What To Do if Your Dog Eats Recalled Pet Food, According to a Vet

A recent pet food recall involving Pedigree wet dog food has prompted urgent guidance for pet owners on how to respond if their animals consume contaminated products. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced the recall on July 2, citing the presence of metal and plastic foreign materials in the product. This marks the tenth pet food-related recall recorded in 2026, according to the FDA’s Animal & Veterinary Recall database, which saw 20 such incidents throughout 2025. Dr. RuthAnn Lobos, a Purina veterinarian with expertise in clinical toxicology and nutrition, emphasized that proactive measures are essential for pet owners. She advised storing pet food in its original packaging or at least retaining the barcode containing the lot number. This step ensures that owners can swiftly verify whether their pet's current food is among those recalled. The FDA’s database allows users to search by product name or company, providing detailed information on affected items, including lot numbers, expiration dates, and reasons for the recall. Once a product is confirmed to be part of a recall, immediate action is necessary. Owners should discontinue feeding the product and follow disposal instructions issued by the FDA or the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). These guidelines may differ based on the nature of the recall. Before discarding the product, Dr. Lobos recommended photographing the packaging, noting the brand name, lot number, and expiration date. Such documentation can prove invaluable when communicating with veterinarians or manufacturers. The need for veterinary intervention varies depending on the cause of the recall and whether the pet has ingested the affected food. Symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, loss of appetite, or behavioral changes should prompt immediate consultation with a veterinarian. Dr. Lobos stressed that reaching out to a vet for personalized advice is crucial, as each case may require different diagnostic steps, including blood tests. In addition to ensuring safety, owners may pursue refunds or replacements after verifying that their product is part of a recall. Dr. Lobos suggested contacting the retailer or manufacturer directly for these options, as many companies offer compensation for recalled goods. It is advisable to keep receipts and packaging details to facilitate this process. While pet food recalls are relatively uncommon, they can raise concerns about the safety of commercially available products. Dr. Lobos urged owners not to panic but instead to evaluate their choices carefully. She recommended consulting the World Small Animal Veterinary Association’s (WSAVA) Global Nutrition Committee guidelines, which provide comprehensive criteria for selecting safe and nutritious pet food. These guidelines cover factors such as ingredient quality, nutritional adequacy, and manufacturing standards. Mars Pet Nutrition, the parent company of Pedigree, was contacted for further comments but did not provide additional information beyond what was already shared through official channels. As the situation develops, continued monitoring of the FDA’s recall database and adherence to expert recommendations remain vital for pet owners seeking to protect their animals' health.