How to Check Your Home for Recalled Dog Treats

How to learn about your dog's treats are on a recall list

The FDA and pet food manufacturers post recalls on their websites, and you can search by brand name and product type without waiting for a notice in the mail. Start by checking the FDA's pet food recall page, which lists every recall currently active and lets you search by product name. If you know the brand, go directly to the manufacturer's website — most post recalls prominently on their homepage or in a dedicated safety section. You can also call the manufacturer's customer service line with your product's lot number and expiration date; they can tell you in minutes whether that specific batch was recalled.

The FDA updates its recall list as new cases are reported, so a product you bought last month might appear this week. If you find your dog's treats on a recall, stop giving them immediately and follow the manufacturer's instructions — most ask you to return the product or dispose of it, and some offer refunds or replacement products.

Key Takeaways

• The FDA's pet food recall page and the manufacturer's website are the fastest ways to check whether a specific treat is recalled.
• Have your product's brand name, flavor, lot number, and expiration date ready when you search or call — these details confirm whether your package is affected.
• Recalls can take weeks or months to appear in stores or on social media, so checking the official sources is more reliable than waiting for news coverage.
• If your dog ate a recalled treat, watch for vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, or loss of appetite over the next few days and contact your veterinarian if any symptoms appear.
• Most manufacturers will refund or replace recalled treats, but you usually need to keep the package or provide the lot number as proof.

What information you need to search for a recall

Before you search, gather the treat package or take a photo of the label. You will need the brand name, product name (for example, "Chicken Training Bites" or "Peanut Butter Chews"), lot number, and expiration date. The lot number is usually printed on the back or bottom of the package in small text and may start with letters or numbers. The expiration date tells you when the product was manufactured or when it expires, depending on the brand.

If you have already thrown away the package, you can still search by brand and product type on the FDA site, though you will get a broader list. Write down any recalls that match your treat, then contact the manufacturer with as much detail as you remember — they can often tell you whether your purchase date and store location fall within the recalled batch range.

Where to search: FDA, manufacturer websites, and customer service

The FDA maintains a searchable database at fda.gov/animalveterinary/recalls. You can type in the brand name or product type and see all active recalls. The page shows the reason for each recall (contamination, mold, salmonella, foreign objects, etc.), the lot numbers or date ranges affected, and the states where the product was sold. This is the most complete source and updates regularly.

The manufacturer's website is often faster if you know the brand. Search "[Brand Name] recall" or look for a "Safety" or "Recalls" link on their homepage. Many companies list recalls with photos of the affected packages so you can confirm yours matches. If you cannot find anything online, call the manufacturer's customer service number on the package. Have your lot number and expiration date ready, and they will tell you whether your specific product is recalled.

What to do if your dog ate a recalled treat before you knew

Most recalled treats do not cause immediate illness, especially if your dog ate only a few. Watch your dog over the next 24 to 48 hours for vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, lethargy, or abdominal pain. These symptoms can appear within hours or take several days, depending on what contaminated the treat. If your dog shows any of these signs, contact your veterinarian and mention the recall — they may want to examine your dog or run tests.

If your dog shows no symptoms after a few days, the risk is low, but keep monitoring for a week. Some contamination (like salmonella) can cause illness without obvious symptoms, so if your dog was exposed to a recall involving bacteria or mold, your veterinarian may recommend a preventive exam or stool sample even if your dog seems fine.

How to get a refund or replacement for recalled treats

Most manufacturers will refund or replace recalled treats, though the process varies. Some ask you to mail the package back; others offer a refund if you provide the lot number and proof of purchase (receipt or photo of the package). A few manufacturers set up online claim forms where you enter your information and they mail you a prepaid shipping label.

Check the recall notice on the manufacturer's website or the FDA page for instructions specific to that product. If the instructions are not clear, call the manufacturer's customer service line — they handle recalls regularly and can walk you through the process. Keep the package or take photos of the label, lot number, and expiration date before you throw it away, because most companies ask for proof.

Why treats get recalled and what contamination means

Dog treat recalls usually happen for three reasons: bacterial contamination (salmonella or E. coli), mold or mycotoxins, or physical hazards like plastic, glass, or metal fragments. Bacterial contamination can make your dog sick and, in rare cases, spread to your household through contact with your dog's mouth or feces. Mold produces toxins that can damage your dog's liver or kidneys. Physical hazards can cause choking or internal injury.

The FDA does not test every batch of pet treats before they reach stores — manufacturers are responsible for their own safety testing. When contamination is discovered (usually through customer reports or the manufacturer's own testing), the company reports it to the FDA and issues a recall. The FDA then posts it publicly and tracks whether the recall is effective. This is why checking the official sources matters: a recall might be weeks old before social media picks it up, and by then more dogs may have eaten the product.

Preventing problems: storage and buying habits

Store treats in a cool, dry place in an airtight container. Moisture and heat can encourage mold growth, especially in treats with meat or peanut butter. Check the expiration date before giving treats to your dog, even if the package looks fine. Treats past their expiration date are more likely to have developed mold or bacterial growth.

Buy treats from retailers you trust and check the package before you leave the store if possible. Look for signs of damage, moisture, or an off smell. If you buy online, inspect the package when it arrives. Treats that arrive damaged or with visible mold should be returned immediately. Rotating brands occasionally can reduce your risk if one manufacturer has a recall — you will not have months of the same product on hand.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take for a recall to show up on the FDA website?

The FDA posts recalls as soon as the manufacturer reports them, which can be within days of discovery. However, some contamination is not discovered until customers report illness, so a recall might not exist yet even if a product is contaminated. Checking the FDA site weekly is a reasonable habit if your dog eats commercial treats regularly.

Can I get sick from handling a recalled dog treat?

Bacterial contamination like salmonella can spread to humans through contact with the treat or your dog's mouth and feces. Wash your hands after handling treats and after petting your dog if they have eaten a recalled product. Mold and mycotoxins are less likely to affect humans through casual contact, but it is still safer to dispose of recalled treats rather than eat them yourself.

What if the manufacturer is out of business or will not respond?

Contact the FDA directly through their website or call your state's department of agriculture. They can help you report the recall and may have information about the manufacturer's status. If the company is defunct, you may not be able to get a refund, but reporting the incident helps the FDA track patterns and protect other pet owners.

Do I need to take my dog to the vet if they ate a recalled treat but seem fine?

If your dog shows no symptoms after 48 hours, a vet visit is usually not necessary. However, if the recall involved salmonella or another bacteria, your veterinarian may recommend a preventive exam or stool test, especially if your dog is very young, very old, or has a weak immune system. Call your vet and describe the recall — they can advise you based on your dog's age and health.

Should I stop buying treats from a brand that had a recall?

One recall does not mean a brand is unsafe forever. Many reputable manufacturers have had recalls because they discovered contamination and reported it responsibly. However, if a brand has multiple recalls or a pattern of the same problem, it may be worth switching. Check the FDA's recall history for that brand to see whether recalls are isolated incidents or recurring issues.