Recalled dog food update

Food and Drug Administration FDA made the shocking announcement that at least 70 pets died and more than 80 became ill after eating some Sportmix dry dog food products. Seven months later, the statistics are even more disturbing. On Aug. The FDA started investigating Midwestern Pet Food in late December after the company had voluntarily recalled some of its dry pet food products that may have caused the deaths of 28 dogs.

The recalled products contained aflatoxin, a toxic mold that can grow on corn and other grains used in pet food. At high levels, it causes illness and death in pets who eat the food.

In March, Midwestern recalled several brands of pet food manufactured at its Illinois plant — not for aflatoxin, but because samples tested positive for Salmonella. These violations were associated with the deaths and illnesses of all those dogs.

Samples of the dog food that the FDA tested contained extremely high amounts of aflatoxin — as much as parts per billion ppb. How scary is this? The FDA considers pet food to be adulterated if it contains more than 20 ppb of aflatoxin. A page! Some dogs show no symptoms yet still experience liver damage, so you should still have your pet checked out by your veterinarian.

If you have any of the recalled products, dispose of them in a way that children, pets and wildlife cannot access them. Wash and sanitize pet food bowls, cups and storage containers. The FDA says there is no evidence that people who handle the food are at risk of aflatoxin poisoning.

For more information about the recalls, contact Midwestern Pet Foods Consumer Affairs at , ext. Central Time, Monday through Friday, or by emailing info midwesternpetfoods. I am a freelance writer and lifelong dog lover. For five years, I was a staff writer for i Love Dogs. Aflatoxin can be produced by mold in grains, especially drought-stressed corn.

Even if there is no visible mold, these toxins can be present in dog food. Unlike humans, pets generally eat the same diet continuously. In some cases, pets with aflatoxin poisoning will suffer long-term liver issues or death. If your dog has been eating the recalled product, contact your veterinarian immediately, and monitor your dog for symptoms. Even pets without symptoms may have suffered liver damage.

There is no evidence that people who have handled Sportmix dog food are at risk of aflatoxin poisoning. As a general rule, always wash your hands after handling pet food. The list of recalled dry pet food products announced by Midwestern Pet Foods, Inc. Additional Midwestern Pet Foods brands were voluntarily recalled in March for the potential for Salmonella contamination. You can find the full list of those foods on FDA. The food should be returned to the store where it was purchased, and you may be able to obtain a refund.

Or, you may properly dispose of the food in a manner that prevents other animals from gaining access to it. If your dog has already been eating the recalled food, consult with your veterinarian to determine what actions, if any, you should take. Depending upon the reason the food was recalled, your veterinarian will be able to determine what, if any, action should be taken. If you believe your dog has become ill or has died because of eating a recalled food product, you should file a complaint with the FDA.

You can file a report online or contact the FDA consumer complaint coordinator in your state. If you can no longer feed your dog his usual diet due to a recall, try to find a similar food to replace it or ask your veterinarian for suggestions. Keep in mind that sudden changes in diet can lead to dietary distress for dogs. Compare Breeds Compare up to 5 different breeds side by side.