A pet owner's guide to pet food and treat recalls
Pet food recalls happen more often than most owners realize, and some can affect the humans who handle the food too.
By the Recall Radar team, September 29, 2026, 5 min read
The short version
- Common causes include Salmonella, Listeria, mold toxins and vitamin imbalances.
- Salmonella in pet food can make people sick, not just pets.
- Keep the bag or note the lot code until the food is finished.
- Call your vet if your pet shows symptoms after eating a recalled product.
Dog food, cat food and treats are regulated in the U.S. by the FDA, and they're recalled for many of the same reasons as human food, plus a few of their own.
Why pet food gets recalled
- Bacteria such as Salmonella and Listeria.
- Aflatoxin, a toxin produced by mold that can grow on corn and other grains.
- Vitamin and mineral imbalances, especially too much vitamin D, which can be dangerous to dogs.
- Foreign materials such as plastic or metal fragments.
- Contaminants that should never be in the food at all.
Keep the bag
Many owners pour kibble into a storage bin and toss the bag. If you do, snap a photo of the lot code and best-by date first, or cut that panel off and tape it to the bin. Without it, you can't tell if your food is part of a recall.
Signs to watch for
Symptoms depend on the problem, but lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite or unusual behavior after eating a new bag of food are all reasons to call your veterinarian. Bring the packaging or lot code with you.
Report it
If you believe a pet food made your animal sick, you can report it to the FDA. These reports help identify problems that haven't been recalled yet.
This article is general information, not medical, veterinary or legal advice. Always follow the instructions in the official recall notice and talk to a professional about your situation.