Hill’s Pet Foods Recalls Canned Dog Food Due to High Vitamin D Levels

If you feed your pet Hill’s Science Diet canned food you should be aware of a voluntary recall on some the Hill’s pet food brands, including certain prescription diets.

The Company recently announced it is recalling select canned dog food products due to potentially elevated levels of vitamin D.

Some of the affected dog food includes certain cans of Canine Chicken and Vegetable Stew, Chicken and Barley Adult and Small Breed canned food, as well as certain cans of Prescription K/D, Prescription I/D, Prescription W/D, and Prescription Z/D.

A complete list of recalled foods is listed on the Hill’s Website at HillsNutrition.com.

The recall comes after at least one consumer complained that their dog had died after eating one of their prescription brands.

In recorded statement on their Website, Hill’s Veterinarian Brett Deardorff says the Company is working to correct the problem.

“We are heartbroken about this recall. Hill’s people are working, all hands on deck, with veterinarians and pet parents to listen to any and all concerns. So, to make sure we can take time with each pet parent, we have tripled the number of people on our phones and extended our call center hours,” Deardorff said.

In the United States, the affected canned dog foods were distributed through retail pet stores and veterinary clinics nationwide.

No dry foods, cat foods, or treats are affected.

Deardorff said Hill’s has identified and isolated the error and, to prevent it from happening again, the Company has required their supplier to implement additional quality testing prior to their release of ingredients.

“Vitamin D toxicity is actually very rare,” he explained. “In exceptional cases, continuous consumption of high levels of Vitamin D can result n serious health issues. So, we’re assessing every pet parent inquiry thoroughly, often in consolutation with the pet’s veterinarian as needed. Recall details are posted on our website, including that we isolated and identified the issue. We now have tighter quality controls in place to prevent this from every happening again.”

While vitamin D is an essential nutrient for dogs, ingestion of elevated levels can lead to potential health issues including renal dysfunction.

Symptoms include vomiting, loss of appetite, increased thirst, increased urination, excessive drooling, and weight loss.

Pet parents with dogs who have consumed any of the products listed and are exhibiting any of these signs should contact their veterinarian.

Deardorff said in most cases, complete recovery is expected after discontinuation of feeding.

Pet parents who purchased the product with the specific lot/date codes listed should discontinue feeding and dispose of those products immediately or return unopened product to your retailer for a refund.

For more information,including a list of the recalled canned dog food, you can go to the HIll’s Website at https://www.hillspet.com/productlist or call 1-800-445-5777.