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Pet Food Safety and Recalls: What Every Pet Owner Should Know

Every year, millions of pet food products are recalled in the United States due to contamination, mislabeling, or the presence of harmful substances. For pet owners, these recalls can be alarming—and rightfully so. The food you place in your pet's bowl is one of the most important daily decisions you make for their health. Contaminated or improperly manufactured pet food has caused serious illness and death in pets across the country, from the devastating 2007 melamine crisis that sickened thousands of animals to ongoing recalls involving bacterial contamination and elevated vitamin levels.

Understanding how pet food is regulated, knowing how to read labels, staying informed about recalls, and learning what to do when a recall affects your pet's food are essential skills for every responsible pet owner. This guide provides a comprehensive, evidence-based overview of pet food safety, equipping you with the knowledge to protect your companion animals from preventable harm.

How Pet Food Is Regulated in the United States

Pet food regulation in the United States involves multiple agencies working at both the federal and state level. Understanding who oversees what helps you evaluate the safety claims made by pet food manufacturers and know where to turn when problems arise.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA): The FDA is the primary federal agency responsible for regulating pet food. Under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA), the FDA ensures that pet food is safe to eat, produced under sanitary conditions, contains no harmful substances, and is truthfully labeled. The FDA's Center for Veterinary Medicine (CVM) specifically handles pet food oversight, including reviewing ingredients, monitoring manufacturing facilities, investigating complaints, and coordinating recalls when safety issues are identified.

The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO): AAFCO is not a regulatory agency but rather an organization of state and federal officials that establishes the nutritional standards, ingredient definitions, and labeling guidelines that most states adopt into law. When you see an AAFCO nutritional adequacy statement on a pet food label—such as "formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles for adult maintenance"—it means the food meets specific minimum and maximum nutrient requirements for the designated life stage. AAFCO also defines what ingredients can legally be used in pet food and how they must be named on labels.

State regulators: Individual states enforce their own feed laws, which typically incorporate AAFCO guidelines. State departments of agriculture register pet food products sold within their borders, inspect manufacturing facilities, and conduct laboratory testing to verify that products meet labeled nutritional claims. This state-level enforcement is a critical layer of oversight that complements federal regulation. Some states have stricter requirements than others, which is why pet food labels may vary slightly depending on where the product is sold.

The Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA): Enacted in 2011, FSMA significantly strengthened pet food safety requirements by establishing Current Good Manufacturing Practices (CGMPs) and preventive controls for animal food facilities. Under FSMA, pet food manufacturers must identify potential hazards, implement preventive controls, monitor their effectiveness, and take corrective actions when problems are found. This represented a shift from reactive enforcement to proactive prevention in pet food safety.

Understanding Pet Food Labels

Pet food labels contain a wealth of information, but they can be confusing if you do not know how to interpret them. Federal and state regulations dictate what must appear on every pet food label and how that information must be presented. Here are the key components every pet owner should understand.

Guaranteed Analysis

The guaranteed analysis panel lists the minimum percentages of crude protein and crude fat, and the maximum percentages of crude fiber and moisture in the food. These are regulatory minimums and maximums, not exact values. The word "crude" refers to the laboratory method used to measure these nutrients and does not indicate quality. While the guaranteed analysis provides a basic nutritional snapshot, it does not tell you about digestibility, the quality of protein or fat sources, or the complete vitamin and mineral profile of the food.

To compare foods with different moisture levels (for example, dry kibble versus canned food), you need to convert to a dry matter basis. To do this, subtract the moisture percentage from 100 to get the dry matter percentage, then divide the nutrient percentage by the dry matter percentage. This allows an accurate apples-to-apples comparison between products.

Ingredient Lists

Ingredients are listed in descending order by weight before processing. This means the first ingredient contributes the most weight to the formula. However, this can be misleading because ingredients high in moisture (like fresh chicken) weigh more before processing than dry ingredients (like chicken meal), even though the dry ingredient may contribute more actual protein to the finished product. Understanding this distinction is important when evaluating ingredient quality.

Look for named protein sources (such as "chicken," "beef," or "salmon") rather than generic terms (such as "meat" or "animal protein"). Named sources indicate a more specific and traceable supply chain. Also pay attention to ingredient splitting, a practice where different forms of the same ingredient (such as "rice," "rice flour," and "brewers rice") are listed separately, making each appear lower on the ingredient list than their combined weight would warrant.

AAFCO Nutritional Adequacy Statements

This statement is arguably the most important element on the label. It tells you whether the food is "complete and balanced" for a specific life stage—growth (puppies or kittens), adult maintenance, or all life stages. A food labeled "for supplemental feeding only" or "for intermittent feeding" is not designed to serve as a sole diet and should not be used as one.

The statement also indicates how nutritional adequacy was determined. Foods tested through AAFCO feeding trials have been fed to actual animals to verify that the food supports health, which is considered more rigorous than formulation alone. Foods that meet AAFCO nutrient profiles through formulation have been calculated to contain adequate nutrients but have not been verified through animal testing.

Feeding Guidelines

Every pet food label must include feeding guidelines, but these are starting recommendations only. Individual animals vary in their caloric needs based on age, activity level, metabolism, spay or neuter status, health conditions, and environmental factors. Use the label guidelines as a starting point and adjust based on your pet's body condition over time. Our food calculator can help you estimate appropriate portions for your specific pet.

Common Reasons for Pet Food Recalls

Pet food recalls occur for a variety of reasons, ranging from bacterial contamination to manufacturing errors. Understanding the most common causes helps you assess risk and respond appropriately when recalls are announced.

Salmonella contamination: Salmonella is one of the most frequent reasons for pet food recalls. While some pets can carry Salmonella without showing symptoms, the bacteria can cause serious illness in both pets and the humans who handle contaminated food. Symptoms in pets include diarrhea (sometimes bloody), vomiting, fever, lethargy, and loss of appetite. Salmonella contamination can occur at any point in the supply chain, from raw ingredient sourcing to manufacturing and packaging.

Listeria monocytogenes: Listeria is a bacterium that can survive and even grow under refrigeration, making it particularly concerning in refrigerated and raw pet foods. While Listeria infections in pets are relatively uncommon, the bacteria poses a significant health risk to humans—particularly the elderly, pregnant women, young children, and immunocompromised individuals—who handle contaminated pet food. Pet food recalls for Listeria are often precautionary, aimed at protecting human health.

Elevated vitamin D levels: Excessive vitamin D in pet food has triggered multiple major recalls. Vitamin D toxicity can cause serious health problems in dogs and cats, including kidney failure, which can be fatal. Symptoms include vomiting, loss of appetite, increased thirst and urination, excessive drooling, and weight loss. Elevated vitamin D typically results from manufacturing errors in the premix (the concentrated vitamin and mineral blend added to pet food) or from incorrect formulation.

Aflatoxin contamination: Aflatoxins are toxic compounds produced by certain molds (primarily Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus) that can grow on grains and other crops, particularly corn. Aflatoxin is one of the most dangerous pet food contaminants because it causes liver damage and can be fatal even at relatively low concentrations. Symptoms of aflatoxin poisoning include sluggishness, loss of appetite, vomiting, jaundice (yellowing of the eyes, gums, or skin), and diarrhea. A major aflatoxin-related recall in early 2021 resulted in the deaths of more than 100 dogs.

Foreign objects: Metal fragments, plastic pieces, bone fragments, and other physical contaminants occasionally lead to pet food recalls. These objects can cause choking, damage to the mouth or digestive tract, intestinal obstruction, or perforation. Foreign object contamination typically results from equipment failure or inadequate quality control during manufacturing.

Melamine and cyanuric acid: The 2007 pet food recall crisis was triggered by the discovery of melamine and cyanuric acid in pet food ingredients imported from China. These industrial chemicals, added to artificially inflate protein content measurements, caused kidney failure in thousands of pets and resulted in an estimated 8,500 animal deaths. This crisis led to significant reforms in pet food safety oversight and import controls. While melamine contamination is now rare due to improved testing, it remains a cautionary example of supply chain vulnerability.

Pentobarbital: On rare occasions, trace amounts of pentobarbital—a drug used for euthanasia in animals—have been detected in pet food. This typically occurs when rendered material from euthanized animals enters the pet food supply chain. While the levels detected are generally very low, any presence of pentobarbital in pet food is unacceptable and triggers an immediate recall.

How to Check for Pet Food Recalls

Staying informed about pet food recalls is one of the most important things you can do to protect your pet. Fortunately, there are several reliable ways to stay up to date.

FDA recall database: The FDA maintains a searchable database of all pet food recalls and market withdrawals at fda.gov/animal-veterinary/safety-health. This is the most authoritative and comprehensive source for recall information. You can search by brand, product type, reason for recall, and date range. Bookmark this page and check it regularly.

FDA recall email alerts: The FDA offers free email notifications for pet food recalls and safety alerts. You can sign up through the FDA website to receive automatic notifications whenever a new recall is announced. This is the fastest way to learn about recalls without having to manually check the database.

Manufacturer websites: Reputable pet food manufacturers post recall notices prominently on their websites and often maintain a recall history page. If you feed a specific brand, periodically check the manufacturer's website and consider signing up for their email newsletter, which typically includes recall notifications.

AVMA and veterinary organizations: The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) and other veterinary organizations publish recall notifications through their websites and social media channels. Your veterinarian's office may also post recall information or notify clients directly if a commonly fed product is affected.

Pet food recall aggregator sites: Several websites and mobile apps aggregate recall information from the FDA and other sources, making it easy to search by brand or product. While these can be convenient, always verify recall details against the official FDA database, as third-party sites may occasionally contain errors or outdated information.

What to Do If Your Pet's Food Is Recalled

Discovering that your pet's food has been recalled can be stressful. Here is a step-by-step guide for responding calmly and effectively.

Step 1: Stop feeding the recalled food immediately. Do not wait to finish the bag or can. Remove the recalled product from your pet's reach right away. If you have other pets in the household, check whether the recall affects any of their food as well.

Step 2: Check the specific recall details. Not every product from a recalled brand is necessarily affected. Recalls specify particular lot numbers, best-by dates, UPC codes, and sometimes specific package sizes. Locate this information on your pet's food packaging and compare it against the recall notice. If your product's codes match the recall, it is affected. If they do not match, your product may be safe, but continue to monitor for expanded recalls.

Step 3: Preserve the recalled food. Do not throw away the recalled food immediately. Place it in a sealed bag or container and store it separately. You may need it for reference (lot numbers, purchase information) or, in rare cases, for laboratory testing if your pet becomes ill. Take photographs of the packaging, lot numbers, and UPC codes for your records.

Step 4: Contact your veterinarian. If your pet has been eating the recalled food and is showing any symptoms—even mild ones—contact your veterinarian promptly. Describe the specific recall reason (bacterial contamination, elevated vitamins, etc.) so your vet can watch for the appropriate symptoms and run targeted tests. Even if your pet seems fine, mention the recall at your next veterinary visit so it can be noted in their medical record.

Step 5: Follow the manufacturer's instructions. Most recalls include instructions for obtaining a refund or replacement product. Some manufacturers offer a full refund with proof of purchase; others provide a replacement product or store credit. Contact the manufacturer directly if the recall notice does not include clear refund instructions.

Step 6: Report illness to the FDA. If your pet becomes ill after consuming a recalled product, report it through the FDA Safety Reporting Portal or by calling your state's FDA Consumer Complaint Coordinator. These reports are vital for tracking the scope of a recall, identifying additional affected products, and holding manufacturers accountable.

Signs Your Pet May Have Eaten Contaminated Food

The symptoms of pet food contamination vary depending on the type of contaminant involved. However, several common warning signs should prompt immediate veterinary attention, particularly if they occur after feeding a new food or a product that has been recalled.

If your pet displays multiple symptoms simultaneously, or if any single symptom is severe, treat it as an emergency. Contact your veterinarian or an emergency animal hospital immediately. Bring the food packaging and any remaining food with you so the veterinary team can identify the potential contaminant.

Reading Pet Food Labels Like a Pro

Beyond the basics covered earlier, understanding certain labeling rules and marketing terminology will help you make more informed choices and avoid being misled by clever packaging.

Named Ingredient Percentage Rules

AAFCO and FDA regulations dictate how a pet food can be named based on the percentage of the named ingredient it contains. These rules are strictly defined and reveal a great deal about what is actually in the product.

By-Products Explained

By-products are one of the most misunderstood ingredients in pet food. Many pet owners assume by-products are inherently low quality or unsafe, but the reality is more nuanced. By-products are defined as parts of the animal other than meat, including organ meats (liver, heart, kidneys, lungs), blood, bone, and fatty tissue. These parts are actually nutrient-dense and are consumed preferentially by wild predators—wolves and wild cats eat the organ meats of their prey first because of their high nutritional value.

The distinction that matters is between named by-products and unnamed by-products. "Chicken by-products" or "chicken liver" come from an identifiable, consistent source. "Animal by-product meal" or "meat by-products" are less specific and may come from variable sources, making quality less predictable. For most pets, named by-products from reputable manufacturers are a perfectly acceptable and nutritious ingredient. The key is sourcing transparency and manufacturing quality, not whether an ingredient is classified as a by-product.

The Grain-Free Controversy and DCM Concerns

Grain-free pet food became enormously popular based on the premise that grains are unnatural or harmful for pets. However, veterinary science does not support this claim for the vast majority of dogs and cats. True grain allergies in pets are uncommon; food allergies in general are relatively rare, and when they do occur, the allergen is far more likely to be a protein (such as beef, chicken, or dairy) than a grain.

More concerning, the FDA began investigating a potential link between grain-free diets and dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) in dogs in 2018. DCM is a serious condition in which the heart muscle weakens and enlarges, reducing its ability to pump blood effectively. The investigation found that many of the affected dogs had been eating diets high in legumes (peas, lentils, chickpeas) and potatoes—ingredients commonly used to replace grains in grain-free formulations. While the exact mechanism is still being studied, one hypothesis is that these ingredients may interfere with taurine metabolism or absorption, and taurine deficiency is a known cause of DCM.

The FDA's investigation is ongoing and has not established a definitive causal relationship between grain-free diets and DCM. However, many veterinary cardiologists and nutritionists now recommend that pet owners avoid grain-free diets unless there is a specific, diagnosed medical reason for doing so. If your pet is currently eating a grain-free diet and you are concerned, consult your veterinarian about whether a diet change is appropriate and how to transition safely.

Choosing Safe, High-Quality Pet Food

With thousands of pet food products on the market, choosing a safe and high-quality option can feel overwhelming. The following criteria can help you narrow your options and identify products that prioritize safety and nutrition.

What to look for:

Red flags to watch for:

The World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA) has published guidelines for selecting a pet food, which include contacting the manufacturer directly and asking whether they employ a full-time qualified nutritionist, whether their food meets AAFCO or similar standards, and whether they have published any peer-reviewed research. The companies willing to answer these questions transparently are generally those most committed to product safety and quality.

Raw Food Safety Considerations

Raw food diets for pets—including commercially prepared raw food, freeze-dried raw, and homemade raw diets—have gained popularity in recent years. Proponents claim benefits such as shinier coats, healthier skin, cleaner teeth, higher energy, and smaller stools. However, raw feeding carries significant safety concerns that every pet owner should understand before making this choice.

Bacterial contamination risk: Raw meat inherently carries a higher risk of bacterial contamination than cooked food. Studies have found Salmonella, Listeria, E. coli, and other pathogens in a substantial percentage of commercially available raw pet foods. A 2012 FDA study found Salmonella in nearly 8% of raw pet food samples tested, compared to less than 1% of dry and canned foods. These bacteria can sicken both pets and the humans who handle the food, prepare it, or clean up after pets that eat it.

Nutritional completeness: Homemade raw diets are particularly prone to nutritional imbalances. Multiple studies have found that the majority of published raw diet recipes are deficient in one or more essential nutrients. Without guidance from a board-certified veterinary nutritionist, homemade raw diets may lack adequate calcium, phosphorus, vitamins, or trace minerals, leading to serious health problems over time, particularly in growing animals.

Risk to vulnerable people: The FDA, AVMA, and most major veterinary organizations advise against raw feeding in households with young children, elderly individuals, pregnant women, or immunocompromised people due to the heightened risk of zoonotic infection from handling raw food or coming into contact with a pet's saliva or feces after raw feeding.

If you choose to feed raw despite these concerns, follow strict food safety protocols: keep raw food frozen until use, thaw in the refrigerator (never at room temperature), handle raw food with gloves, sanitize all surfaces and utensils that contact raw food, wash your hands thoroughly after handling, and pick up and dispose of your pet's stool promptly. Choose commercially prepared raw foods that have undergone high-pressure processing (HPP) or other pathogen-reduction treatments when available.

Storing Pet Food Safely

Proper storage is an often-overlooked aspect of pet food safety. Even a high-quality food can become unsafe if stored improperly.

Dry food (kibble): Store dry food in its original bag inside an airtight container. The original bag serves multiple purposes: it contains the lot number, best-by date, and UPC code you would need in case of a recall; many premium bags have a barrier lining that helps preserve freshness and prevent fat from going rancid; and pouring food directly into a plastic container can cause fats to oxidize on the container walls over time, potentially creating rancid residues that contaminate fresh food. Keep the container in a cool, dry location—ideally below 80 degrees Fahrenheit—away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Most dry food maintains its quality for approximately 6 weeks after opening, though the expiration date on the bag is the ultimate guide.

Canned food: Unopened canned food has a long shelf life (typically 2 to 5 years) when stored in a cool, dry location. However, do not use cans that are dented, swollen, rusted, or leaking, as these may indicate compromised seals or bacterial growth. Once opened, transfer unused food to a covered glass or plastic container and refrigerate. Use opened canned food within 3 to 5 days. Do not leave opened canned food at room temperature for more than 2 hours, as bacteria can multiply rapidly in the moist, nutrient-rich environment.

Raw and fresh food: Keep raw and fresh pet food frozen until you are ready to use it. Thaw in the refrigerator, not on the counter or in warm water. Once thawed, use within 2 to 3 days. Never refreeze previously thawed raw food, as the freeze-thaw cycle can damage cell structure and create an environment more conducive to bacterial growth.

Treats and supplements: Treats should be stored according to their packaging instructions. Soft, moist treats are more perishable than hard, dry treats and should be used more quickly after opening. Nutritional supplements, particularly probiotics and omega-3 oils, may require refrigeration after opening to maintain potency.

Food bowl hygiene: Wash your pet's food and water bowls daily with hot, soapy water. The FDA recommends treating pet food bowls with the same hygiene standards you would apply to your own dishes. Stainless steel and ceramic bowls are easier to sanitize thoroughly than plastic bowls, which can develop scratches that harbor bacteria. Periodically sanitize bowls by running them through the dishwasher or soaking them in a dilute bleach solution (one tablespoon of bleach per gallon of water), then rinsing thoroughly.

Pet Food Recall Reasons: A Comparison

Recall Reason Risk Level Symptoms to Watch Action Required
Salmonella High Diarrhea (possibly bloody), vomiting, fever, lethargy, loss of appetite Stop feeding immediately; contact vet if symptoms present; sanitize food bowls and surfaces; wash hands thoroughly
Listeria Moderate to High Diarrhea, vomiting, fever; higher risk to humans handling the food Stop feeding; dispose of food safely; sanitize all contact surfaces; seek medical attention if human household members show symptoms
Elevated Vitamin D High Vomiting, loss of appetite, increased thirst and urination, drooling, weight loss, kidney failure Stop feeding immediately; contact vet for blood work (calcium, phosphorus, kidney values); treatment may be needed even if pet appears asymptomatic
Aflatoxin Very High Sluggishness, loss of appetite, vomiting, jaundice, diarrhea, liver failure Stop feeding immediately; emergency vet visit if any symptoms; bring food packaging for reference; report to FDA
Foreign Objects Moderate Choking, gagging, oral injury, vomiting, abdominal pain, bloody stool Stop feeding; inspect remaining food; contact vet if pet shows signs of obstruction or injury
Melamine / Cyanuric Acid Very High Loss of appetite, excessive thirst, vomiting, lethargy, kidney failure Stop feeding immediately; emergency vet visit for kidney function testing; report to FDA
Pentobarbital Moderate to High Drowsiness, dizziness, loss of coordination, nausea Stop feeding; contact vet if symptoms observed; report to FDA
Mislabeling / Undeclared Allergens Low to Moderate Allergic reactions (itching, hives, vomiting, diarrhea) in sensitive pets Stop feeding if pet has known allergies to undeclared ingredient; contact manufacturer for correct product information

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I check if my pet's food has been recalled?

The fastest way to check for pet food recalls is through the FDA's official recall database at fda.gov/animal-veterinary/safety-health. You can also check the manufacturer's website directly, sign up for FDA recall email alerts, and follow organizations like the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) that publish recall notifications. Bookmark the FDA recall page and check it periodically, especially if you buy food in bulk.

What should I do if my pet's food is recalled?

Stop feeding the recalled food immediately. Check the lot number, best-by date, and UPC code on your bag or cans against the specific recall details. Store the remaining food in a sealed bag in case it is needed for testing. Contact your veterinarian if your pet has shown any symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, or lethargy. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for obtaining a refund or replacement, and report any pet illness potentially linked to the food to the FDA Safety Reporting Portal.

Are by-products in pet food safe?

Yes, by-products can be safe and nutritious. By-products include organ meats like liver, kidneys, and heart, which are nutrient-dense and commonly eaten by animals in the wild. The concern is not with by-products themselves but with the consistency and quality of by-product meals, which can vary between manufacturers. Named by-products (such as "chicken liver") are preferable to generic terms like "animal by-product meal." Reputable manufacturers source by-products from inspected facilities and maintain quality control standards.

Is grain-free pet food safer than food with grains?

Grain-free pet food is not inherently safer. In fact, the FDA has been investigating a potential link between certain grain-free diets and dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), a serious heart condition, particularly in dogs. Many grain-free foods substitute grains with legumes like peas, lentils, and potatoes, which may interfere with taurine absorption. Unless your pet has a diagnosed grain allergy or intolerance, there is generally no nutritional reason to choose grain-free food. Consult your veterinarian before making this dietary decision.

How should I store pet food to keep it safe?

Store dry pet food in its original bag inside an airtight container in a cool, dry location away from direct sunlight. The original bag contains important lot number and expiration information, and many bags have a protective barrier lining. Keep the container off the ground and away from temperature extremes. Opened canned food should be covered and refrigerated, then used within 3 to 5 days. Never feed pet food that is past its expiration date, has an unusual odor, shows signs of mold, or has a changed color or texture.

Related Resources

Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute veterinary nutritional advice. Dietary changes should be discussed with your veterinarian, especially for pets with health conditions. See our Medical Disclaimer for complete details.

Last updated: March 2026 · Editorial Standards