On November 2, the FDA announced a voluntary recall by Nutrisca pet food. Three sizes of a single variety of Nutrisca dry dog food, Chicken and Chickpea, was found to contain dangerously high levels of vitamin D. The following bags have the following UPC codes on the labels:
| 4 lbs Nutrisca® Chicken and Chickpea Dry Dog Food | Bag UPC: 8-84244-12495-7 |
| 15 lbs Nutrisca® Chicken and Chickpea Dry Dog Food | Bag UPC: 8-84244-12795-8 |
| 28 lbs Nutrisca® Chicken and Chickpea Dry Dog Food | Bag UPC: 8-84244-12895-5 |
The FDA also announced a voluntary recall by Natural Life Pet Products, whose Chicken and Potato dry dog food in 17.5-lb. bags was also found to have dangerously high levels of vitamin D. The affected lot was distributed to retailers in Alabama, California, Georgia, Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia.
| 17.5 lbs. Natural Life Chicken & Potato Dry Dog Food | Bag UPC: 0-12344-08175-1 |
Nutrisca and Natural Life Pet Products are made in Joplin, Missouri. Nutrisca is a line of foods made by Dogswell. Natural Life Pet Products was purchased by Dogswell in March 2015. Dogswell, in turn, was purchased by Whitebridge Pet Brands LLC in April 2017. Whitebridge also owns Cloudstar and Petropics, maker of Tiki Dog and Tiki Cat.
From the FDA Dog Food Recall Release:
“[The company] became aware of the elevated levels of vitamin D after receiving complaints from three pet owners of vitamin D toxicity after consuming the product[s]. An investigation revealed a formulation error led to the elevated vitamin D in the product.
“Consumers should stop feeding the products listed above. Dogs ingesting elevated levels of Vitamin D may exhibit symptoms such as vomiting, loss of appetite, increased thirst, increased urination, excessive drooling, and weight loss. Vitamin D when consumed at very high levels can lead to serious health issues in dogs including renal dysfunction. Consumers with dogs who have consumed the product listed above and are exhibiting these symptoms, should contact their veterinarian.
“Consumers who have purchased the product[s] affected by this recall should dispose of [them] or return [them] to the place of purchase for a full refund.
“Consumers with questions may contact Natural Life Pet Products at (888) 279-9420 from 8 AM to 5 PM Central Standard time, Monday through Friday, or by email at consumerservices@nutrisca.com for more information.”
We don’t share every dog food recall – but an elevated level of vitamin D is pretty serious. Vitamin D toxicity can cause a buildup of calcium in a dog’s blood (hypercalcemia), which in turn causes the nausea and vomiting, weakness, and frequent urination.
From Petmd.com:
“Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin (i.e., stored in the fatty tissues of the body and liver) that is vital in regulating the calcium and phosphorous balance in your dog’s body. It also promotes the retention of calcium, thus aiding bone formation and nerve and muscle control. When ingested in exorbitant levels, however, vitamin D can cause serious health issues.
“Chemicals used to kill rodents are the most common source of vitamin D poisoning in dogs, though excessive use of vitamin D in the diet or drugs containing high levels of vitamin D can also lead to toxicity. Dogs of all ages are susceptible, but young dogs and puppies are at higher risk.”
