Quick Facts:

• Pet owners and veterinary professionals are being alerted about recalling lots of dry dog foods since the foods are toxic in Vitamin D
• Excessive and toxic amounts of Vitamin D are contained in the food according to tests. These high amounts can lead to kidney failure and death.
• Only male dog foods have been affected for now.
• These recalled dog foods should not be used to feed dogs.
• Veterinarians who suspect their patients have high vitamin D toxicity should report these cases through the Safety Reporting Portal or by calling their local FDA Consumer Complaint Coordinators. Pet owners should alert FDA of such cases.
• More dog foods may be recalled as the situation develops.

What is the Problem?

It has come to the notice of the FDA that a contract manufacturer for different brands of dog food produces dry dog food with high Vitamin D toxicity. Since this situation is still developing, the FDA will provide more information on this page as it unfolds.

What are the Symptoms of Vitamin D Toxicity?

Symptoms like vomiting, loss of appetite, increased thirst and weight loss. At toxic levels, it can lead to kidney failure and death. Dogs who have been eating recalled brands and have these symptoms might be in danger and should be taken to their veterinarians.

What Brands have been recalled?

• Ahold Delhaize (the firm has not yet issued recall press)
• Nature’s Promise Chicken & Brown Rice Dog Food
• Kroger (12/5/18)
• Abound Chicken and Brown Rice Recipe Dog Food
  • UPC 11110-83556 – 4 lb. bag
    • All lot codes

What is FDA doing to address the situation?

Shortly after some complaints had been received from pet owners concerning vitamin D toxicity in their dogs, a firm decided to recall their product due to high vitamin D toxicity. Companies using the same contract manufacturer have also recalled their products and FDA is working with this manufacturer to find out which brands have been affected.

FDA scientists are also checking to see if the illnesses found are related to the diet taken.

With samples of the affected brands tested, it has been discovered that the foods contained about 70 times the required amount of Vitamin D. Such levels of vitamin D are dangerous to dogs and can lead to kidney failure and death.

What Do Retailers Need To Do?

If you have any of the recalled products, don’t sell it. Also, reach out to those who have bought and consumed these products, if you have the means to.

What Do Pet Owners Need to Do?

As soon as you notice your dogs with the above symptoms, contact your vet and provide a full diet history to him/her.  Do not feed recalled brands to your dog and find how to dispose of those products from the company to prevent others from using it.

Report suspected illnesses to the FDA and work with your vet to submit medical records as part of your report. Get more explanation on the kind of info required in the report in “How to Report a Pet Food Complaint.”

What do Veterinarians Need to Do?

If you are dealing with patients suffering from high Vitamin D toxicity, you need to ask clients for diet history. You should also get case reports, especially those confirmed through diagnostics as the FDA would work with those too.

Vets should also know that vitamin D toxicity might appear as hypercalcemia just like it would appear with dogs who’ve eaten rodentine. It is necessary to crosscheck the dog’s diet history to see if the recalled products are part of it.