Pet food recalls are more common than many pet owners realize, and unfortunately, they often happen after pets have already been harmed. Kibble recalls occur due to contamination, harmful ingredients, or unsafe manufacturing practices, putting the health of countless dogs and cats at risk.
In this post, we’ll cover:
✅ The most common reasons for kibble recalls
✅ Some of the biggest pet food recalls in history
✅ How to keep your pet safe from dangerous pet food
Common Reasons for Kibble Recalls
🚨 Salmonella Contamination – One of the most frequent reasons for recalls, salmonella can make both pets and humans sick.
🚨 Aflatoxins (Mold Toxins) – A deadly toxin produced by moldy grains like corn and wheat, leading to liver failure in pets.
🚨 Pentobarbital Contamination – A drug used to euthanize animals has been found in some brands, meaning euthanized animals may have been used in pet food.
🚨 Excessive or Deficient Nutrients – Imbalanced vitamin or mineral levels, especially excess vitamin D, can cause kidney failure.
🚨 Foreign Objects – Some recalls happen because metal, plastic, or other contaminants were found in the food.
🚨 Melamine & Other Chemical Contaminants – A major recall in 2007 was due to melamine contamination, which led to thousands of pet deaths.
Biggest Pet Food Recalls in History
🛑 2007 Melamine Recall – One of the largest pet food recalls ever, affecting over 150 brands and killing thousands of pets.
🛑 2018 Pentobarbital Recall – Some pet foods were found to contain euthanasia drugs, raising concerns about their ingredients.
🛑 2021 Aflatoxin Recall – Over 110+ dog deaths were linked to aflatoxin-contaminated kibble, leading to mass recalls.
🛑 2023 Salmonella & Listeria Outbreaks – Several brands had to recall their products due to bacterial contamination that posed risks to pets and humans.
Many of these recalls could have been prevented if companies prioritized quality over profit.
How to Protect Your Pet from Recalled Food
🔍 Stay Informed – Check the FDA’s pet food recall list regularly.
📦 Read Labels Carefully – Avoid products with mystery meat meals, cheap fillers, and preservatives.
🥩 Feed Fresh, Whole Foods – The more processed the food, the higher the risk of contamination and nutrient loss.
📞 Contact Pet Food Companies – Ask where they source their ingredients and how they ensure safety.
🚫 Avoid High-Risk Ingredients – Many recalls involve corn, wheat, and meat meals—low-quality ingredients prone to mold and contamination.
Final Thoughts: Is Kibble Really Safe?
Kibble manufacturers are notorious for cutting corners, and recalls prove that many brands fail to provide safe, high-quality food. Instead of waiting for the next recall, consider switching to fresh, minimally processed food for your pet’s long-term health.