The J.M. Smucker Company is initiating a voluntary recall that includes 4 of their brands. Gravy Train, Kibbles ‘n Bits, Skippy, and Ol’ Roy for 17 specific products. All of these products have been added to the Safe Pet Treats app.

The following is from a letter sent to retailers:
The J.M. Smucker Company is initiating a voluntary withdrawal of a limited quantity of Gravy Train®, Kibbles ‘N Bits®, and Skippy® Wet Dog Food products after learning specific SKUs did not meet our specifications because a minor ingredient may contain low levels of pentobarbital. This is not a threat to pet safety. Although the extremely low levels do not present a health or safety risk, their presence in our products is not acceptable to us.

Recalled products include:

“A commitment to making only the highest quality products has been the driving force behind our business for more than 120 years. This commitment to quality has long been demonstrated by our comprehensive quality assurance policies and procedures, which are designed to provide consumers with the quality products they expect. Earlier this week, we were made aware of WJLA’s claims related to nine cans of Gravy Train® wet dog food. Since we learned of this information, we launched and are conducting a thorough investigation, including working closely with our suppliers, to determine the accuracy of these results and the methodology used. While we are confident in the safety of our products, should additional actions be required, we will communicate that quickly to consumers and our retail partners. We are a company that loves pets and understand the responsibility we have in providing high-quality food for the pets our consumers love. We will continue to do whatever it takes to ensure the safety of our consumers’ pets in the same way we would our own.”

To contact the FDA, Smucker’s or Big Heart Brands regarding this issue:
• FDA: 888-463-6332
• Smucker’s: 888-550-9555
• Big Heart Brands: 415-247-3000
If you currently feed any of the above-named products, discontinue feeding immediately and return to place of purchase. If your dog is showing ANY signs of illness, contact your veterinarian immediately and save any uneaten or unopened cans for possible testing.

The post Smucker’s Pet Food Recall | February 2018 appeared first on Safe Pet Treats | Pet Food Safety and Recalls.

A pet owner in Texas recently had two pet food products tested in a lab after she suspected something was wrong with the food. The pet owner then submitted the lab results to Susan Thixton, a reputable and well known Pet Food Safety Advocate that runs a pet food blog called truthaboutpetfood.com.

Pentobarbital was discovered in the two products that were tested and according to the FDA “pentobarbital is routinely used to euthanize animals, the most likely way it could get into dog food would be in rendered animal products. Rendered products come from a process that converts animal tissues to feed ingredients. Pentobarbital seems to be able to survive the rendering process. If animals are euthanized with pentobarbital and subsequently rendered, pentobarbital could be present in the rendered feed ingredients.”

The two products have not been recalled but because of the reputable source, we felt that it was important for us to share the news with other pet owners. We have also added these two products to the Safe Pet Treats app so if you come across these products at the pet store, the app will warn you and tell you it is not safe.

The following products tested positive for pentobarbital:

Party Animal CocoLicious – Beef/Turkey – LOT #0136E15204 04

Party Animal CocoLicious – Chicken/Beef – LOT #0134E15 237 13

To see the full lab results please visit truthaboutpetfood.com.

The post Drug used to euthanize animals found in dog food appeared first on Safe Pet Treats | Pet Food Safety and Recalls.

As sickening as that sounds, it is common practice among pet food companies so stay alert and learn about the pet food company that you buy your pet food from. Don’t assume that because its a popular brand that the food will be safe. Do some research and also download the Safe Pet Treats app to help you identify recalled products and harmful ingredients.

This Against the Grain recall has been added to the Safe Pet Treats app.

The following is the official recall from the FDA:

Out of an abundance of caution, Against the Grain Pet Food is voluntarily recalling one lot of Against the Grain Pulled Beef with Gravy Dinner for Dogs that was manufactured and distributed in 2015.

The 12 oz. Against the Grain Pulled Beef with Gravy Dinner for Dogs that is being voluntarily recalled, due to the potential presence of pentobarbital, has an expiration date of December 2019, a lot number of 2415E01ATB12, and the second half of the UPC code is 80001 (which can be found on the back of the product label).

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.

Note: To-date, no complaints have been reported to Against the Grain for this single lot number nor any of Against the Grain’s pet foods, since the company was founded.

In 2015, this one lot of product was distributed to independent pet retail stores in Washington and Maryland, though it has been verified that this lot is no longer on any store shelves. This voluntary recall only affects one specific lot of food.

Consumers may return any can with the aforementioned lot number, to their place of purchase and receive a full case of Against the Grain food for the inconvenience. For any questions, customers may contact the company at 708-566-4410 between 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM Central Time, Monday – Friday.

The post Against the Grain Recall | February 2017 appeared first on Safe Pet Treats | Pet Food Safety and Recalls.