Dog Food Recalls
The following are some of our most frequently asked questions about dog food recalls.
Where can I find a list of dog food recalls?
The Dog Food Advisor maintains a list of all dog food and dog treat recall events since 2009 on its Dog Food Recalls summary page.
Once a company experiences a dog food recall, isn’t it more likely to happen to that same company again?
So far, we’ve never been able to find a scientific study proving the predictive ability of any one (human or pet) food recall to reliably forecast another. Most recall events appear to be random and entirely unpredictable.
How do dog food recalls affect your star ratings?
As we explain throughout our website, our star ratings are based upon the information we retrieve from government-regulated pet food labels only.
Pet (and human) food recalls should be considered a natural result of any properly functioning food distribution system.
Food recalls typically involve only a limited number of product runs and batches — at a particular point in time.
So, just because a specific recipe has been recalled does not mean the entire brand should be considered permanently defective.
Why do some dog foods still get high ratings even though they have been previously recalled?
Food recalls typically involve only a limited number of product runs and batches. So, just because a specific recipe has been recalled does not mean the entire brand should be considered defective.
Unless they become a habit, individual manufacturing accidents should not be interpreted as a sign of an inferior producer. After all, even the very best companies occasionally experience a recall.
So, a history of previous recalls does not by itself prevent any otherwise good dog food company from earning a top rating.
How do lawsuits affect your ratings?
Unlike recalls, lawsuits are based on complaints and accusations only.
And when they result in a settlement, the truth or falsehood of the allegations are usually not revealed to the public.
Each of our reviews is based upon the factual information we retrieve from government-regulated and standardized pet food labels… and nothing else.
If you Google the name of almost any major brand, you’ll likely find hundreds of complaints, claims and lawsuits for many of their products.
Once any dog food has been confirmed to have a serious problem, the FDA expects the related company to voluntarily recall its product.
Until we know with certainty if a particular dog food has been tested and recalled, it would be unfair and irresponsible for us to consider unverified claims when writing our reviews.
Is there any way I can get dog food recall alerts sent to me?
We make every effort to alert our subscribers as soon as we can confirm the news of a dog food or dog treats recall. To be notified, simply sign up to get free dog food recall alerts by email.
Who is responsible for ordering a dog food recall?
Recalls are usually voluntary. Sometimes a company discovers a problem and recalls a product on its own. Other times, a company recalls a product after the FDA raises concerns. Only rarely will the FDA order a recall.
What are the most common reasons for a dog food recall?
A dog food can be recalled for almost any reason. A few of the most common causes include contamination with mold, bacteria (like Salmonella), or a toxic substance (like aflatoxin).
How can I report a dog food problem to the FDA?
The FDA maintains a system to help you report dog food products you suspect to be hazardous or defective.
You can report complaints about FDA-regulated pet food products by calling the consumer complaint coordinator in your area.
