Pet Food Recalled Over Salmonella Fears
If you go out of your way to buy high-end dog food for your best friend, be sure to check the package. Procter & Gamble, maker of Iams and Eukanuba dry dog foods, is recalling certain varieties of these popular and pricey products because they may be contaminated with salmonella.
The risk extends to humans as well, as experts say dogs who become infected with salmonella can transmit the disease-causing bacterium to people.
The company says no cases of salmonella have been reported but is urging consumers to discard the products.
The products are sold at the vet but are also widely available at retailers.
Here's the list of recalled products:
- Eukanuba Pure, all sizes and varieties
- Eukanuba Naturally Wild, all sizes and varieties
- Eukanuba Custom Care Sensitive Skin, all dry sizes
- Iams Veterinary Dry Formulas, all sizes and varieties
The recall comes on the heels of another P & G recall. It involved certain prescription cat foods, as they might also have been contaminated with salmonella.
This latest scare has some pet owners wondering just what food is safe to feed their dogs.
Wendy Nan Rees, author of "The Dog Lover's Daily Companion," avoids all dry kibble and cooks for her animals instead.
Other experts advocate a raw meat diet for both dogs and cats. But veterinarian Marty Becker, author of "Chicken Soup for the Dog Owner's Soul," says raw meat can transmit salmonella.
"But look at what is happening with the pet food companies," he told CBS News. "There's a bit of risk in everything."
Pets infected with salmonella may have decreased appetite, fever and abdominal pain. Left untreated, the infection can cause lethargy, diarrhea, fever or vomiting, according to the IAMS website.
Pets can also be carriers and infect other animals and humans, leading to similar symptoms.
If you think you have been infected, contact your doctor asap.
Oh, and if you want your money back, call P & G at 877-340-8823 for a replacement or a refund.
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