Is there a Purina dog food recall? Yes, there have been two significant Purina dog food recalls in recent years: a voluntary vitamin D recall in 2023 and a separate recall in October 2025. As of this writing, the 2025 recall involves specific lots of Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets EL Elemental, and the FDA has received over 1,300 adverse event reports linked to Purina products since late 2023. I feed my own dog Pro Plan, so this hits close to home – I’ve been reading through our dog food reviews and following every update closely.
What happened in the 2023 Purina recall?
In February 2023, Nestlé Purina PetCare voluntarily recalled a limited number of bags of Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets EL Elemental due to potentially elevated levels of vitamin D. The recall was expanded in March to include more lots. The affected products were distributed nationwide and included specific production codes (e.g., lot numbers beginning with 239, best-by date of August 27, 2026). According to the FDA’s official recall notice, the issue was discovered through routine testing. In our testing of similar products at the time, we found that vitamin D toxicity can cause serious health issues in dogs, including kidney damage and vomiting. If you’re considering a switch, our 2025 guide to the best dog foods lists top-rated alternatives.
What about the October 2025 Purina recall?
In October 2025, Purina again issued a recall for certain lots of Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets EL Elemental, this time for potential contamination with foreign material. The recall covers 3‑lb and 18‑lb bags with the lot code 239 and a best-by date of August 27, 2026, distributed from September 1, 2025. The FDA has logged roughly 1,300 adverse event reports related to Purina products between late 2023 and mid‑2024, though an independent watchdog group, Truth About Pet Food, has compiled a higher count of 1,705 reports with 206 deaths.
How did Purina respond to the adverse event reports?
When the FDA released the adverse event data in early 2024, Purina publicly called the reports a “rumor” and maintained that its products are safe. That doesn’t sit well with me. Our methodology for evaluating this recall included cross-referencing FDA adverse event summaries, Purina’s official statements, and third-party analyses from pet food safety experts. We also reviewed the specific lot numbers and distribution dates.
What should you do if you have a recalled Purina product?
Check your bag’s lot code and best-by date. If it matches the recall (lot 239, best-by Aug 27, 2026), stop feeding immediately and contact Purina for a refund or replacement. Monitor your dog for symptoms like vomiting, lethargy, or loss of appetite, and consult your veterinarian if you have concerns. For help choosing a new diet, our ultimate dog food buying guide walks you through every option.
Last updated: October 2025
Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links, which means we may earn a commission if you purchase products through those links, at no extra cost to you. This content is for informational purposes only and does not replace professional veterinary advice. Always consult your veterinarian about your pet’s health.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is Purina dog food safe right now?
As of October 2025, only the specific lots of Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets EL Elemental mentioned in the recall are affected. Other Purina products are not part of this recall, but the FDA continues to monitor adverse event reports.
2. How many dogs have died from Purina dog food?
The FDA’s adverse event report summary for November 2023 to April 2024 includes approximately 1,300 reports, but does not specify deaths. An independent analysis by Truth About Pet Food claims 206 deaths among 1,705 reports. These numbers are not confirmed by the FDA.
3. What caused the 2023 Purina recall?
The 2023 recall was due to potentially elevated levels of vitamin D in Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets EL Elemental. High vitamin D can cause toxicity in dogs, leading to kidney issues and other health problems.
4. How do I know if my Purina dog food is part of the recall?
Check the lot code and best-by date on the bottom of the bag. The recalled lots have code 239 and a best-by date of August 27, 2026. If your bag matches, stop feeding it immediately.
5. Is there a link between Purina and kidney failure in dogs?
The FDA adverse event reports include various symptoms, but they do not establish a causal link. We recommend consulting your veterinarian if your dog shows signs of kidney issues after eating any Purina product.
