This Popular Dog Food Brand Has Been Recalled

The product potentially contains elevated levels of vitamin D.

When it comes to dog food, lots of pup owners have a dog food brand preference. However, when it comes to one of the most popular dog food brands, owners may need to check their pantry.

Nestlé Purina issued a voluntary recall of a select prescription dog food on Feb. 8, which can result in some serious puppy health issues. The recall specifically impacts Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets EL Elemental dry dog food.

Here’s everything you need to know about the recall.

Which Purina products have been recalled?

According to a U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announcement, the voluntary recall affects 8- and 20-pound bags of Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets EL Elemental prescription dry dog food. The prescription food is typically given to pets with food sensitivities.

The food may contain elevated Vitamin D levels. While healthy amounts of vitamin D are beneficial to canine health, an excess can cause several health issues. These issues depend on the level of Vitamin D and the length of exposure dogs experience to it.

This was seemingly the case when Purina received two reports of potential vitamin D toxicity contamination within the prescription dry food. The two reports describe dogs who consumed the food exhibiting signs of vitamin D toxicity, which ceased after stopping the diet. Thus, the voluntary recall was issued.

What are the symptoms of elevated levels of vitamin D to look out for in dogs?

Symptoms of vitamin D toxicity typically manifest as vomiting, loss of appetite, increased thirst, increased urination, excessive drooling and renal (kidney) dysfunction.

If dogs do exhibit these symptoms after having consumed this dog food, it’s important to contact your vet immediately.

How do I know if I bought a recalled product?

Purina Dog Food Recall Courtesy Nestle Purina Petcare CompanyRd.com, Courtesy Nestle Purina Petcare Company

The affected Purina products were distributed nationwide to veterinary clinics, Purina Vet Direct, Purina for Professionals and select retailers who can validate a prescription. Particularly, products with UPC code 38100 19190 on 8-pound bags and 38100 19192 on 20-pound bags are affected.

Furthermore, bags with these 8-digit production codes were impacted:

  • 2249 1082
  • 2250 1082
  • 2276 1082
  • 2277 1082
  • 2290 1082
  • 2360 1082
  • 2361 1082

What should I do if I have one of these products?

If you do happen to have one of the affected products, Purina advises you to immediately stop feeding them to your pet, throw it away and destroy it. The same goes for veterinary and retail partners of Purina.

Fortunately, no other Purina products have been impacted by this recall.

If consumers want more information, they can visit Purina’s website or call 1-800-345-5678 Monday through Saturday, 8 a.m.- 5 p.m. CST with any questions.

Sources

  • PR Newswire: “Nestle Purina Petcare Company Voluntarily Recalls Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets EL Elemental Dry Dog Food In The U.S. Due to Potentially Elevated Vitamin D”

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Jessica Kaplan
Jessica Kaplan is the Assistant Editor of Trends, where she writes lifestyle articles for Readers Digest, Taste of Home, and Family Handyman. When she’s not writing, you can find her listening to a podcast.