Dog owners are urged to check their pantries as yet another dog food maker has issued a recall. Pet food maker Nature's Variety is voluntarily recalling its Instinct Raw Chicken Formula for dogs with a “Best By” date of 04/27/16 due to possible Salmonella contamination, the company said in a press release.
The recall is limited to Instinct Raw Chicken Formula Frozen Diets in the following forms:
UPC# 769949611431 – Instinct Raw Chicken Formula Bites for Dogs 4 lb.; Best By 04/27/16
UPC# 769949611448 – Instinct Raw Chicken Formula Bites for Dogs 7 lb.; Best By 04/27/16
UPC# 769949611486 – Instinct Raw Chicken Formula Patties for Dogs 6 lb.; Best By 04/27/16
The “Best By” is on the back of the package below the seal. The food was distributed through retail stores in the United States and limited distribution in Canada. No other Nature’s Variety products are affected.
Salmonella can hurt pets eating the product and handling contaminated dog food may pose risk to humans, especially if they have not thoroughly washed their hands after handling it or any surfaces exposed to it.
If signs of nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramping or fever occur, the company recommends consumers contact a doctor.
Consumers feeding the affected product to their pets are urged to discontinue use and monitor their pet's health. Pets with Salmonella infections may be lethargic and have diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever, and vomiting. If a pet has eaten the recalled food and has the symptoms, contact a veterinarian, the company said.
The company said no illnesses have been reported so far. Officials said the FDA notified them of the issue after a sample tested positive for Salmonella.
Nature's Variety is issuing full refunds or exchanges for those who have purchased the affected product.