A Nestlé specialty dog food is being recalled for making pets sick. Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets EL Elemental dog food is for animals with food sensitivities, but it may have elevated levels of Vitamin D.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration reported this week that there have been two identified cases of dogs becoming sick after they consumed the food.
The vitamin in moderate quantities is good for dogs, but in excess, too much vitamin D can lead to Vitamin D toxicity, which can cause vomiting, loss of appetite, increased thirst, increased urination, excessive drooling, and kidney dysfunction.
The dry dog food was distributed via prescription only at veterinary clinics, Purina Vet Direct, Purina for Professionals, and select retailers throughout the nation.
Bags with these UPC or production codes should be safely discarded as soon as possible:
- Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets EL Elemental 8-lb. and 20-lb. bags
- UPC Codes: 38100 19190 (8-lb. bag), 38100 19192 (20-lb. bag)
- Production codes (first eight characters matching any of the following): 2249 1082; 2250 1082; 2276 1082; 2277 1082; 2290 1082; 2360 1082; 2361 and 1082
The company is asking owners who purchased the aforementioned food products to stop using them immediately and dispose of them somewhere other pets or wild animals cannot access them.
If you have fed the dog food to your pet and have noticed any of the symptoms of Vitamin D toxicity, that is, increased thirst or urination, loss of appetite, vomiting, excessive drooling, or weight loss, owners should contact a veterinarian as soon as possible.
Owners with different brands of Purina dog food can continue to feed their pets normally, as no other products aside from the ones listed are affected.
Veterinarians and retail partners still in possession of the dog food should destroy the product and immediately remove it from their inventory.
You can contact Purina about getting a refund at 1-800-345-5678 or via email through their contact us page.