Purina Expands Recall of Dog Food Over Potentially Elevated Levels of Vitamin D

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration in White Oak, Md., on July 20, 2020. Sarah Silbiger/Getty Images

Nestlé Purina PetCare Company is recalling more of its dry dog food due to potentially elevated levels of vitamin D, according to federal health officials.

The voluntary recall relates to Purina’s Pro Plan Veterinary Diets EL Elemental dog food in the eight-pound and 20-pound bags.

According to a notice posted by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Purina discovered a supplier may have put higher amounts of vitamin D in the kibbles than recommended.

The latest notice comes after the company first announced a recall on Feb. 8 over its products. Purina was previously notified of two separate confirmed cases of a dog exhibiting signs of vitamin D toxicity.

The FDA reports that ingestion of elevated levels of vitamin D can lead to health issues which may include vomiting, loss of appetite, increased thirst, increased urination, and excessive drooling to renal dysfunction. If any of those symptoms have occurred in an owner’s dog who has eaten this product, the owner should contact a veterinarian.

Affected Products

Eight-pound and 20-pound bags of Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets EL Elemental dog food with the following UPC and production codes should be immediately discarded, according to the notice:

• UPC codes: 38100 19190 (8 lb. bag), 38100 19192 (20 lb. bag)
• Production codes (first 8 characters): 2213 1082 (new); 2214 1082 (new); 2249 1082; 2250 1082; 2276 1082; 2277 1082; 2290 1082; 2360 1082; 2361 1082

Pet owners are urged to “immediately stop feeding and throw it away in a container where no other animals, including wildlife, can get to it,” the company said.

No other Purina pet care products are affected, the notice said.

The affected dog food was distributed nationwide by prescription only through veterinary clinics, Purina Vet Direct, and Purina for Professionals. It was also sold by other select retailers that have the ability to validate a prescription, according to the recall notice.

The company issued an apology to pet owners and veterinarians for any issues or inconveniences related to this recall.

“As pet experts and pet parents ourselves, the health and well-being of pets is our top priority, and all necessary measures are being taken to ensure this error is never repeated,” Purina said.

For any questions or assistance about getting a refund, Purina advises people to contact the company at 1-800-345-5678 or visit its website.