential contamination with aluminum. In 2015, a recall was issued for the Blue Wilderness Trail Trays due to possible mold presence. These incidents have raised concerns about quality control, despite Blue Buffalo’s reputation for high-quality ingredients.
2. Hill’s Pet Nutrition
Hill’s Pet Nutrition, a brand trusted by many veterinarians, faced a significant recall in 2019. The recall affected various canned dog food products due to potentially elevated levels of vitamin D, which can cause serious health issues such as vomiting, loss of appetite, increased thirst, and even kidney failure. The recall was expanded multiple times, indicating a widespread issue that impacted many of their products.
3. Nutro
Nutro, another well-regarded brand, has had its share of recalls. In 2009, Nutro recalled certain lots of Nutro Ultra dry dog food and Nutro Natural Choice dry dog food due to potential contamination with plastic pieces. This contamination was attributed to a production issue, posing a choking hazard and raising questions about the company’s manufacturing processes.
4. Pedigree
Pedigree, one of the most recognized names in pet food, has also had recalls. In 2014, Mars Petcare, the parent company, recalled specific lots of Pedigree Adult Complete Nutrition dry dog food due to the possible presence of metal fragments. This recall highlighted the importance of stringent quality checks, especially for brands with a massive consumer base.
5. Purina
Purina, a staple in many households, faced a recall in 2016 for its Beneful and Pro Plan wet dog food brands. The recall was issued due to inadequate levels of vitamins and minerals, which could potentially lead to health issues over time. Purina’s proactive approach in addressing the problem and recalling the affected products was crucial in maintaining consumer trust.
6. Diamond Pet Foods
Diamond Pet Foods has experienced multiple recalls over the years, with a notable one in 2012 involving a salmonella outbreak. The recall affected several of their brands, including Diamond Naturals, Taste of the Wild, and Kirkland Signature. The widespread nature of the contamination underscored the need for improved safety measures to prevent such incidents in the future.
7. Iams
Iams, known for its science-based formulations, faced a recall in 2013 due to potential mold growth in specific lots of their Shakeables turkey and lamb treats. The mold posed a health risk to pets, particularly those with compromised immune systems. This incident highlighted the importance of proper storage and handling practices to ensure product safety.
8. Natural Balance
Natural Balance, marketed as a premium pet food brand, has had recalls as well. In 2010, the company recalled certain lots of its Sweet Potato & Chicken Dry Dog Food due to potential salmonella contamination. This recall was part of a larger issue that affected multiple brands, emphasizing the importance of comprehensive testing and quality control in the manufacturing process.
9. Eukanuba
Eukanuba, another brand under the Mars Petcare umbrella, faced a recall in 2013 due to potential salmonella contamination. The recall affected specific lots of their dry dog food products, posing a risk of illness to both pets and humans. The incident underscored the need for rigorous testing and safety protocols to prevent contamination.
10. Wellness
Wellness, a brand known for its natural and high-quality ingredients, has also experienced recalls. In 2017, the company recalled certain lots of their Wellness 95% Beef Topper for Dogs due to elevated levels of naturally occurring beef thyroid hormone. These elevated levels could cause symptoms such as increased thirst, urination, and weight loss in dogs. This recall highlighted the challenges of ensuring consistent ingredient quality in pet food products.
