Detection of antibiotic residue leads to nationwide recall of dog treats

Pet food manufacturers Del Monte Foods and Nestlé Purina PetCare Co. recently announced voluntary recalls of select dog treats, according to press releases issued by both companies. Del Monte’s Milo’s Kitchen’s Chicken Jerky and Chicken Grillers home-style dog treats and Purina’s Waggin’ Train and Canyon Creek Ranch brand dog treats are included in the recall. No other products have been recalled at this time.

This action was taken after the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets (NYSDAM) reported that trace amounts of an unapproved antibiotic residue were found in samples of the products. Although it’s standard practice for antibiotics to be used in poultry production for pet food, the antibiotic residue detected in the recalled products was not approved for use in the U.S. and is thus considered a contaminate.

The FDA reports that the NYSDAM results do not pose a health or pet safety threat and are not likely related to the chicken jerky illnesses reported to date. Veterinarians with questions about the recalls should contact Milo’s Kitchen at (877) 228-6493 and Purina’s Office of Consumer Affairs at (800) 982-0704 or visit www.waggintrainbrand.com.