What to Do When Your Pet's Food Is Recalled

The first step: check if your pet ate the recalled batch

When a pet food recall happens, your immediate job is to find out whether your pet actually consumed any of the recalled product. A recall affects only specific batches, lot codes, or production dates — not necessarily every package of that brand or flavor on the shelf. Check the bag or can you have at home against the recall notice to see if the lot code, date code, or production date matches what was recalled.

Write down the lot code or date code from your package. You'll find this printed on the bag or can, usually on the back or bottom. Compare it directly to the information listed in the recall announcement. If your package does not match the recalled codes, your pet was not exposed to the recalled product, and you can continue feeding it normally.

If your package does match the recall, stop feeding it to your pet immediately. Do not use it, and do not throw it away yet — you may need to return it as proof when you contact the manufacturer or retailer.

Key Takeaways

• Check the lot code or date code on your pet food package against the recall notice to see if you actually have the recalled batch.
• Contact your veterinarian if your pet has eaten recalled food, even if it shows no symptoms yet, because some illnesses take days to appear.
• The manufacturer or retailer will tell you how to return the recalled food and whether they will refund or replace it.
• Keep the bag or can and your receipt until the recall is fully resolved, in case you need proof of purchase.
• Sign up for recall alerts from the FDA or your pet food manufacturer so you know about future recalls before you buy.

Contact your veterinarian before you do anything else

If your pet has eaten any of the recalled food, call your veterinarian's office the same day you discover the recall. Tell them what product your pet ate, how much, and when. Your vet needs this information to decide whether your pet needs to be seen, watched for symptoms, or tested.

Many recalled foods are pulled because of contamination with bacteria like salmonella or listeria, or because of physical hazards like plastic or glass. Some illnesses from contaminated food take several days to show up. Your vet may ask you to monitor your pet at home for vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, or loss of appetite, or they may want to see your pet right away. Do not wait to see if symptoms develop on their own.

Bring the bag or can to your vet appointment if you have one. Your vet may want to photograph the lot code or send a sample to a lab. Keep the receipt from where you bought the food as well.

Return the recalled food to where you bought it

Contact the store or online retailer where you purchased the recalled food. Most major retailers — grocery stores, pet supply chains, and online sellers — will accept returns of recalled pet food without a receipt, though having one speeds the process. Tell them you have a recalled product and ask whether they want you to bring it in or ship it back.

Some retailers will refund your money on the spot. Others will issue a store credit or replace the product with a different brand or flavor. Ask what your options are before you return it. If you bought the food online and cannot return it to a physical location, the retailer will usually email you a prepaid shipping label or instructions for returning it by mail.

Keep your receipt and any confirmation emails or receipts from the return. If the retailer refuses to take back the recalled food, contact the manufacturer directly — they sometimes handle returns when retailers will not.

Contact the manufacturer if the retailer will not help

If your retailer refuses to accept the return or if you bought the food directly from the manufacturer's website, contact the pet food company. Look for a phone number or email on the bag, can, or the company's website. Tell them you have a recalled product and ask how they want you to return it.

Most manufacturers will provide a prepaid shipping label or ask you to mail the product to a specific address. Some will refund your money; others will send you a replacement product. Ask what they offer and whether they need your receipt or proof of purchase. Keep any emails or confirmation numbers they send you.

If the manufacturer is unresponsive or refuses to help, you can file a complaint with the FDA's consumer complaint system. This does not get your money back, but it creates a record that may help the FDA take action if the company continues to ignore recalls.

Watch your pet for signs of illness

Even if your pet seems fine, watch closely for the next two weeks. Symptoms of contaminated food can include vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, lethargy, abdominal pain, or fever. Some pets show symptoms within hours; others take several days. If your pet develops any of these signs, contact your vet immediately and mention the recalled food.

Keep a simple log of what your pet eats and how it behaves during this period. Note the date and time your pet ate the recalled food, and write down any changes in appetite, energy, or bathroom habits. This information helps your vet figure out whether the recalled food caused the problem.

If your pet does not show any symptoms after two weeks, the risk of illness from that batch is very low. You can resume normal feeding with a different product.

Switch to a different food safely

Once you have returned the recalled food, you will need to feed your pet something else. Do not switch to a completely different brand or flavor all at once, because sudden diet changes can cause digestive upset even when the new food is safe.

If you want to stay with the same brand, ask the manufacturer or retailer which other products were not affected by the recall. If you want to switch brands entirely, choose a new food and mix it gradually with whatever your pet was eating before the recalled batch. Start with about 25 percent new food and 75 percent old food for three days, then move to 50/50 for three days, then 75 percent new and 25 percent old for three days, and finally 100 percent new food. This slow transition gives your pet's digestive system time to adjust.

If your pet has a sensitive stomach or a medical condition that requires a specific diet, talk to your vet before switching. They may recommend a particular brand or formula, or they may want to monitor your pet during the transition.

Set up recall alerts so you know about future recalls

The FDA maintains a searchable database of pet food recalls on its website. You can check it anytime, but a better approach is to sign up for automatic alerts. The FDA offers email notifications when new recalls are posted, and you can filter by product type, brand, or reason for recall.

Many pet food manufacturers also send recall alerts directly to customers who have registered their email addresses on the company's website. Check the bag or the manufacturer's website to see whether they offer this service. If they do, sign up with your email address so you hear about recalls before you buy.

You can also follow the FDA's pet food recall page on social media or check it once a month if you prefer not to receive emails. The key is to know about recalls before you feed the product to your pet, not after.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I already threw away the recalled food?

You can still return it or get a refund in most cases. Contact the retailer or manufacturer with your receipt and the lot code from your records. Many companies will refund or replace recalled products even without the physical package, especially if you can show proof of purchase.

Can I get money back for veterinary bills if my pet got sick from the recalled food?

That depends on the manufacturer and the circumstances. Some companies will cover vet bills if you can prove the recalled food caused the illness. Contact the manufacturer's customer service department with your vet's records and ask whether they have a claims process. You may also have options through your pet insurance if you carry it.

Is it safe to feed my pet the recalled food if it shows no symptoms?

No. Stop feeding it immediately, even if your pet seems fine. Some illnesses from contaminated food take days to appear, and some pets are more vulnerable than others. Your vet is the only one who can tell you whether your pet needs monitoring or treatment.

How do I know if a recall is serious?

The FDA classifies recalls by risk level. A Class I recall means there is a reasonable chance the product could cause serious illness or death. A Class II recall means illness is possible but less likely. A Class III recall means the product is unlikely to cause illness. The recall notice will tell you the classification and the specific hazard — bacteria, mold, foreign objects, or something else.

What should I do if my pet ate recalled food and now has diarrhea?

Call your vet the same day. Diarrhea can be caused by many things, but if your pet ate recalled food within the last few days, your vet needs to know. Bring the lot code and the recall notice with you so your vet can assess the risk and decide whether testing or treatment is needed.