Voluntary recall of dry dog food in certain US states

Owing to the potential presence of loose metal pieces in certain bags, Mars Petcare US issued a limited voluntary recall on May 17, 2024, for 315 bags of Pedigree Adult Complete Nutrition Grilled Steak & Vegetable Flavor Dry Dog Food. Only the 44 lb (19.9 kg) bag size has been affected, according to the company.

The limited recall involves bags sold by Walmart in Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, and Texas, which account for all 315 bags. The Pedigree food bags in question have a ‘best by’ date of March 4, 2025, and lot code of 410B2TXT02, which can be found on the bottom back of the bag.¹

Front of bag. (Photo credit: FDA and Pedigree)

Back of bag.

According to the FDA, Mars Petcare US is collaborating with Walmart stores in Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, and Texas to guarantee that the impacted items are no longer available for sale and have been taken out of stock. Additionally, no pet injuries or illnesses attributed to the potentially affected Pedigree bags have been reported. However, it is strongly advised to refrain from using this product if it has been purchased.¹

The possible existence of loose metal fragments in the bags may present a health risk to pets. Monitoring for any unusual behavior is urged if there is any suspicion that a pet has ingested this product. Moreover, if concerns arise, pet owners should promptly contacting a veterinarian.

Although not all dogs exhibit physical symptoms, some signs to watch out for that may signal foreign body ingestion include^2,3:

• Loss of appetite or reluctance to eat
• Depression or lethargy
• Diarrhea
• Retching
• Continuous or intermittent vomiting
• Inability to defecate
• Pawing at the mouth, frequent lip licking, or drooling

If a dog is experiencing stomach pain, they may also bend forward and raise their rear end to alleviate pressure on their abdomen. Other signs of discomfort involve grunting, whining, or moaning.³

Consumers who have purchased the 44 lb bag of Pedigree Adult Complete Nutrition Grilled Steak & Vegetable Flavor Dry Dog Food from Walmart in the affected states can contact Mars Petcare US consumer care with any questions or to begin a return at 1-800-525-5273 from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM Central Standard Time (CST) Monday through Friday and 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM (CST) Saturday and Sunday.

References

1. Mars Petcare US, Inc. voluntarily recalls 315 bags of PEDIGREE Adult Complete Nutrition Grilled Steak & Vegetable Flavor dry dog food, 44 lb bag size. News release. FDA. May 18, 2024. Accessed May 21, 2024. https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/mars-petcare-us-inc-voluntarily-recalls-315-bags-pedigreer-adult-complete-nutrition-grilled-steak
2. Foreign body ingestion threatens pets. Nationwide Pet Insurance. Accessed May 21, 2024. https://www.petinsurance.com/healthzone/pet-health/health-conditions/foreign-body-ingestion-threatens-pets/#:~:text=Symptoms%20of%20Foreign%20Body%20Ingestion,digestive%20foreign%20bodies%20exhibit%20vomiting.
3. Rowlands R. Signs your dog ate something bad. AKC Pet Insurance. September 8, 2022. Accessed May 21, 2024. https://www.akcpetinsurance.com/blog/top-7-signs-your-dog-is-sick-from-something-they-ate-in-the-yard