Mars Petcare has recalled two lots of Pedigree canned wet dog food in a July 2 notice from the Food and Drug Administration.
The cans were sent to be destroyed after failing quality checks but were instead “fraudulently diverted” and sold nationwide, a Mars spokesperson said in a statement shared with The Independent.
“We are working closely with the appropriate authorities as they investigate the diversion of these products into the marketplace,” the spokesperson said.
The recall covers 13.2-ounce cans of Pedigree Can High Protein Chopped Chicken & Duck Flavor. The affected lot codes are 613C3KKCFC and 613C1KKCFC.
Pedigree has received no reports of injury or death related to the recall, but warned that swallowing the metal and plastic parts could cause choking, cuts or blockages in the gastrointestinal tract.
Customers who have bought the affected items should immediately stop feeding them to their pets and contact the company for a replacement. Pet owners who believe their pet might have consumed contaminated food should contact their veterinarian.
Dogs that are choking might assume the “tripod position,” which is where they lean forward on their front legs in order to open up their airways, according to the American Kennel Club.
Other warning signs that your pet might be choking include drooling, gagging, coughing, retching, pawing at the mouth, blue-tinged gums, weakness and unconsciousness.
If your dog is choking, call your vet for help and exercise judgment in performing the Heimlich maneuver on your pet.
Your dog might have a gastrointestinal blockage or laceration if they start vomiting, show signs of abdominal pain and lose weight or their appetite. Blood in your dog’s vomit or stool indicates a medical emergency.
The Pedigree recall comes just a month after Go Raw LLC expanded a voluntary recall that was originally issued in February to include an additional lot of Steve’s Real Food Chicken Recipe Freeze Dried sold in 20 states because it had potentially low levels of thiamine, also known as Vitamin B1.
“Thiamine (vitamin B1) is an essential water-soluble vitamin required for normal carbohydrate metabolism and neurologic function in both cats and dogs,” the company said in an announcement at the time, noting that cats are more susceptible to the deficiency.
In May, Indiana-based dog food company Albright’s Raw Pet Food recalled its Chicken Recipe for Dogs Complete and Balanced due to potential contamination with salmonella.
