UPDATE: Recall of Dry Pet Foods Expanded

UPDATE (November 19)—Natural Life Pet Foods is expanding on a recall the company issued earlier this month. In a new statement, the Pennsylvania-based company announced that its Chicken & Potato dry dog food has been confirmed to contain elevated levels of vitamin D. It was previously reported that the affected bags have a Best By Date of May 29, 2020 through August 10, 2020. Now, Natural Life Pet Foods is saying that the affected bags have a Best By Date of December 4, 2019 through August 10, 2020. The dates can be found on the bottom of its 17.5-lb bags.

(November 5)—Two companies are voluntarily recalling dry pet food, due to elevated levels of vitamin D. The recall affects products from Natural Life Pet Foods and Nutrisca, according to the FDA.

Natural Life Pet Products is recalling 17.5 lbs. bags of its Chicken & Potato Dry Dog Food that were distributed to retailers in Alabama, California, Georgia, Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia. The affected bags have a Best By Date code of May 29, 2020 through August 10, 2020.

Also recalled, due to elevated levels of vitamin D, is 1 formula of Nutrisca dry dog food. The recall affects Nutrisca Chicken and Chickpea Dry Dog Food in 4 lb., 15 lbs., and 28 lbs. bags that were distributed nationwide. These affected bags have a Best By Date code of February 25, 2020 through September 13, 2020.

According to the FDA, both companies were made aware of elevated levels of vitamin D after receiving complaints. In each case, 3 pet owners reported vitamin D toxicity after the product was consumed. An investigation found a formulation error that led to elevated vitamin D in the product.

The FDA has instructed consumers to stop feeding the products listed as recalled. Dogs ingesting elevated levels of Vitamin D may exhibit symptoms such as vomiting, loss of appetite, increased thirst, increased urination, excessive drooling, and weight loss. Vitamin D when consumed at very high levels can lead to serious health issues in dogs including renal dysfunction.

References

• Natural Life Pet Products Issues Recall of Dry Food Due to Elevated Levels of Vitamin D [news release]. Silver Spring, MD; November 5, 2018: FDA website. http://www.americanveterinarian.com//link/52. Accessed November 5, 2018.
• Nutrisca Issues Recall of Dry Dog Food Due to Elevated Levels of Vitamin D [news release]. Silver Spring, MD; November 5, 2018: FDA website. http://www.americanveterinarian.com//link/55. Accessed November 5, 2018.