Nestlé Purina has expanded its voluntary recall of dog food products after health officials warned of potentially elevated vitamin D levels, USA Today reports.
Purina is recalling its Pro Plan Veterinary Diets EL Elemental dry dog food after a supplier error means that there are potentially elevated levels of vitamin D in another two production lots.
This comes after more production lots were originally recalled last month. However, these errors haven’t affected any other Purina dog care products.
Further Investigations
New information was found in an investigation encouraged by Purina showing that there was a production error from a U.S. supplier.
Vitamin D is important for dogs, just like it is for humans. It helps dogs regulate and retain a healthy balance of calcium and phosphorus, explains the FDA. But, too much can be dangerous. As it’s fat-soluble rather than water-soluble, any excess vitamin D isn’t excreted in urine. Instead, the liver and fat tissue store it.
Too much vitamin D can lead to kidney failure, or even death. Side effects of consuming the affected food can include weight loss, vomiting, excessive drooling, loss of appetite, and increased thirst or urination.
Discard Purina Dog Food Safely
Owners should immediately discard eight-pound and 20-pound bags of Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets EL Elemental dog food with the UPC and production codes as follows:
- 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 and 1082
Pet owners should throw the food away in containers where no animals, including wildlife, can access it.
Above all, if you’re worried about your dog, and think that they could be showing signs of vitamin D toxicity, you should take them to a vet immediately. In addition, for information about refunds, Purina advises owners to contact the company at 1-800-345-5678 or via email.
