The U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) is encouraging pet owners to be careful about what they’re feeding their pets.
Some canned dog food manufactured by The J.M. Smucker Company could be contaminated, according to a recent alert from the FDA.
The FDA found some traces of pentobarbital — a drug that serves as a sedative for animals — in samples of Gravy Train dog food.
Any pets that eat the contaminated food could experience nausea, drowsiness, loss of balance, dizziness, inability to stand, excitement or nystagmus — when eyes jerk back and forth.
Consuming high amounts of the drug can cause coma or death, but the FDA says it is unlikely that the contamination will pose any health risks.
After hearing the results, J.M. Smucker withdrew Gravy Train, Kibbles ‘N Bits, Ol’ Roy, and Skippy-branded canned dog food that was manufactured between 2016 and now.
Employees and volunteers at the Prince William Humane Society’s Adopt Shop to take extra precautions when feeding the pets.
“We’ve been in the process of going through all of our wet dog food, making sure that none of them are part of the recall,” said Adopt Shop Center Manager Jill Gregory.
The Adopt Shop has thrown away some wet dog food.
“It hasn’t been too bad but we’re on very high alert, because we get donations so we have to make sure that we’re really paying attention to what we’re getting from the community, and then what we’re giving to our pets,” Gregory said.
According to Gregory, the Dumfries-based Adopt Shop is accepting food donations. Those interested in donating food can drop it off during the shop’s hours of operation.
The shop is located at 17983 Dumfries Shopping Plaza in Dumfries. It is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays, and from Noon to 4 p.m. on Sundays.
Gregory encourages pet owners to watch out for their own pets by checking the food they have.
Consumers should not feed their pets the withdrawn food and should dispose of the cans, according to a release. They can also contact the firm and learn how the return the food.
Anyone who thinks their pet is ill because of the contaminated dog food should contact their veterinarian.
The FDA is asking consumers to submit complaints online or call their state’s FDA Consumer Complaint Coordinators.
Below, are the products J.M. Smucker has withdrawn:
- Gravy Train with T-Bone Flavor Chunks, 13.2-ounce can, UPC 7910052541
- Gravy Train with Beef Strips, 13.2-ounce can, UPC 791052542
- Gravy Train with Lamb & Rice Chunks, 13.2-ounce can, UPC 7910052543
- Gravy Train with Chicken Chunks, 13.2-ounce can, UPC 7910034418
- Gravy Train with Beef Chunks, 13.2-ounce can, UPC 7910034417
- Gravy Train with Chicken Chunks, 22-ounce can, UPC 7910051645
- Gravy Train with Beef Chunks, 22-ounce can, UPC 7910051647
- Gravy Train Chunks in Gravy with Beef Chunks, 13.2-ounce can, UPC 7910034417
- Kibbles ‘N Bits 12-can Variety Pack – Chef’s Choice American Grill Burger Dinner with Real Bacon & Cheese Bits in Gravy, Chef’s Choice Bistro Tender Cuts with Real Turkey Bacon & Vegetables in Gravy, 12 pack of 13.2-ounce cans, UPC 7910010377, 7910010378
- Kibbles ‘N Bits 12-Can Variety Pack – Chef’s Choice Bistro Hearty Cuts with Real Beef, Chicken & Vegetables in Gravy, Chef’s Choice Homestyle Meatballs & Pasta Dinner with Real Beef in Tomato Sauce, 12 pack of 13.2-ounce cans, UPC 7910010382, 7910048367, 7910010378
- Kibbles ‘N Bits 12-Can Variety Pack – Chef’s Choice Homestyle Tender Slices with Real Beef, Chicken & Vegetables in Gravy, Chef’s Choice American Grill Burger Dinner with Real Bacon & Cheese Bits in Gravy, Chef’s Choice Bistro Tender Cuts with Real Beef & Vegetables in Gravy, 12 pack of 13.2-ounce cans, UPC 7910010380, 7910010377, 7910010375
- Kibbles ‘N Bits Chef’s Choice Bistro Tender Cuts with Real Beef & Vegetables in Gravy, 13.2-ounce can, UPC 7910010375
- Kibbles ‘N Bits Chef’s Choice Bistro Tender Cuts with Real Turkey, Bacon & Vegetables in Gravy, 13.2-ounce can, UPC 7910010378
- Kibbles ‘N Bits Chef’s Choice Homestyle Tender Slices with Real Beef, Chicken & Vegetables in Gravy, 13.2-ounce can, UPC 7910010380
- Ol’ Roy Strips Turkey Bacon, 13.2-ounce can, UPC 8113117570
- Skippy Premium Chunks in Gravy Chunky Stew, 13.2-ounce can, UPC 79100502469
- Skippy Premium Chunks in Gravy with Beef, 13.2-ounce can, UPC 7910050250
- Skippy Premium Strips in Gravy with Beef, 13.2-ounce can, UPC 7910050245
