How to Check if Your Pet's Food Is on a Recall List

Where to find current pet food recalls

The FDA's pet food recall page is the official source for recalls in the United States. You can search by brand name, product name, or the reason for the recall. The page updates as new recalls are announced, though there is often a lag between when a company discovers a problem and when the FDA posts it publicly.

Your pet's food manufacturer may also post recalls on their own website before the FDA lists them. If you buy from a specific retailer — a pet store chain, grocery store, or online seller — that retailer's website sometimes has a recall section too. Checking multiple sources gives you a fuller picture, since not every recall reaches every channel at the same time.

The FDA's Center for Veterinary Medicine handles pet food recalls. Their page includes the product name, the lot or batch code, the reason for the recall (contamination, mislabeling, or missing ingredients), and which states were affected. Some recalls are nationwide; others are regional.

Key Takeaways

• The FDA's pet food recall page is the official list, but manufacturer websites and retailer sites sometimes post recalls first.
• You need the exact product name and lot code from your bag or can to know whether your specific purchase is affected.
• Recalls happen for contamination (bacteria, mold, foreign objects), mislabeling (wrong ingredient listed), or nutritional problems (missing vitamins or minerals).
• If your pet has eaten recalled food, contact your veterinarian with the product name, lot code, and dates your pet ate it.
• You can sign up for email alerts from the FDA or from individual pet food brands to learn about recalls without checking manually.

How to identify your pet food's lot code

The lot code is printed on the bag or can and tells you when and where the food was made. It looks different for every manufacturer — some use numbers only, some use letters and numbers, and some include a date. The code is usually on the back or bottom of the package, sometimes near the expiration date.

Write down the exact lot code before you search for recalls. A recall might affect only certain lot codes made during a specific time period, so your bag might be safe even if the brand and product name match a recall. If you have already thrown away the packaging, take a photo of the bag or can before you discard it next time, or keep the label in a drawer.

If you cannot find the lot code, contact the manufacturer directly with the purchase date and store where you bought it. They can often tell you the lot code based on that information, or they can tell you whether that product was recalled during the time you bought it.

What to do if your pet's food is recalled

Stop feeding the recalled product immediately. Do not throw it away yet — keep the bag or can and the lot code information in case your veterinarian needs it or you need to return it to the store.

Contact your veterinarian and tell them the product name, lot code, and the dates your pet ate the food. Describe any symptoms your pet has shown: vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, loss of appetite, or anything unusual. Your veterinarian will advise whether your pet needs an exam or bloodwork based on the reason for the recall and your pet's current health.

Many recalls are precautionary — the manufacturer found a potential problem during testing but no pets have gotten sick yet. Other recalls happen because pets have already become ill. Your veterinarian knows the difference and can tell you how concerned to be.

Returning recalled food and getting a refund

Most retailers will accept the recalled product for a refund or replacement, even without a receipt. Bring the bag or can and the lot code information. Some stores ask you to fill out a form with your contact information so they can track the recall.

If you bought the food online, contact the seller's customer service with the product name and lot code. They will usually issue a refund or send a replacement without requiring you to return the original product, since shipping opened pet food is impractical.

Some manufacturers offer refunds directly if you contact them. Check the recall notice on the FDA website or the manufacturer's site — it usually says whether you should return the product to the store, contact the manufacturer, or both.

Setting up recall alerts so you do not miss updates

The FDA offers an email subscription for pet food recalls. You can sign up on their website to receive notifications whenever a new recall is posted. This is the most reliable way to stay informed without checking manually.

Many pet food brands also send email alerts to customers who have registered their products. Check your pet food's manufacturer website to see whether they offer this option. Some brands ask you to enter your lot code or purchase date to register; others simply ask for your email address.

Pet owner forums and social media groups sometimes share recall information quickly, but these sources are not official and can spread incomplete or incorrect information. Use them as a heads-up to check the FDA page yourself, not as your primary source.

Understanding why recalls happen and what they mean

Pet food recalls fall into three main categories. Contamination means bacteria (like Salmonella), mold, or foreign objects (glass, plastic, metal) were found in the food. Mislabeling means the ingredient list or nutritional information on the package does not match what is actually in the bag — for example, a food labeled as grain-free that actually contains grain, or a food that is missing a required ingredient. Nutritional problems mean the food lacks essential vitamins or minerals that the label promises.

A recall does not necessarily mean your pet will get sick. Contamination recalls are the most serious because bacteria can cause immediate illness. Mislabeling recalls are usually less urgent unless your pet has a specific allergy or medical condition that requires a particular ingredient or ingredient-free diet. Nutritional recalls are typically the least urgent because deficiencies develop over weeks or months, not immediately.

The FDA does not require pet food companies to recall products — companies do it voluntarily when they discover a problem. This means some contaminated or mislabeled food may never be officially recalled. Buying from established brands with good safety records reduces this risk, though no manufacturer is immune to recalls.

What to feed your pet while waiting for a replacement

If you need to switch foods immediately because of a recall, do not change brands abruptly. A sudden diet change can cause digestive upset. If you have another bag of the same brand that is not recalled, use that while you wait for a refund or replacement.

If you do not have a backup food, mix the new food gradually with the recalled food over three to five days — increasing the proportion of new food each day. This gives your pet's digestive system time to adjust. If your pet shows signs of digestive upset (vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite), slow down the transition or contact your veterinarian.

If the recall involves a serious contamination and you are concerned about feeding even a small amount of the recalled food, ask your veterinarian what they recommend. They may suggest a temporary diet of plain cooked chicken and rice while you source a replacement.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

There is usually a delay between when a company discovers a problem and when the FDA posts it. Some recalls appear within days; others take weeks. Manufacturers sometimes announce recalls on their own websites first. Check both the FDA page and your pet food brand's website to catch recalls as early as possible.

Can I get sick from handling recalled pet food?

Contamination recalls involving bacteria like Salmonella can affect humans who handle the food. Wash your hands after touching the bag or can, and do not let children play with the packaging. Most other types of recalls (mislabeling, nutritional problems) do not pose a risk to humans.

What if I fed my pet recalled food and they seem fine?

Many pets do not show symptoms even after eating contaminated food, especially if they ate only a small amount or for a short time. Contact your veterinarian anyway with the product name and lot code. They can advise whether your pet needs monitoring or testing based on the specific recall and your pet's age and health status.

Do I need to keep my receipt to return recalled food?

Most retailers do not require a receipt for recalled products. Bring the bag or can with the lot code visible. If the store asks for proof of purchase and you do not have a receipt, ask to speak with a manager — most stores will accept the product anyway because recalls are a safety issue, not a regular return.

Are store-brand pet foods recalled as often as name brands?

Recalls happen across all price points and brands. Store brands are sometimes made by the same manufacturers as name brands, so they may be included in the same recall. Check the FDA page for the specific product you buy, regardless of whether it is a premium brand or a budget option.