Is Sportmix Dog Food Made in the USA? What You Need to Know
Sportmix dog and cat food are manufactured by Midwestern Pet Foods, a subsidiary of Nunn Milling Company, Inc. This is a fourth-generation, family-owned business that started in 1926 in Evansville, Indiana. All Sportmix pet food formulas are made exclusively in the United States. Today, there are four facilities in operation. In addition to Evansville, these facilities are in Monmouth, Illinois; Chickasha, Oklahoma; and Waverly, New York.
Sportmix Dog Food Recall
In 2021, more than 210 pets became ill and 110 pets died after eating Sportmix food. The cause of death was determined to be aflatoxin poisoning.
Aflatoxins are produced by the mold Aspergillus flavus, which grows on corn and grains. Consuming these toxins can lead to severe illness or death. Signs of poisoning include lethargy, vomiting, jaundice, and diarrhea.
The company recalled all pet foods made with corn in its Oklahoma plant that expired before July 9, 2022.
Aflatoxin Poisoning
If this mold is present in your dog's food, the toxins will build up in the dog's system over time because they eat the food every day. This poisoning can also cause liver damage, which may not show signs right away.
There is no evidence to suggest that people are at risk for aflatoxin poisoning if they’ve touched the food, but it’s always recommended that people wash their hands thoroughly after touching any pet food.
If you’ve purchased any Sportmix products that have been recalled, stop feeding the food to your pet immediately. Dispose of any unused product.
To learn about any past and current recalls, you can check the FDA's list. Be sure to make a note of all expiration dates on your pet food bags before purchase to ensure that they’re out of the recall date range and safe for your dog to eat.
If Your Dog Has Eaten Recalled Food
You may want to contact your veterinarian for a full examination of your dog, including bloodwork. Even if they aren’t showing signs, you’ll want to make sure they aren’t affected by contaminated food.
Give your vet your dog’s food history, including the food label and lot number of your dog’s food bag. Stop feeding the product to your dog immediately, and dispose of the food properly. If it’s not safe for dogs to eat, it’s not safe for any animal to eat. It should be contained and sealed so children and wildlife can’t access it.
Sanitize all your dog’s food and water bowls, food storage containers, and scoops.
Summing Up
Sportmix dog food is made in the U.S.A. and has been for 96 years. The company has experienced recalls in the past, so be sure to check your food bag label if you feed this to your dog. If you are considering switching your dog to this food, be sure to purchase a bag that is out of the recall window and safe for them to eat.
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Featured Image Credit: Rawpixel.com, Shutterstock
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Jessica has shared her home with feathered, furry, and scaly pets of all shapes and sizes for over 30 years as a lifelong resident of Chicago. Her enthusiasm for animals began at an early age and led to her owning and operating a pet care company. Jessica is now a full-time writer and spends her days writing about all types of animals. Jessica and her husband Dominic enjoy the city life while turning their backyard into an oasis for the neighborhood squirrels and birds.
