Hill’s Pet Nutrition recalls dog feed due to “potentially elevated levels of vitamin D”
19 February 2019
Hill’s Pet Nutrition is voluntarily recalling select canned dog food products due to potentially elevated levels of vitamin D.
The company said that 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.
The company said that pet owners with dogs that 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, Hill’s Pet Nutrition said.
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.
Pet owners who purchased the product with the specific lot/date codes listed should discontinue feeding and dispose of those products immediately. To have discarded products replaced at no cost, email Hill’s at hillsukcustomerservices@hillspet.com or call 0800 282 438.
In a statement Hill’s Pet Nutrition said: “We learned of the potential for elevated vitamin D levels in some of our 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.
“We care deeply about all pets and are committed to providing pet parents 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 customers to retrieve products.”