Purina Expands Recall of Prescription Dog Food Over Vitamin D Levels

The FDA warns that elevated levels on Vitamin D can result in loss of appetite, increased thirst and other health problems for dogs.

Nestlé Purina PetCare Co., a subsidiary of Switzerland-based Nestle  (NSRGY) - Get Free Report, expanded its voluntary recall of Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets EL Elemental (PPVD EL) prescription dry dog food due to concerns about elevated levels of vitamin D.

The original announcement was made on Feb. 8, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration said, and was updated on March 10. 

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An error by a supplier resulted in potentially elevated levels of vitamin D in two additional product lots. No other Purina pet care products are affected.

The production dates of the two additional product lots precede the production dates of the previously recalled lots, the FDA said. 

The latest recall covers lot Nos. 2213 1082 and 2214 1082, UPC code Nos. 38100 19190 (for 8-pound bags) and 38100 19192 (for 20-pound bags).

The FDA said that the expansion follows an investigation prompted by Purina that uncovered new information about a production error from a U.S. supplier that was made only to this specific formula and resulted in potentially elevated levels of Vitamin D.

While Vitamin D is an essential nutrient for dogs, ingesting elevated levels can lead to health issues depending on the level of vitamin D and the length of exposure.

Dangers of Vitamin D Toxicity 

Vitamin D toxicity may include vomiting, loss of appetite, increased thirst, increased urination, and excessive drooling to renal (kidney) dysfunction.

The affected dry dog food was distributed throughout the United States by prescription only through veterinary clinics, Purina Vet Direct, Purina for Professionals, and other select retailers with the ability to validate a prescription.

Pet owners who purchased bags of the product listed above are asked to immediately stop feeding and throw it away in a container where no other animals, including wildlife, can get to it.

If signs such as weight loss, excessive drooling, vomiting, loss of appetite or increased thirst or urination have occurred in their dog while eating this diet, pet owners should contact their veterinarian.

Veterinary and other retail partners should remove and destroy the affected product from their inventory.

Consumers may contact Purina Monday - Saturday, 8am - 5pm CST at 1-800-345-5678 or via email for questions or assistance in getting a refund.

In December Nestlé Purina voluntarily recalled a limited amount of its Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets EN Gastroenteric Low Fat prescription wet dog food due to a labeling error.

The company said it made the move "out of abundance of caution," according to a filing with FDA.