Quick Answer
Dog food recalls are announced by the FDA and manufacturers when a product may pose a health risk to pets. Recent examples include Pedigree High Protein Chopped Chicken & Duck Flavor canned food (due to possible metal and plastic fragments), Raaw Energy dog food (due to possible Listeria contamination), and Albright's Raw Pet Food Chicken Recipe for Dogs (due to possible Salmonella contamination). To protect your dog, immediately stop feeding any recalled product, check the lot code and UPC against the recall notice, and follow the disposal or return instructions provided by the manufacturer.
Main Explanation
When a dog food recall is issued, it means the manufacturer or the FDA has identified a potential hazard. These hazards typically fall into two categories: biological (e.g., bacteria like Listeria, Salmonella, or E. coli) or physical (e.g., foreign objects like metal or plastic fragments).
- Biological Recalls: Bacteria can cause illness in both dogs and humans who handle the food. For example, Raaw Energy expanded a recall of dog food due to possible Listeria monocytogenes contamination, affecting products produced between July 17, 2025, and December 23, 2025. Another recent biological recall involved Albright's Raw Pet Food Chicken Recipe for Dogs, due to potential Salmonella contamination.
- Physical Recalls: Foreign materials can cause injury to a dog's mouth, throat, or digestive tract. In July 2026, Pedigree voluntarily recalled two lots of its High Protein Chopped Chicken & Duck Flavor canned wet dog food (13.2-ounce cans) because they may contain hard, sharp pieces of metal and plastic. The affected lot codes are 613C3KKCFC and 613C1KKCFC.
Recalls are based on a potential risk, and no dogs have been reported sick or injured from the Pedigree or Raaw Energy products as of the recall notices. However, always take recall notices seriously to prevent potential harm.
How to Respond to a Dog Food Recall: A Decision Framework
If you learn about a recall, follow these steps:
Step 1: Identify the product.
Check the bag or can for the brand name, product name, size, lot code (a combination of letters and numbers on the packaging), and UPC.
Step 2: Compare with the recall notice.
Cross-reference the lot code and UPC on the recall notice. If they match, proceed to Step 3.
Step 3: Take action.
Stop feeding the food immediately. Dispose of it as instructed (e.g., return to the store or discard safely) and contact the manufacturer for a refund or replacement if offered.
Step 4: Monitor your dog's health.
Watch for signs of illness such as vomiting, diarrhea, or lethargy, and consult a veterinarian if symptoms appear.
