As pet owners, we know that it’s our responsibility to keep our furry friends safe and healthy. Choosing a good diet for your pet is an important part of that responsibility. Therefore, it can be disconcerting to learn that the pet food you give your pet has been recalled.  

Last month, the FDA announced a recall on several types of dry dog food for containing excessive and potentially toxic amounts of vitamin D. Vitamin D is an essential nutrient for dogs, but it can cause serious health concerns when high amounts are consumed. 

The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (APCC) warns that toxic levels of vitamin D can cause elevation in calcium and phosphorus levels and, in severe cases, can lead to kidney injury or failure or even death. Dogs who have ingested too much vitamin D will show signs of vomiting, loss of appetite, lethargy, an increase in thirst and urination, and weight loss.  

If your pet’s food has been recently recalled and you are concerned, you should first stop feeding them that particular food and visit your local veterinarian as soon as possible. Your veterinarian may want to check your pet’s calcium, phosphorus, vitamin D levels and kidney function with a blood test. Other tests such as a urine test, ultrasound or x rays may be warranted. 

Having the original packaging from the food, or at least a picture of the label and lot number may help confirm if the food your pet ate was involved in the recall.  

In the future, if you are concerned about your pet’s food, here are important steps to take:

• Call the manufacturer. 
• Check the FDA’s webpage. 
• Report a complaint via the FDA’s website with your concerns. 
• If your pet gets sick, work with your veterinarian to determine the cause. Your pet’s medical report may provide valuable information if you suspect food was the culprit and want to report a complaint to the FDA.  

To help stay alert of any pet food recalls or potential health concerns for your pet, you can sign up for emails from the FDA.

If you believe your pet has ingested something potentially toxic, contact your local veterinarian or APCC at (888) 426-4435 immediately.