Get

In Your Inbox

Dogster is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more.

What to Do When Your Dog Food Has Been Recalled: 7 Useful Recommendations

dry dog food in a bowl on wooden table

You want your dog to have the best of everything, including dog food. Even if you’ve found the perfect food for them, one they love that is also nutritious, though, you may not be able to feed them that food forever, as pet food recalls can happen and make you wary of trusting a food or brand again. But what do you do when dog food has been recalled?

Several steps you need to take in this situation will help you and your pet. Here’s a look at what to do in this situation, why dog food gets recalled, and more.

divider dog paws 4 oct 2024

The 7 Recommendations on What to Do When Your Dog Food Has Been Recalled

Here’s what to do when your dog’s food has been recalled.

1. Discontinue Use of the Food

Of course, the very first step you should take if your pup’s food has been recalled is to stop feeding it to your dog. As soon as you learn about the recall, stop feeding it to your pup. But don’t throw the bag of food out just yet!

Retriever dog holding a slow bowl in it's mouth in the kitchen
Image Credit: Zuzanna Paluch, Shutterstock

2. Clean Your Pet’s Food and Water Bowls

Once you’ve discontinued using the dog food, give your pup’s food bowl a good scrub (and clean the water bowl out for good measure). Depending on why the dog food was recalled, bacteria could still be lingering in your pet’s bowls, which could make them ill. A good clean with hot, soapy water or a dishwasher should remedy any issues.


3. Return the Food

In most cases, you should be able to return any food that was recalled to the place of purchase and get a refund. Before you do this, though, take a sample of the food and keep it somewhere safe. You may need that later if you file a report with the FDA, as they may want to test the food your dog was eating. Take pictures of all the essential information on the bag for the FDA, as well. If, for some reason, you cannot return the food for a refund, dispose of the food in a way that ensures other animals can’t get into it to avoid upsetting the ecosystem of your neighborhood.

Young woman with dog choosing dry food and talking with seller in pet store
Image Credit: BearFotos, Shutterstock

4. Consult a Veterinarian

Call your dog’s vet. Even if your pet isn’t showing any signs of illness, you should contact your vet and let them know your pet has eaten food that has been recalled and why that food was recalled. Once the vet is aware of the reasons for the recall, they can tell you whether you need to bring your dog in, keep an eye on them at home, or whether they’ll be perfectly fine.

Did you know you can speak to a veterinarian without having to travel? Just head over to PangoVet. It's an online service where you can talk to a vet online and get the advice you need for your pet — all at an affordable price!

PangoVet_Mention-in-Content Savings V1


5. Take Steps to Protect Your Family

This step won’t apply to all dog food recalls, but if your furry friend’s food was recalled for a reason like salmonella, then the salmonella may not only be in your dog’s food dish.

Depending on the type of food and where you dished it out, salmonella could end up on kitchen counters, feeding mats set beneath a dog’s food bowls, or the floor. To ensure your family’s safety, wash everything bacteria might have touched. And always wash your hands after dishing out your pet’s food, just to be safe!

Dog food bowls
Image Credit: © Kinga Krzeminska, Getty Images

6. File a Report

You don’t have to do this, but many people do (especially if their pet has become ill or died as a result of tainted dog food)—file a report with the FDA. You can do this by either contacting your state’s FDA consumer complaint coordinator or going online and filing a report. This is where the food sample and pictures of the bag may come in handy, as the FDA will want plenty of information about the tainted dog food.


7. Find a New Dog Food for Your Pup

Finally, find a new dog food your dog enjoys. This might take some time, but you can speed up the process by finding a food similar to the one recalled or asking your vet for suggestions. Just remember to take it slowly with any new food, as sudden dietary changes can upset a dog’s stomach.

Dogster divider_v2_NEW_MAY_24_

Why Are Dog Foods Recalled?

Why are dog foods recalled in the first place? Dog food is recalled because it’s contaminated in some way. This may be bacterial contamination like salmonella, chemical compounds like melamine, or foreign materials such as plastic or metal.

There are two main recalls for pet food:
  • One is an ordered recall, which occurs when the FDA receives several reports about a product and orders the company to remove it from shelves.
  • The other is a voluntary recall, which comes straight from the company itself, usually after they realize something has gone wrong. Most dog food recalls are voluntary, as pet food companies don’t want to sell contaminated foods.

One thing to know about ordered recalls is that they are used on products with the most significant issues, so pay special attention to those.

dog food in plastic container
Image By: APN Photography, Shutterstock

How Can I Learn About Recalls?

You may be thinking that you’ve rarely or never heard about a dog food recall. So, how can you stay up to date on the latest recalls?

While some recalls receive extensive media attention, not all do. That means the easiest way to ensure you always know what’s going on in the world of pet food recalls is to sign up to receive the FDA’s recall alerts. This way, you’ll always know as soon as a recall hits!

divider dog paws 4 oct 2024

Final Thoughts

You want your favorite furry pal to enjoy only the best and safest products, but sometimes, products are recalled no matter how good they are. When a recall happens for dog food, you should immediately stop feeding the food to your pup. Then, consult your vet, file a report, make sure your home is safe, and return the food for a refund. If you want to stay in the know about dog food recalls, sign up to receive the FDA’s recall alerts!


Featured Image Credit: 279photo Studio, Shutterstock

Want content like this delivered to you?

Sign Up For Our Newsletter

News, insights, expert advice, and everything dog

* By submitting, you agree to our Terms & Conditions and Privacy & Cookies Policy.

How useful was this post?

Click on a star to rate (you can leave written feedback after clicking submit)

Help us improve Dogster for pet parents!

Your feedback really matters.

What did you like about this post? Also how can we improve it?

Join the conversation

Leave a Reply

You’re very welcome to leave a comment or question. Please know that all comments must meet our community guidelines, and your email address will NOT be published. Let’s have a positive and constructive conversation.

Talk With A Vet Online

Peace of mind,
anywhere, anytime

Affordable vet advice

10 Great Off-Leash Dog Parks in Madison, WI (2025 Update)

Madison is a dog-friendly city, and there is an abundance of parks you can visit for some playtime with your pup. But if...

Nom Nom vs. The Farmer’s Dog Freshly Made Dog Food: 2025 Comparison

If you’ve decided that your dog needs to eat only the highest-quality food (and you’re willing to pay whatever it takes to make...

10 Best Bark Collars for Small Dogs in 2025 – Reviews & Top Picks

Dogs are loyal pets and some of the most affectionate animals in the world, but they can also test your patience. Like people,...

Labrador Retriever Puppies for Sale in Australia: 2025 Breeders List

Labrador Retrievers are one of the most popular dog breeds in the world. It is little wonder why, as they are loving, loyal,...

More related

Miniature Pinscher vs Doberman: Key Differences (With Pictures)

Miniature Pinschers and Dobermans are similar in appearance, except for size. While the Miniature Pinscher may look like a smaller version of the...

Specially Abled Pets Day: When It Is & How to Celebrate

All animals deserve our love and attention, no matter their age or body type. Many domestic pets are out there waiting to prove...

How to Safely Walk Your Dog in the Dark: 10 Vet-Verified Tips

Walking your dog in the brisk hours of dusk can be a great way to burn off the extra steam and stress of...

Are Dobermans Good With Kids? Pros & Cons

Parents and caregivers should always err on the side of caution when children and pets interact, for both parties’ safety. Certain breeds do...

Keep reading

8 Best Dog Foods for Weight Loss in 2025 – Reviews & Top Picks

Most dogs love to eat and we love to feed them! Giving them food and treats that we know that they enjoy makes us happy. The downside is that dogs can gain weight if we aren’t careful with their diets....

Shetland sheepdog eats food from a food bowl

Can Dogs Eat Kumquats? Vet-Reviewed Facts & FAQ

A kumquat is a small citrus fruit native to Southeast Asia that looks similar to an orange. They aren’t nearly as common as mandarin oranges but can still be found in kitchens around the world. Before you share your snack...

Can Dogs Eat Kumquats

Can Dog Food Go Bad? Vet-Approved Facts & Tips to Preserve It

< Every dog owner has been in a situation where they buy bulk dog food to save money, trips to the grocery store, or time. Maybe you couldn’t power through that one open bag of dog food quite yet, or...

wet and dry dog food

Can Dogs Eat Wheat Thins? Vet-Approved Nutrition Advice

Wheat Thins is a popular brand of crackers often advertised as healthy snacks. They are baked whole-wheat crisps that are relatively low in calories and often paired with other food items like dips or sliced meat. While Wheat Thins are...

Can Dogs Eat_wheat thins

Black Gold Explorer Dog Food Review 2025: Recalls, Pros & Cons

Review Summary Black Gold Explorer is a pet food company that focuses exclusively on kibble for dogs. This company has shown a commitment for over 20 years to producing foods for sporting dogs to maintain their health, longevity, and energy...

Dogster_Black Gold Explorer Dog Food Review

Can Dogs Eat Sunflower Oil? Vet Reviewed Facts & FAQ

Sunflower oil sounds about as natural as it gets. Whole foods have taken root in the dog food market as obesity rates are on the rise, and pet parents have become more knowledgeable about how to care for their fur...

Can Dogs Eat_sunflower oil

8 Best Grain-Free Dog Foods for Skin Allergies in 2025: Reviews & Top Picks

Choosing the right dog food means taking into account your dog’s preferences when it comes to taste and texture, while also acknowledging any allergies that they might have. Many ingredients in dog food can set off skin allergies, including chicken...

pouring dog food

Can Dogs Eat Applesauce? Vet-Verified Nutrition Facts & FAQ

Treating your dog sometimes takes a little creativity when you’re out of their usual fare. We know apples make for a healthy snack, but what about their more kid-friendly cousins, the jars of applesauce? While not all varieties are suitable,...

Can Dogs Eat Applesauce