Checking pet food and treats for recalls

Pet food and treats can carry harmful bacteria such as Salmonella and Listeria, which can make people sick as well as pets. A recall is a company's action to take a product off the market, either on its own or at the FDA's request or order. Pet food recalls in 2026 have been for Salmonella or Listeria, bits of metal or plastic, and vitamin or mineral levels that were too low or too variable.

You match your food to a recall by the details printed on the package. The lot number shows where and when the food was made. It's stamped on the packaging near the best-by or expiration date, often as a mix of letters and numbers that's hard to read. Less than half of the pet food complaints the FDA receives include it.

What you need

• The bag, can or pouch the food came in
• Tape and a marker, if the food is kept in a bin
• A phone or computer

Steps

1. 1

   Keep the food in its original bag

   If you use a storage bin, put the whole bag inside it rather than pouring the kibble in. If you do pour it, tape the UPC, lot number, product name, maker and best-by date to the outside of the bin, and change the label with each new bag.

   2 min

2. 2

   Check the recall list

   The FDA's recalls and withdrawals list for animal products shows each recall's date, brand, product, reason and company. Compare the brand, the exact product name and the lot number or date with what's on your package.

   5 min

3. 3

   Stop feeding anything that matches

   Follow the instructions in the recall notice. To throw food out, put it in a securely tied plastic bag in a covered trash can.

   2 min

4. 4

   Clean the bowls, scoops and bin

   Wash them with soap and hot water. Wash your hands for at least 20 seconds with soap and hot water before and after handling pet food.

   5 min

5. 5

   Call the vet if your pet seems sick

   If a pet has a health problem that may be tied to a food or treat, stop feeding the product and call your veterinarian.

   1 min

Signs of a problem with the food

Report a pet food or treat that has:

• A foul odor or an off color
• A swollen or leaking can or pouch
• A foreign object in it
• Made your pet sick after eating it

Complaints go to the FDA through its Safety Reporting Portal, and to the product's manufacturer as well. Keep the packaging until the food is used up. Have ready the exact product name, the type of container, the lot number, the best-by date, the UPC, the net weight, and where and when you bought it. If your pet got sick, add the signs, how soon they started, how much of the food your pet ate, and your veterinarian's contact information.

Storing food so it stays safe

• Keep dry food and unopened cans in a cool, dry place under 80°F. Heat and moisture can break down the nutrients.
• Refrigerate or throw out leftover canned and pouched food promptly. Cover it tightly, with the refrigerator set to 40°F or below.
• Wash water bowls daily, and wash food bowls after each use.
• Use a clean scoop for pet food only, never the pet's bowl.
• Store food and treats where the pet can't get into them and eat the whole supply at once.
• Check bags, cans and pouches for dents, tears or discoloration before you open them.

Raw pet food is more likely than processed pet food to contain Salmonella and Listeria.