2017 Pet Food Recall List

Here are all of the U.S. pet food recalls (dogs and cats) from 2017, based on research from Petful.

Dec. 22, 2017

Maker: Primal Pet Foods
Cause: Bone grind size too large
Announcement: Company announcement on social media, Dec. 22, 2017
What was recalled: Only these specific Primal products:

Dogs:

  • Canine Chicken Freeze Dried Formula, 14 oz., Batch #s 2D1101817, 3D3100317, 1D4100317, 2D2100317, 1D5102717, 1D6101717 and 2D6100317
  • Canine Duck Freeze Dried Formula, 14 oz., Batch #s 1D4100117, 1D5100817, 2D7100117, 2D1092517, 2D7100817, 1D8100217, 2D5100117, 3D5100117, 3D6100817, 1D10101817 and 3D10101817
  • Canine Duck Freeze Dried Formula, 5.5 oz., Batch #1D5100117
  • Canine Turkey Freeze Dried Formula, 5.5 oz., Batch #1D892617
  • Canine Turkey Freeze Dried Formula, 14 oz., Batch #s 3D1092517, 1D392517, 1D592517, 4D692517, 2D892617, 1D8100217 and D10100217

Cats:

  • Feline Chicken-Salmon Freeze Dried Formula, 14 oz., Batch #s 2D2100217, 1D1100217, 2D9100217 and 1D4100217
  • Feline Chicken-Salmon Freeze Dried Formula, 5.5 oz., Batch #1D3100217
  • Feline Turkey Freeze Dried Formula, 14 oz., Batch #s 2D10100317, 2D8100317, 1D7100217, 3D5100317, 1D5101617, 1D6100317 and1D10101717
  • Feline Turkey Freeze Dried Formula, 5.5 oz., Batch #s 1D5100317 and 1D10101717

Matthew R. Koss, founder and president of Primal Pet Foods, released the news on social media, stating, “As these products do not meet our precise specifications, we are requesting that these specific products and lot codes be returned to the Primal retailer at which the product was originally purchased for full credit.”

Koss said the bone grind size was about 1/8 inch to 1/4 inch above the ideal. He added, “We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this may cause to you and your pets.”

Dec. 8, 2017

Maker: Darwin’s Natural Pet Products
Cause: Potential for salmonella and listeria
Announcement: Petful verified by phone call with company, Dec. 8, 2017
What was recalled: 2-pound packages (partitioned into 4 quadrants) of the following:

  • Darwin’s Natural Selections Turkey With Organic Vegetables Meals for Dogs, Lots #39937 and #40507, Manufactured Aug. 24 and Sept. 20, 2017
  • Darwin’s Natural Selections Chicken With Organic Meals for Dogs, Lot #40727, Manufactured Sept. 26, 2017
  • Darwin’s Natural Selections Duck With Organic Vegetables Meals for Dogs, Lot #40487, Manufactured Sept. 29, 2017

This is the first widely announced pet food recall in Darwin’s Natural Pet Products history, though other “silent” recalls have taken place over the past 14 months. (See the full recall history for Darwin’s here.)

A company representative, reached by phone, confirmed the current recall to Petful, saying that around 2,000 customers are affected. He said the recall follows positive testing for salmonella from the FDA.

Gary Tashjian, Darwin’s president, wrote an email to distributors that said in part, “We have not received any reports [of illnesses] from customers regarding these meals, and are taking these steps out of an abundance of caution.” He added, “We are taking steps to reduce the opportunity for this to occur again.”

Some of the rawhide brands that were recalled in June 2017.

June 16, 2017

Maker: United Pet Group, a division of Spectrum Brands, Inc.
Cause: Unapproved additive (quaternary ammonium compound mixture)
Announcement: Voluntary recall report dated June 10, 2017; later expanded via FDA report dated June 16, 2017 (archived here)
What was recalled: Rawhide chews listed below:

  • American Beefhide, Lot numbers start with AH, Expiration dates of 06/01/19 through 05/31/20.
  • Digest-eeze, Lot numbers starting with AH, AV, A, AI, AO or AB, Expiration dates 06/01/19 through 05/31/20.
  • Healthy Hide (including Healthy Hide–Good-n-Fun and Healthy Hide–Good-n-Fit), Lot numbers starting with AH, AV, A, AI, AO or AB, Expiration dates 06/01/19 through 05/31/20.
  • Companion: Lot codes that start with AH, AV, A, AI, AO, or AB and which list expiration dates from 06/01/2019 through 05/31/2020
  • Dentley’s: Lot codes that start with AH, AV, A, AI, AO, or AB and which list expiration dates from 06/01/2019 through 05/31/2020
  • Enzadent or Dentahex: Enzadent Chips, UPCs 17030030181, 17030030167, 17030030174, 17030030198. Dentahex Chips, UPCs 17030030228, 17030030235, 17030030242, 17030030259
  • Essential Everyday: Lot codes that start with AH, AV, A, AI, AO, or AB and which list expiration dates from 06/01/2019 through 05/31/2020
  • Exer-Hides: Lot codes that start with AH, AV, A, AI, AO, or AB and which list expiration dates from 06/01/2019 through 05/31/2020
  • Good Lovin’ or Petco: Lot codes that start with AH, AV, A, AI, AO, or AB and which list expiration dates from 06/01/2019 through 05/31/2020
  • Hill Country Fare: Lot codes that start with AH, AV, A, AI, AO, or AB and which list expiration dates from 06/01/2019 through 05/31/2020
  • Priority Pet: Lot codes that start with AH, AV, A, AI, AO, or AB and which list expiration dates from 06/01/2019 through 05/31/2020

The company has received limited reports of illness in dogs with symptoms of diarrhea and vomiting.

The company identified the additive in manufacturing plants in Mexico, Brazil and Colombia and voluntarily issued the product recalls. The compound mixture is commonly used in disinfectants, detergents and fabric softeners and is not approved as an additive to food products.

According to the recall report, “Exposure to quaternary ammonium compounds through direct ingestion may cause the following symptoms in dogs: reduced appetite, and gastric irritation including diarrhea and vomiting. These symptoms may require treatment by a veterinarian depending on severity.”

June 14, 2017

Maker: Loving Pets
Cause: Potential for salmonella
Announcement: FDA report dated June 14, 2017 (archived here)
What was recalled: 3 brands of treats listed below:

1. Loving Pets Barksters

  • Sweet Potato and Chicken UPC 842982057005 – Lot 021619
  • Brown Rice and Chicken UPC 842982057050 – Lot 021419

2. Loving Pets Puffster Snack Chips

  • Apple and Chicken UPC 842982051003 – Lot 051219, 112118, 112918, 012719, 012519, 013019
  • Banana and Chicken UPC 842982051102 – Lot 112218, 112818, 112918, 013119
  • Sweet Potato and Chicken UPC 842982051201 – Lot 112818, 020119
  • Cranberry and Chicken UPC 842982051300 – Lot 020319, 112918, 020219

3. Whole Hearted

  • Chicken and Apple Puff Treats UPC 800443220696 – Lot 121418, 121918, 122318, 010419, 010619, 010519

There have been no reports of illness. Routine safety testing by the company determined that an ingredient from a supplier was contaminated and are issuing the recall out of an abundance of caution.

May 5, 2017

Maker: Smallbatch Pets, Inc.
Cause: Potential for salmonella
Announcement: FDA report dated May 5, 2017
What was recalled: Frozen 2 lb. bags of Smallbatch Chicken Blend for Dogs & Cats, UPC #705105970974 and #705105970974 with best by dates 2/1/18 and 2/27/18.

The products were distributed to California, Colorado, Oregon and Washington.

According to the FDA, “Pets with salmonella infections may be lethargic and have diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever and vomiting. Some pets will have only decreased appetite, fever and abdominal pain. Infected but otherwise healthy pets can be carriers and infect other animals or humans. If your pet has consumed the recalled product and has these symptoms, please contact your veterinarian.”

April 17, 2017

Maker: Party Animal
Cause: Potential for pentobarbital
Announcement: Company report dated April 17, 2017
What was recalled: 13-ounce cans of dog food:

  • Cocolicious Beef & Turkey, Lot #0136E15204 04, best by July 2019
  • Cocolicious Chicken & Beef, Lot #0134E15 237 13, best by August 2019

Although the specific manufacturing facility is not listed in the recall report, it may be related to previous recalls earlier this year for the same cause. Those earlier recalls affected Evanger’s and Against the Grain dog food.

According to the FDA, the drug pentobarbital “can affect animals that ingest it, and possibly cause side effects such as drowsiness, dizziness, excitement, loss of balance or nausea, or in extreme cases, possibly death.” At least one dog has died, and several others were injured, after apparently consuming Hunk of Beef.

March 20, 2017

Maker: EuroCan Manufacturing
Cause: Potential for salmonella
Announcement: FDA report dated March 20, 2017
What was recalled: The following brands of pig ears:

  • Barnsdale Farms pig ears, 6-pack, 12-pack and 25-pack bags, lot #84
  • HoundsTooth pig ears, 6-pack, 12-pack and 25-pack bags, lot #84
  • Mac’s Choice pig ears, 6-pack, 12-pack and 25-pack bags, lot #84

The products were distributed and sold in Canada and the United States.

March 17, 2017

Maker: Blue Buffalo Company, Ltd.
Cause: Potential for elevated levels of naturally occurring beef thyroid hormone
Announcement: NASDAQ Global News Wire report dated March 17, 2017
What was recalled: Blue Wilderness Rocky Mountain Recipe Red Meat Dinner Wet Food for Adult Dogs, 12.5 oz can, UPC #840243101153 with best by date June 7, 2019.

No dogs were reported ill at the time of this recall.

According to the Global News Wire report, “Dogs ingesting high levels of beef thyroid hormones may exhibit symptoms such as increased thirst and urination, weight loss, increased heart rate and restlessness. These symptoms may resolve when the use of the impacted food is discontinued. However, with prolonged consumption these symptoms may increase in severity and may include vomiting, diarrhea, and rapid or difficulty breathing.”

“Should these symptoms occur,” the statement said, “contact your veterinarian immediately.”

March 17, 2017

Maker: WellPet, LLC
Cause: Potential for elevated levels of naturally occurring beef thyroid hormone
Announcement: WellPet, LLC voluntary recall report dated March 17, 2017 (archived here)
What was recalled: 13.2 oz. packages of Wellness 95% Beef Topper for Dogs with best by dates “02 FEB 19,” “29 AUG 19” and “30 AUG 19.”

No dogs were reported ill at the time of this recall.

According to WellPet, “Elevated levels may affect a dog’s metabolism and can be associated with increased thirst, increased urinary output, restless behavior and weight loss.”

The company added: “Even though the chance of a dog being affected is remote, we are voluntarily recalling this recipe and only these three best-by dates as an extra precaution.”

March 3, 2017

Maker: Pets at Home
Cause: Low levels of thiamine (Vitamin B1)
Announcement: Company report dated Feb. 27, 2017
What was recalled: Dry cat food products:

  • AVA Veterinary Approved Grain Free Mature 7+ Cat Food Optimum Health, Lot #6165, 6181, 6295 and 6363 with UPC #7120400
  • AVA Veterinary Approved Grain Free Mature 7+ Cat Food Optimum Health, Lot #6165, 6169, 6210, 6252, 6325 and 7016 with UPC #712401
  • AVA Veterinary Approved Grain Free Senior 12+ Cat Food Optimum Health, Lot #6161, 6166 and 6229 with UPC #712402
  • AVA Veterinary Approved Grain Free Adult Cat Food Indoor/Neutured, Lot #6165, 6166, 6188 and 7006 with UPC #712407

According to the Food Standards Agency, “Thiamine deficiency in cats may impact a cat’s health. At least three cats have been identified which became seriously unwell after switching to one of the affected products and exhibited symptoms ranging from sudden collapse, [seizures], widespread twitching and general unsteadiness which are not the classic symptoms of thiamine deficiency.”

Feb. 28, 2017

Maker: Blue Buffalo Company, Ltd.
Cause: Packaging quality
Announcement: PetSmart report dated Feb. 28, 2017 (archived here)
What was recalled: The following Blue Buffalo dog food cups:

  • Divine Delights Filet Mignon Flavor in Gravy, UPC 84024312035
  • Divine Delights New York Strip Flavor in Gravy, UPC 84024312037
  • Divine Delights Prime Rib Flavor in Gravy, UPC 84024312039
  • Divine Delights Rotisserie Chicken Flavor in Gravy, UPC 84024312041
  • Divine Delights Pate Filet Mignon Flavor, UPC 84024312043
  • Divine Delights Pate Porterhouse Flavor, UPC 84024312045
  • Divine Delights Pate Grilled Chicken Flavor, UPC 84024312047
  • Divine Delights Pate Top Sirloin Flavor, UPC 84024312049
  • Divine Delights Pate Angus Beef Flavor, UPC 84024312051
  • Divine Delights Pate Roasted Turkey Flavor, UPC 84024312053
  • Divine Delights Pate with Bacon, Egg & Cheese, UPC 84024312057
  • Divine Delights Pate Sausage, Egg & Cheese Flavor, UPC 84024312059
  • Divine Delights Pate Steak & Egg Flavor, UPC 84024312061
  • Wilderness Trail Trays Duck Grill, UPC 84024312071
  • Wilderness Trail Trays Beef Grill, UPC 84024312073
  • Wilderness Trail Trays Chicken Grill, UPC 84024312075
  • Wilderness Trail Trays Turkey Grill, UPC 84024312077

The report cites a quality issue with the foil seal on the cup as the issue and stated that no pets have been reported ill.

To see all of the company’s recalls, view the Blue Buffalo recall history page.

Triumph Premium Cat Food Ocean Fish Formula

Feb. 17, 2017

Maker: Triumph
Cause: Foreign material
Announcement: Verified by phone with the company, Feb. 15, 2017
What was recalled: Triumph Premium Cat Food Ocean Fish Formula, 13.2 oz. cans, produced on Aug. 3, 2016.

Petful verified this limited recall with a Sunshine Mills representative. The Triumph brand is owned by Sunshine Mills, which operates the corporate office in Alabama.

No other details are known at this time. The company has not yet issued a public announcement about this recall, not even on Triumph’s social media pages.

Feb. 13, 2017

Maker: The Blue Buffalo Company
Cause: Potential for metal contamination
Announcement: Company announcement dated Feb. 13, 2017
What was recalled: Blue Buffalo Homestyle Recipe Healthy Weight, Chicken Dinner With Garden Vegetables, 12.5 ounce can, UPC #8-40243-10017-0, best by Aug. 3, 2019

Blue Buffalo says this recall involves “a very limited number of cans.” The company explained that it was “notified by one of our suppliers of the possible presence of aluminum in one of our production runs.”

No other Blue Buffalo products are involved, the company says, and there have been no reports of illness or injury leading up to the recall.

Wellness canned cat food

Feb. 10, 2017

Maker: WellPet, LLC
Cause: Potential for foreign material
Announcement: WellPet voluntary recall report dated Feb. 10, 2017 (archived here)
What was recalled: 12.5 oz. cans of the following Wellness cat food:

  • Chicken & Herring, best by Aug. 4, 2019
  • Chicken, best by Aug. 3 or Aug. 4, 2019
  • Chicken & Lobster, best byAug. 4, 2019
  • Turkey & Salmon, best byAug. 5, 2019
  • Turkey, best by Aug. 4 or Aug. 5, 2019
  • Beef & Chicken, best by Aug. 5, 2019
  • Beef & Salmon, best by Aug. 5, 2019

Note: Here is what the labels look like.

WellPet says it is recalling the products out of an abundance of caution.

There were no foreign materials found in Wellness products. However, this line of Wellness canned cat food is manufactured in the same facility as another brand that was just recalled for foreign material.

The foreign material was not identified in either recall.

Feb. 8, 2017

Maker: Giant Food Stores, LLC
Cause: Potential for foreign material
Announcement: Company report dated Feb. 8, 2017
What was recalled: The following lots of Companion canned dog food:

  • Chicken and Rice, 13.2 oz., UPC #68826707501, best by Aug. 5, 2019
  • Chicken, Lamb and Rice, 13.2 oz., UPC #68826700360, best by Aug. 5, 2019
  • Turkey and Bacon, 13.2 oz., UPC #68826700356, best by Aug. 5, 2019

The company did not explain the foreign material suspected in the food, but the recall announcement stated that no consumer complaints have been received. Companion canned dog food is sold in Giant Food Stores.

Feb. 8, 2017

Maker: PetSmart
Cause: Metal contamination
Announcement: Company announcement dated Feb. 8, 2017 (archived here)
What was recalled: Grreat Choice Adult Dog Food With Chicken and Rice Classic Ground, Lot #1759338, UPC #7-3725726116-7, best by Aug. 5, 2019

It’s a big deal when metal fragments find their way into canned pet food. Nevertheless, this recall is for only a single lot.

PetSmart says it is not aware of any dogs becoming ill from this product and is issuing this recall out of an abundance of caution.

“No other Grreat Choice products are impacted by this issue,” the company said.

Feb. 3, 2017

Maker: Evanger’s Dog & Cat Food Company, Inc.
Cause: Potential for pentobarbital
Announcement: Company announcement dated Feb. 3, 2017 (archived here) and subsequently updated March 6, 2017 (archived here); FDA report dated Feb. 3, 2017; FDA report dated Feb. 14, 2017; letter to retailers dated Feb. 28, 2017
What was recalled: 12 oz. cans of the following products:

  • Evanger’s Hunk of Beef (Item #776155)
  • Evanger’s Braised Beef (Item #776150)
  • Against the Grain Pulled Beef (Item #776107)

The company first issued a limited recall, then eventually expanded it into a full recall of 3 separate varieties of pulled-beef canned pet foods from Evanger’s and Against the Grain.

Dog food recalls are one thing, but what was so horrifying about this one was the nature of the possible contaminant: a barbiturate called pentobarbital, which doubles as a euthanasia drug.

According to the FDA, “Oral exposure to pentobarbital can cause side effects such as drowsiness, dizziness, excitement, loss of balance, nausea nystagmus (eyes moving back and forth in a jerky manner), inability to stand and coma.”

Petful wrote a comprehensive, 3-part article breaking down exactly what happened: “Evanger’s Recalls 2017: How Did a Euthanasia Drug Get Into Dog Food?”

Blue Ridge Beef Turkey with Bone

Jan. 13, 2017

Maker: Blue Ridge Beef
Cause: Potential for listeria
Announcement: FDA report dated Jan. 13, 2017
What was recalled: 2-pound chubs of Turkey With Bone frozen pet food, Lot #103 mfd12716, UPC #854298001887

The affected products were sold in North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia and Florida.

According to the FDA, “Listeria can affect animals eating the product, and there is a risk to humans from handling contaminated pet products, especially if they have not thoroughly washed their hands after having contact with the products or any surface exposed to these products.”

Jan. 3, 2017

Maker: The J.M. Smucker Company
Cause: Possible low levels of thiamine (Vitamin B1)
Announcement: FDA report dated Jan. 3, 2017; FDA report updated Jan. 11, 2017
What was recalled: The following canned cat food from 9Lives, EverPet and Special Kitty:

9Lives

  • Meaty Pate Seafood Platter, 4 pack, 5.5 oz. each, Lot #6356803, UPC 7910003670
  • Meaty Pate Seafood Platter, 4 pack, 5.5 oz. each, Lot #6355803, UPC 7910003670
  • Meaty Pate Super Supper, 4 pack, 5.5 oz. each, Lot #6357803, UPC 7910002860
  • Meaty Pate Super Supper, 13 oz., Lot #6354803, UPC 7910052229
  • Meaty Pate Super Supper, 13 oz., Lot #6355803, UPC 7910052229
  • Meaty Pate Super Supper, 5.5 oz., Lot #6358803, UPC 7910000327
  • Meaty Pate With Chicken and Tuna, 5.5 oz., Lot #6357803, UPC 7910000324
  • Meaty Pate With Chicken and Tuna, 4 pack, 5.5 oz. each, Lot #6357803, UPC 7910003660
  • Meaty Pate With Chicken and Tuna, 13 oz., Lot #6354803, UPC 7910052228
  • Meaty Pate With Chicken and Tuna, 5.5 oz. Lot #6356803, UPC 7910000324
  • Meaty Pate Seafood Platter, 24 oz., Lot #6356803, UPC 7910000402
  • Meaty Pate With Chicken and Seafood, 4 pack, 5.5 oz. each, Lot #6356803, UPC 7910003640
  • Meaty Pate With Chicken Dinner, 5.5 oz. Lot #6356803, UPC 7910000410
  • Meaty Pate With Liver and Chicken, 4 pack, 5.5 oz. each, Lot #6355803, UPC 7910000312
  • Meaty Pate With Ocean Whitefish, 5.5 oz., Lot #6358803, UPC 7910000420
  • Seafood Poultry Variety Pack, 5.5 oz., Lot #6307803, UPC 7910053377

EverPet

  • Mixed Grill Dinner, 13 oz., Lot #6356803, UPC 7910053114

Special Kitty

  • Beef and Liver Dinner, 13 oz., Lot #6355803, UPC 8113112120
  • Classic Tuna Dinner, 13 oz., Lot #6358803, UPC 8113112157
  • Mixed Grill Dinner with printed wrap, 12 pack, 13 oz. each, Lot #6355803, UPC 8113109609
  • Mixed Grill Dinner without printed wrap, 13 oz., Lot #6356803, UPC 8113112119
  • Super Supper, 13 oz., Lot #6355803, UPC 7910079041

According to the FDA, “Cats fed diets low in thiamine for several weeks may be at risk for developing a thiamine deficiency. Thiamine is essential for cats. Symptoms of deficiency displayed by an affected cat can be gastrointestinal or neurological in nature. Early signs of thiamine deficiency may include decreased appetite, salivation, vomiting and weight loss.”

“In advanced cases,” the FDA says, “neurological signs can develop, which include ventroflexion (bending toward the floor) of the neck, wobbly walking, circling, falling and seizures. Contact your veterinarian immediately if your cat is displaying any of these symptoms. If treated promptly, thiamine deficiency is typically reversible.”

If you have not done so already, we urge you to sign up now for Petful’s FREE recall alerts by email. Our free alerts are saving pets’ lives.

There were no more recalls in 2017. Start browsing the previous year’s recalls here:

⇦ Previous Recalls

(Or browse recalls by brand name)