2015 Pet Food Recall List

Here are all of the U.S. pet food recalls (dogs and cats) from 2015, based on research from Petful.

Dec. 13, 2015

NutroChewyTreatsMaker: Mars Petcare
Cause: Potential for mold
Announcement: PetSmart news release from Dec. 13, 2015
What was recalled: 4 oz. Nutro Apple Chewy Treats with Lots Codes beginning with “4 50,” “5 02,” “5 03,” or “5 05” (regardless of “Best by” date)

Dec. 11, 2015

Stella-ChewysMaker: Stella & Chewy’s
Cause: Potential for listeria
Announcement: Company news release dated Dec. 11, 2015
What was recalled: The following frozen pet foods:

  • 8 oz. packages of Frozen Stella’s Super Beef Dinner Morsels for Dogs, Lot #165-15, “Best by” June 25, 2016
  • 4 lb. packages of Frozen Stella’s Super Beef Dinner Morsels for Dogs, Lot #165-15, “Best by” June 25, 2016 or June 26, 2016
  • 1.25 lb. packages of Frozen Duck Duck Goose Dinner Morsels for Cats, Lot #165-15, “Best by” June 25, 2016
  • 1.25 lb. packages of Frozen Chick Chick Chicken Dinner Morsels for Cats, Lots #160-15 or 152-15, “Best by” July 2, 2016

According to the company, the recall — prompted by a positive test for listeria by the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development — affects about 990 cases of food sold in both the United States and Canada.

“We are in the process of working with a third-party expert to conduct a root cause analysis and identify how the organism had entered in the production area,” Stella & Chewy’s noted on its website.

Dec. 10, 2015

D_BN_Chicken_ProductMaker: Bravo Pet Foods
Cause: Potential for salmonella
Announcement: Company news release dated Dec. 10, 2015 (PDF)
What was recalled: The following Bravo foods for dogs and cats:

  • 2 lb. chub of Chicken Blend diet, Item #21-102, “Best by” Nov. 13, 2016
  • 5 lb. chub of Chicken Blend diet, Item #21-105, “Best by” Nov. 13, 2016
  • 5 lb. bag of 8 oz. patties of Turkey Blend diet, Item #31-508, “Best by” Nov. 13, 2016
  • 3 lb. bag of 4 oz. patties of Balance Turkey diet, Item #31-401, “Best by” Nov. 13, 2016

According to Bravo, “The recall was initiated after routine testing of a 2 lb. chub of Bravo Chicken Blend diet for dogs and cats by the Colorado State Department of Agriculture, collected at a single retailer, revealed the presence of salmonella. Two hundred and one cases of this product were sold to distributors, retail stores and directly to consumers in the U.S. between Nov. 21, 2014 and Jan. 15, 2015.”

“No additional products are affected by this recall,” according to the company, which added that it “has received no reports to date of illness in either people or animals associated with these products.”

Dec. 1, 2015

daves-pet-food-logoMaker: Dave’s Pet Food
Cause: “Off odor”
Announcement: Memo from Southern Tier Pet Nutrition, dated Dec. 1, 2015 (PDF)
What was recalled: A single batch of Dave’s Simply the Best Dog Food, “Best by” Oct. 15, 2016

According to the memo, which was obtained by Dog Food Advisor, “This product contains rice bran and could have been the source of the off odor. There was no odor noted during the manufacture of the product,” and added that “a voluntary recall of the product was initiated.”

Nov. 28, 2015

Cause: Unknown “minor” issue, but possibly labeling issues. Announcement: Notice posted in select PetSmart stores, Nov. 28, 2015 (archived here). What was recalled: This was technically a market withdrawal rather than a recall. According to the FDA, a market withdrawal takes place “when a product has a minor violation that would not be subject to FDA legal action. The firm removes the product from the market or corrects the violation.”

All date codes of the following canned dog foods were withdrawn:

  • Hill’s Science Diet Dog Adult Perfect Weight Chicken & Vegetables, 12.8 oz., SKU #5210092, UPC #5274229750
  • Hill’s Ideal Balance Slim & Healthy Chicken, 12.8 oz., SKU #5210280, #UPC #5274230770
  • Hill’s Science Diet Dog Small & Toy Adult Gourmet Beef Entrée, 5.8 oz., SKU #5092280, UPC #5274249660
  • Hill’s Science Diet Dog Small & Toy Mature Gourmet Beef Entrée, 5.8 oz., SKU #5092282, UPC #5274249680
  • Hill’s Science Diet Dog Adult Beef Entrée, 13 oz., SKU #5117274, UPC #5274270390
  • Hill’s Science Diet Dog Adult Beef & Chicken Entrée, 13 oz., SKU #5117273, UPC #5274270400
  • Hill’s Science Diet Dog Mature Gourmet Beef Entrée, 13 oz., SKU #5117275, UPC #5274270560

In addition, all date codes of one canned cat food were withdrawn:

  • Hill’s Ideal Balance Slim & Healthy Chicken, 2.9 oz., SKU #5209202, #UPC #5274230780

Nov. 25, 2015

blue-buffalo-wilderness-bone-recallMaker: Blue Buffalo
Cause: Potential for salmonella
Announcement: Company news release (via FDA) dated Nov. 25, 2015
What was recalled: One lot of Cub Size Wilderness Wild Chews Bones with “Best by” date of Nov. 4, 2017

According to Blue Buffalo, “The product was distributed starting Nov. 19, 2015 in PetSmart stores located in the following 9 states: California, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Utah and Washington. The recalled product comes individually shrink-wrapped in plastic with the UPC number 840243110087 printed on a sticker affixed to the product.”

No other Blue Buffalo products are affected, but this is the second recall of a Blue Buffalo product in less than 3 weeks’ time.

Nov. 7, 2015

blue-kitty-yums-cat-treats-recall-2015Maker: Blue Buffalo Company, Ltd.
Cause: May contain low levels of propylene glycol
Announcement: Company news release dated Nov. 6, 2015 (via FDA)
What was recalled: 2 oz. pouches of Blue Kitty Yums Tasty Chicken Recipe cat treats with “Best by” dates of either April 24 or July 24, 2016

These cat treats were distributed in the United States and Canada through pet specialty stores and online. No other Blue pet foods or treats are involved in this recall.

Propylene glycol is not permitted by the FDA for use in cat food. “Cats reacting to high doses of propylene glycol may exhibit signs of depression and may have a loss of coordination, muscle twitching, and excessive urination and thirst,” according to Blue Buffalo’s news release, which added: “If your cat has consumed the recalled product and has these symptoms, please contact your veterinarian.”

Oct. 26, 2015

halo-cat-food-recall-2015Maker: Halo, Purely for Pets
Cause: Reports of mold
Announcement: Company news release dated Oct. 26, 2015
What was recalled: 3 lb. and 6 lb. bags of Spot’s Stew Wholesome Turkey Recipe Sensitive Formula for Cats with a “Best by” date of Sept. 4, 2016

“While some pets can ingest mold without incident, others may experience digestive issues,” the company said. “Consumers should consult their veterinarian if their cat experiences digestive issues.”

Oct. 23, 2015

recall-dog-treats-2015octMaker: Salix Animal Health, LLC
Cause: Potential for salmonella
Announcement: FDA reports dated Sept. 30, 2015 and Oct. 23, 2015
What was recalled: 2.8 ounce bags of Good ‘N Fun Beefhide Chicken Sticks, Item #82247 and “Best by” dates ranging from February 2018 to July 2018

This product was distributed nationwide at Dollar General and Dollar Tree retail stores.

According to the FDA: “The potential for contamination was noted after routine testing by the Georgia Department of Agriculture revealed the presence of salmonella in one 2.8 ounce package.”

Oct. 2, 2015

K-9-kraving-logoMaker: K-9 Kraving Dog Food
Cause: Potential for salmonella and listeria
Announcement: FDA report dated Oct. 2, 2015
What was recalled: Chicken Patties Dog Food shipped between July 13-17, 2015

According to the FDA, “The affected product was distributed to retail stores only in Maryland. No other K-9 Kraving Dog Food products are affected.”

The agency said no illnesses have been reported, adding: “Even though no illnesses have been reported, consumers should follow the safe handling instructions printed on the package when disposing of the affected product.”

Sept. 25, 2015

oc-raw-dog-recall-sept2015Maker: OC Raw Dog
Cause: Potential for salmonella
Announcement: FDA report dated Sept. 25, 2015
What was recalled: Chicken, Fish & Produce Raw Frozen Canine Formulations packaged into 6.5 lb. Doggie Dozen Patties, 4 lb. Doggie Sliders, and 3 lb. Meaty Rox with Lot #1819 and “Best by” date of May 5, 2016. Distribution was limited to customers in Colorado, Vermont and Pennsylvania as well as through independent pet specialty retailers.

According to the report from the FDA: “The potential for contamination was noted after routine testing by the Colorado Department of Food and Agriculture … revealed the presence of salmonella in a 3 lb. bag of Chicken, Fish & Produce Raw Frozen Canine Formulations Meaty Rox.”

Aug. 10, 2015

Maker: Northwest Farm Food Cooperative
Cause: Potential for salmonella
Announcement: FDA report dated Aug. 10, 2015
What was recalled: Frozen raw cat food with production code Jul12015B; sold in 50 lb. blocks and cases of six 10 lb. chubs; packaged in a white plastic bag labeled “Cat Food”

The cat food was sold from the cooperative’s facility in Burlington, Washington. “No pet or consumer illnesses from this product have been reported to date,” according to the FDA report, which added: “The company has ceased the production and distribution of the product” pending an investigation.

July 25, 2015

natures-variety-instinct-dog-food-recall-2015Maker: Nature’s Variety
Cause: Potential for salmonella
Announcement: FDA report dated July 24, 2015
What was recalled: The following raw dog foods:

  • Instinct Raw Chicken Formula Bites, 4 lb. and 7 lb., Best by April 27, 2016
  • Instinct Raw Chicken Formula Patties, 6 lb., Best by April 27, 2016

“No illnesses have been reported to date,” according to the FDA, which added: “Even though no illnesses have been reported, consumers should follow the Simple Handling Tips published on the Nature’s Variety package when disposing of the affected product.”

The recall follows “notification from the FDA that a routine surveillance sample … tested positive for salmonella.”

July 24, 2015

D_BN_Chicken_ProductMaker: Bravo Pet Foods
Cause: Potential for salmonella
Announcement: Company press release dated July 23, 2015
What was recalled: The following products only:

  • Bravo Blend Chicken diet for dogs & cats, 2 lb. chub, Item #21-102, Best by Dec. 5, 2016
  • Bravo Balance Chicken Dinner for dogs , 2 lb. chub, Item #21-402, Best by Dec. 5, 2016
  • Bravo Balance Chicken Dinner for dogs, 3 lb. bag of patties, Item #21-401, Best by Dec. 5, 2016
  • Bravo Balance Chicken Dinner for dogs, 5 lb. bag of patties, Item #21-508, Best by Dec. 5, 2016

According to Bravo: “No additional products are affected by this recall. The company has received no reports to date of illness in either people or animals associated with these products.”

July 21, 2015

tremenda-sticks-recall-2015Maker: The Natural Dog Company, Inc.
Cause: Potential for salmonella
Announcement: FDA report dated July 20, 2015
What was recalled: 12 oz. bags of 12″ Tremenda Sticks pet chews; no lot number or expiration date given

According to the FDA, “The potential for contamination was noted after a Colorado Department of Agriculture inspection of the product revealed the presence of salmonella in a sample.”

The recalled Tremenda Sticks were distributed to retail stores in California, Colorado, Florida, Illinois, Missouri, Montana, North Carolina, Ohio, Utah and Washington.

July 17, 2015

i-and-love-and-you-cow-boomMaker: NatPets LLC (“I and love and you”)
Cause: Potential for salmonella contamination
Announcement: Company announcement and press release dated July 14, 2015
What was recalled: 2 oz. bags of “I and love and you” Cow-Boom! Strips Beef Gullet dog treats with lot numbers ending in 4T1 or 5T1 and “Best By” years of 2016 or 2017

NatPets LLC says that on July 10, it “was notified by the Colorado Department of Agriculture that a routine sampling revealed a presumptive positive result of salmonella in our Cow-Boom! Strips Beef Gullet dog treats. The product is supplied by a U.S. supplier. In an overabundance of caution, ‘I and love and you’ is voluntarily recalling this product.”

The company added: “There have been no confirmed reports of pet or human illnesses associated with this recall.”

July 11, 2015

Maker: Carnivore Meat Company, LLC
Cause: Potential for listeria contamination
Announcement: FDA report dated July 8, 2015
What was recalled: Vital Essentials Frozen Beef Tripe Patties, Lot #10930, Best by Feb. 10, 2016; and Vital Essentials Frozen Beef Tripe Nibblets, Lot #10719, Best by Dec. 2, 2015

The FDA says: “This voluntary recall has been issued because … an independent lab detected the bacteria in samples during a recent review. The company has received no reports of human illness as a result of these products.”

July 7, 2015

Maker: Stella & Chewy’s
Cause: Potential for listeria
Announcement: Company recall notice dated July 4, 2015
What was recalled: The following:
stella-and-chewys-recall-2015

  • Freeze-Dried Chewy’s Chicken Dinner for Dogs, 15 oz., Lot #111-15, Best by April 23, 2016 or April 26, 2016
  • Freeze-Dried Chick, Chick, Chicken Dinner for Cats, 12 oz., Lot #111-15, Best by April 29, 2016 or May 3, 2016
  • Freeze-Dried Chick, Chick, Chicken Dinner for Cats, 12 oz., Lot #104-15, Best by April 23, 2016
  • Freeze-Dried Chick, Chick, Chicken Dinner for Cats, 12 oz., Lot #109-15, Best by April 29, 2016 or May 3, 2016
  • Carnivore Crunch – Turkey Recipe, 3.25 oz., Lot #111-15, Best by May 3, 2016 or May 4, 2016
  • Carnivore Crunch – Chicken Recipe, 3.25 oz., Lot #110-15, Best by May 3
  • Frozen Duck Duck Goose Dinner Morsels for Dogs, 4 lb., Lot #111-15, Best by April 21, 2016
  • Frozen Chewy’s Chicken Dinner Morsels for Dogs, 4 lb., Lot #111-15, Best by April 21, 2016
  • Frozen Surf ‘N Turf Dinner Patties for Dogs, 6 lb., Lot #111-15, Best by April 21, 2016
  • Frozen Chewy’s Chicken Dinner Patties for Dogs, 3 lb. or 6 lb., Lot #111-15, Best by April 21, 2016
  • Freeze-Dried Tantalizing Turkey Meal Mixers, 9 oz. or 18 oz., Lot #105-15, Best by May 3, 2016
  • Freeze-Dried Tantalizing Turkey Meal Mixers, 18 oz., Lot #113-15, Best by May 3, 2016
  • Freeze-Dried Chewy’s Chicken Dinners for Dogs, 15 oz., Lot #114-15, Best by April 26, 2016
  • Freeze-Dried Tummy Ticklin’ Turkey Dinner for Cats, 12 oz., Lot #114-15 or #115-15, Best by May 4, 2016
  • Freeze-Dried Salmon & Chicken Dinner for Cats, 12 oz., Lot #107-15, Best by April 23, 2016

In its statement, Stella & Chewy’s said: “There were no reported pet or human illnesses associated with this recall. Since learning this news, we have been working quickly to review the situation to find answers to the important questions on our customers’ minds.”

July 2, 2015

Maker: Boulder Dog Food Company, LLC
Cause: Potential for salmonella
Announcement: FDA report dated June 19, 2015; Daily Camera July 2, 2015
What was recalled: 3-ounce bags of Chicken Sprinkles treats with a “Best by” date of May 4, 2016 and Lot #998; expanded to include 3-ounce bags of Turkey Sprinkles Food Enhancer with a “Best by” date of May 28, 2016 and Lot #743

According to the FDA on June 19: “The recalled product consists of 10 bags that were distributed to 2 retail stores in the Colorado, 1 retail store in the State of Washington, and 1 retail customer in Maryland.” The company “has retrieved 8 of the 10 bags of the recalled product, and believes that the remaining 2 bags have been used or destroyed.”

On July 2, the recall was expanded to include the Turkey Sprinkles bags. According to the Daily Camera, “Boulder Dog Food Company said it has received one complaint from a consumer.”

June 5, 2015

rachael-ray-nutrish-cat-food-recall-2015Maker: Ainsworth Pet Nutrition
Cause: Potentially elevated levels of Vitamin D
Announcement: FDA report dated June 4, 2015 (archived here)
What was recalled: The following varieties of Rachael Ray Nutrish wet cat food:

  • Paw Lickin’ Chicken & Liver, 2.8 oz. single pack, “Best By” date of Aug. 17, 2015
  • Ocean Fish & Chicken Catch-iatore, 2.8 oz. single pack, “Best By” date of Dec. 1, 2016
  • Ocean Fish-a-licious, 2.8 oz. single pack, “Best By” date of Dec. 1, 2016
  • Tuna Purrfection, 2.8 oz. single pack, “Best By” date of Dec. 1, 2016
  • Lip Smackin’ Sardine & Mackerel, 2.8 oz. single pack, “Best By” date of Dec. 1, 2016

Two variety packs that contain some of these recalled products also were recalled:

  • Chicken Lovers Variety Pack, 12 count pack of 2.8 oz cups, “Best By” date of Dec. 1, 2016
  • Ocean Lovers Variety Pack, 12 count pack of 2.8 oz cups, “Best By” date of Dec. 1, 2016

There have been nearly a dozen reports of illnesses in cats so far. According to a statement from the FDA, “Symptoms of excessive Vitamin D consumption usually develop within 12-36 hours after ingestion and may include vomiting or diarrhea, increased thirst and urination, and muscle tremors or seizures.”

Consumers with questions about the recall should call Ainsworth at 877-650-3486.

May 16, 2015

oc-raw-dog-recall-2015Maker: OC Raw Dog
Cause: Potential for salmonella
Announcement: FDA report dated May 15, 2015
What was recalled: Turkey & Produce Raw Frozen Canine Formulation in 6.5 lb. Doggie Dozen patties and 5 lb. bulk bags with Lot #1511 and Use By date of Oct. 8, 2015

The products were distributed in Minnesota, Missouri, Pennsylvania, and Colorado and sold to consumers through independent pet specialty retailers.

According to the FDA: “This recall is a result of a routine sampling program by the Nebraska Department of Food and Agriculture which revealed a presumptive positive to salmonella. OC Raw Dog has ceased the production and distribution of the product.”

April 27, 2015

nylabone-recall-2015Maker: TFH Publications, Inc./Nylabone Products
Cause: Potential for salmonella
Announcement: FDA report dated April 22, 2015
What was recalled: One lot of 1.69 oz. package of the Puppy Starter Kit dog chews, Lot #21935, UPC 0-18214-81291-3, expiration date of March 22, 2018

According to the FDA: “The recalled Puppy Starter Kit consists of one lot of dog chews that were distributed nationwide, to Canada, and through one domestic online mail order facility.” The federal safety agency added that consumers who purchased the item “should discontinue use of the product and may return the unused portion to the place of purchase for a full refund.”

With just a single lot of packages pulled from shelves, this recall is very limited. Pets Adviser sells a Dura Chew by Nylabone that is unaffected by the recall.

March 13, 2015

primal-raw-cat-food-recall-2015Maker: Primal Pet Foods
Cause: Low thiamine levels
Announcement: FDA report dated March 13, 2015
What was recalled: A single lot of Primal Pet Foods Feline Turkey Raw Frozen Formula, 3 lb. bags, with “Best By” date of “060815 B22”

According to the FDA:

“FDA tested product in response to a single consumer complaint. Primal Pet Foods was alerted by FDA that the testing of two bags of this lot resulted in a low thiamine level. Neither FDA nor Primal have received any other reports concerning Thiamine in Primal products. No other product manufactured by Primal Pet Foods is involved in this voluntary recall.”

Feb. 12, 2015

nutrisca-dry-dog-foodMaker: Tuffy’s Pet Foods, Inc.
Cause: Potential for salmonella
Announcement: FDA report dated Feb. 11, 2015
What was recalled: 4 lb. bags of Nutrisca Chicken and Chick Pea Recipe Dry Dog Food with only the following as the first 5 digits of the Lot Codes: 4G29P, 4G31P, 4H01P, 4H04P, 4H05P, and 4H06P. The “Best By” dates are: Jul 28 16, Jul 30 16, Jul 31 16, Aug 03 16, Aug 04 16, or Aug 05 16.

According to the FDA, “The recalled product was distributed in the 4 lb. bags nationwide to distributors, brokers, retail stores and Internet retailers.”

Feb. 11, 2015

busters-natural-treatsMaker: Pet International Inc.
Cause: Potential for salmonella
Announcement: FDA report dated Feb. 11, 2015
What was recalled: Buster’s Natural Pet Supply 6-inch Beef Trachea in a 12-pack plastic pouch, Lot Code 8501450, no date provided. They were distributed to retail stores in the cities of Conifer and Lakewood in Colorado.

According to the FDA: “Salmonella can affect animals (i.e., dogs) eating the products, and there is 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 surfaces exposed to these products.”

Jan. 30, 2015

big-barkMaker: Grill-Phoria LLC
Cause: Potential for salmonella
Announcement: FDA report dated Jan. 30, 2015
What was recalled: 3.5 oz bags of Big Bark All Natural Beef Jerky Treats for Dogs, distributed and manufactured between Sept. 20, 2014 and Jan. 2, 2015 (no lot codes)

Jan. 20, 2015

j.j.fuds-recall-2015Maker: J.J. Fuds, Inc.
Cause: Possible listeria contamination
Announcement: FDA report dated Jan. 20, 2015; updated by Frontier Distributing on Jan. 27, 2015 (PDF)
What was recalled: All J.J. Fuds Premium Natural Blends 5 lb. and 10 lb. raw frozen diets, including chicken, duck and beef

Jan. 16, 2015

purr-complete-feline-poultry-meal-cat-foodMaker: Oma’s Pride
Cause: Possible salmonella
Announcement: FDA report dated Jan. 16, 2015
What was recalled: Purr Complete Feline Poultry Meal frozen cat food, 12 oz. and 2 lb. plastic packages, with “Best By” date of Sept. 12, 2015 and Lot Code #1524

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There were no more recalls in 2015. Start browsing the previous year’s recalls here:

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