RECALL: Elevated Beef Thyroid Hormone Levels Prompt Dog Treat Recall

Merrick Pet Care, based in Amarillo, Texas, has voluntarily recalled a limited amount of 5 beef dog treat products due to potentially elevated levels of a naturally occurring beef thyroid hormone.

The potential health risk was discovered after the company received a customer complaint regarding a dog who became ill after ingesting treats from a 4.5-oz bag of Merrick Backcountry Great Plains Real Beef Jerky. Apparently, when the dog stopped eating the treat, it recovered fully.

The recalled products have the following attributes:

Item

UPC

Best Before Date Range

Castor & Pollux Good Buddy Prime Patties Real Beef Recipe

(4 oz)

780872510806

5/1/2017 - 9/1/2019

Castor & Pollux Good Buddy Sausage Cuts Real Beef Recipe

(5 oz)

780872510745

5/1/2017 - 9/1/2019

Merrick Backcountry Great Plains Real Beef Jerky

(4.5 oz)

022808786160

5/1/2019 - 9/1/2019

Merrick Backcountry Great Plains Real Beef Sausage Cuts

(5 oz)

022808786047

5/1/2017 - 9/1/2019

Merrick Backcountry Great Plains Real Steak Patties

(4 oz)

022808786078

5/1/2017 - 9/1/2019

High levels of beef thyroid hormone can cause dogs to exhibit signs such as increased thirst, urination, and heart rate, along with weight loss and restlessness. Signs may cease if consumption of foods with beef thyroid hormone stops, but prolonged consumption may increase the severity of signs. More severe effects include vomiting, diarrhea, and rapid or labored breathing.

“As a company of pet owners and pet lovers, we know our consumers place a tremendous amount of trust in us when their pet uses our products,” Merrick Pet Care said in the recall announcement. “The quality and safety of our products are the top priority for our company. We apologize to our retail customers and consumers and sincerely regret any inconvenience and concerns caused by this voluntary recall.”

Consumers who purchased any of the affected treats should contact Merrick Pet Care at 800-664-7387 for a full refund.