Hill’s Pet Nutrition Ltd has recalled a selection of its canned dog food because it may contain high levels of vitamin D, which exceed the maximum recommended intake.

The products are:

• Prescription Diet Canine i/d (12x360g cans)
• Prescription Diet Canine w/d (12x370g cans)
• Prescription Diet Canine z/d (12x370g cans)
• Science Plan Canine Mature Adult Active Longevity Chicken (12x370g cans)
• Science Plan Canine Advance Adult Fitness Chicken (12x370g cans)

Point of sale notices havel been displayed in all retail stores selling these products. These notices explain to customers why the products are being recalled and tell them what to do if they have bought any of the products. The company is also contacting customers who have bought the affected products wherever possible.

In a statement on its website the Food Standard Agency said: “High levels of vitamin D fed to a pet over a short period (weeks/months) should not cause concern. Over a longer period of feeding, ingestion of elevated levels can lead to potential health issues depending on the level of vitamin D and the length of exposure, and dogs may exhibit symptoms such as vomiting, loss of appetite, increased thirst, increased urination, excessive drooling, and weight loss. Vitamin D, when consumed at very high levels, can lead to serious health issues in dogs including renal dysfunction.”

In its customer notice, the company stated: Hill’s Pet Nutrition learned of the potential for elevated vitamin D levels in some of our canned dog foods after receiving a complaint in the United States about a dog exhibiting signs of elevated vitamin D levels. Our investigation confirmed elevated levels of vitamin D due to a supplier error.

“We care deeply about all pets and are committed to providing pet parents with safe and high quality products. Hill’s has identified and isolated the error and, to prevent this from happening again, we have required our supplier to implement additional quality testing prior to their release of ingredients. In addition to our existing safety processes, we are adding our own further testing of incoming ingredients. All products within Hill’s control have been placed on hold. Hill’s will be contacting all customers to retrieve products.”

For more information visit https://www.food.gov.uk/news-alerts/alert/fsa-prin-03-2019