How to Check Pet Food Recalls and What to Do Next

In the US, the main place to check pet food recalls is the FDA’s Animal & Veterinary Recalls & Withdrawals page, which lists recalls by date, brand, product and reason. To see whether your food is affected, match the product name, size, lot number and best-by date on your package with the recall notice. If it matches, stop feeding it, follow the company’s instructions, and call your veterinarian if your pet seems unwell.

Where recalls are posted

FDA Recalls & Withdrawals (Animal & Veterinary). A searchable table of pet food, treat and animal drug recalls. You can filter by brand or product and download the list.
FDA Recalls, Market Withdrawals and Safety Alerts. The FDA’s general recall page; filter by product type “Animal & Veterinary.”
AVMA recalls and alerts. The American Veterinary Medical Association keeps a running list of pet food recalls and safety alerts on its website.
The manufacturer. Companies usually post recall details, lot numbers and refund instructions on their own websites and social channels.
Where you bought it. Many retailers contact customers who bought recalled products through loyalty accounts or online orders.

Outside the US, check your national authority. In Canada, the government’s Recalls and Safety Alerts site covers many products. In the UK, check the manufacturer and retailer notices, and ask your vet.

How to check if your bag or can is affected

Keep the original packaging. The FDA advises keeping it until the food is used up, even if you store food in another container. Many owners snap a photo of the label instead.
Find the lot number and best-by date. They are usually printed together on the top, bottom or back of the bag, or on the can lid or bottom. The print can be small and faint.
Check the UPC (barcode) and package size. Recalls often affect only certain sizes or production runs.
Compare every detail with the recall notice. If any detail does not match, your product may not be included, but if you’re unsure, contact the company.

What to do if your food is recalled

Stop feeding it immediately, including to other pets in the home.
Follow the recall instructions: some ask you to return the product to the store for a refund; others ask you to dispose of it.
Secure the product so pets, children and wildlife can’t get to it. Seal it in a bag and put it in a covered trash can if disposing.
Clean bowls, scoops and storage containers with hot, soapy water, and wash your hands. This matters especially for recalls involving Salmonella or Listeria, which can also make people sick.
Switch to a new food. If you have to change quickly, choose something similar and feed smaller meals; see how to switch dog food.
Watch your pet and call your vet if you see any signs of illness.

Common reasons for recalls

Reason	Possible concern
Bacterial contamination (Salmonella, Listeria)	Illness in pets and people handling the food
Nutrient errors (for example too much or too little of a vitamin)	Health effects that may build up over time
Mold toxins (aflatoxin)	Liver damage
Foreign material (plastic, metal)	Choking or injury
Undeclared ingredients	Problems for pets with allergies or on special diets
Viral contamination of raw products (for example H5N1 in some raw cat foods)	Serious illness, especially in cats

Raw and freeze-dried raw foods have been involved in many recalls; see raw food diets for dogs: the risks.

Signs to watch for after eating a recalled food

Signs depend on the problem, but contact your veterinarian if your pet has:

vomiting or diarrhea (especially bloody);
lethargy, weakness or loss of appetite;
fever;
yellowing of the gums, skin or eyes;
unusual thirst or urination.

Seek emergency care for collapse, seizures, trouble breathing, or severe or repeated vomiting. Bring the packaging or a photo of the label. More warning signs are in our guide to signs your dog is sick.

How to report a problem with pet food

If you think a food made your pet sick, even without a recall, you can report it to the FDA. The FDA’s pet food complaint page explains how to report through its Safety Reporting Portal. Have this ready:

exact product name, type of container and size;
lot number, best-by date and UPC;
where and when you bought it;
how you stored and prepared it;
your pet’s details, symptoms, and your vet’s contact information and records.

Keep any remaining food, because the FDA may ask for it. The FDA does not pay for vet bills or private lab tests.

Staying informed

Bookmark the FDA recalls page or sign up for FDA email updates.
Register your purchases with the manufacturer if they offer it.
Photograph the label of each new bag, including the lot number.

Knowing what’s on the label also helps; see how to read a pet food label.

Bottom line

Check the FDA recalls page, match the lot number and best-by date on your package, and stop feeding anything that matches. Clean up carefully, switch food sensibly, and call your veterinarian if your pet shows any signs of illness.

FAQ

Does a recall mean every bag of that brand is unsafe?

Usually not. Most recalls cover specific products, sizes, lot numbers or date ranges. Check the details carefully.

Can I get a refund?

Most recall notices explain how to get a refund or replacement, often through the store where you bought the product.

Should I take my pet to the vet if they ate recalled food but seem fine?

Call your vet for advice. Depending on the reason for the recall, they may suggest monitoring or a check-up.

What is the difference between a recall and a withdrawal?

A recall is the removal or correction of a product that has a problem that violates the law. A market withdrawal usually involves a minor issue that does not violate the law, or no violation at all.