In a notice published on the U.S. Food and Drug Administration FDA’s website on Feb. 8, 2023, Nestle’s Purina has recalled select lots of Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets EL Elemental (PPVD EL) prescription dry dog food due to potentially elevated levels of vitamin D. The recall was instigated when the company received “two contacts about two separate confirmed cases of a dog exhibiting signs of vitamin D toxicity after consuming the diet, to date.” It was reported that both of these dogs recovered after they were taken off the food.
The affected dry dog food was distributed throughout the United States by prescription only through veterinary clinics, Purina Vet Direct, Purina for Professionals, and other select retailers with the ability to validate a prescription. It was packaged in 8-pound and 20-pound bags.
The recall includes: Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets EL Elemental in 8-pound and 20-pound bags; look for UPC Codes of 38100 19190 (8-pound bag) or 38100 19192 (20-pound bag); and production codes matching any of the following: 2249 1082; 2250 1082; 2276 1082; 2277 1082; 2290 1082; 2360 1082; 2361, and 1082.
Vitamin D is an essential nutrient for dogs; however, ingestion of elevated levels can lead to health issues depending on the level of vitamin D and the length of exposure. Vitamin D toxicity may include vomiting, loss of appetite, increased thirst, increased urination, and excessive drooling to renal (kidney) dysfunction.
Pet owners who purchased bags of the product listed above are asked to immediately stop feeding and throw it away in a container where no other animals, including wildlife, can get to it. If signs such as weight loss, excessive drooling, vomiting, loss of appetite or increased thirst or urination have occurred in their dog while eating this diet, pet owners should contact their veterinarian.
No other Purina pet care products are affected.
Please Purina directly Monday – Saturday, 8am – 5pm CST at 1-800-345-5678 or via email at https://www.purina.com/contact for questions or assistance in getting a refund.
Unrelated Recall
In July of 2022, the FDA announced a recall for a range of dog treats might have been contaminated with salmonella bacteria made by Stormberg Foods.
Stormberg Foods recalled various sizes and batches of Beg & Barker Chicken Breast Strips Dog Treat, Billo’s Best Friend Chicken Breast Strips Dog Treat, and Green Coast Pets Chicken Crisps Dog Treat products due to a potential contamination of Salmonella.
On July 6, 2022, the firm was notified by the North Carolina Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services (NCDA & CS) that a sample they collected tested positive for Salmonella spp.
Salmonella can affect pets eating the products and there is risk to humans from handling contaminated pet products, especially if they have not thoroughly washed their hands after having contact with the products or any surfaces exposed to these products.
Stormberg Foods and NCDA & CS are continuing their investigation into the cause of the problem. No illnesses have been reported to date.
The products were distributed between June 8 and June 22, 2022. These products were packaged in branded plastic bags in cardboard master cases and shipped primarily to warehouses located in CA, MN, NC and RI. Products are then shipped nationwide to retail facilities and consumers via the internet.
Consumers who have purchased these products and/or have pets who have become ill are urged to notify stormbergship@gmail.com immediately with all product information for return or proper disposal information. Consumers with questions may contact the customer services department at (919) 947-6011.