Hill's Pet Nutrition has expanded its voluntary recall of canned dog food products due to elevated levels of Vitamin D. This expansion relates to the same vitamin premix that led to the January 31st voluntary recall.
While vitamin D is an essential nutrient for dogs, 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.
Dog owners whose pets have consumed any of the products listed and are exhibiting any of these signs should contact their veterinarian. In most cases, complete recovery is expected after discontinuation of feeding.
The affected canned dog foods which were manufactured by the Hill’s Pet Nutrition facility in Topeka, Kansas (EU approval # KS-PF0-0004) were distributed through retail pet stores and veterinary clinics and e-commerce. No dry foods, cat foods, or treats are affected.
The company says that dog owners who purchased the product with the specific lot/date codes listed should discontinue feeding and dispose of those products immediately. Any questions should be sent to hillsukcustomerservices@hillspet.com or (UK): 0800 282 438, (ROI): 1800 626 002.
Hill’s Pet Nutrition learned of the potential for elevated vitamin D levels in some of its 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.
A Hill’s spokesperson said: “We care deeply about all pets and are committed to providing Dog owners 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 clinics and retailers to retrieve products.”
The full Hill's statement can be viewed by clicking here