News

A Warning To All Dog Owners

by Celia Darrough

A California-based speciality company OC Raw Dog is recalling a dog food product due to a possible salmonella contamination. The company released a press statement posted on the U.S. Food & Drug Administration's website, announcing they had voluntarily recalled 2,055 pounds of its Turkey & Produce Raw Frozen Canine Formulation after a routine sampling program revealed a presumptive positive. "We will be making several changes to our methods of production in order to further protect the product we so firmly believe in," the company said in a statement.

The products affected are the 6.5-pound Doggie Dozen Patties and 5-pound Bulk Bags with the lot number 1511 and use-by date of Oct. 8, 2015. These specific products were distributed only to four states: Minnesota, Missouri, Pennsylvania, and Colorado. If you bought one of the affected products, you can return it to where you purchased it for a full refund or a replacement product. OC Raw Dog said the food was sold through independent pet specialty retailers.

Salmonella affects pets in several severe ways. Although some dogs might exhibit only a decreased appetite, lethargy, and abdominal pain, others might have diarrhea, vomiting, and a fever. Go straight to the vet if your pet is acting in any strange way — and even infected dogs can appear healthy.

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In fact, affected animals — even if they don't show any symptoms — can transmit the infection to humans. Even if you've just handled the dog food and then didn't thoroughly wash your hands, you could be at risk for salmonella infection. And that's no fun for humans, either.

Just in 2015, there have been several pet food recalls for salmonella risks. According to the FDA, there have been at least seven recalls because of possible salmonella contamination since Jan. 1. They include Oma's Purr cat food and Big Bark beef jerky treats in January; J.J. Fuds Beef, Chicken & Duckling Tender Chunk Treats, Buster's Natural Pet Supply 6” Beef Trachea Pet Treat, and Nutrisca dog food in February; and Nylabone chew bones in April.

OC Raw Dog, according to its website, is a family-owned business passionate about providing natural food for animals. The Turkey & Produce formula is made from locally raised antibiotic-free and hormone-free turkeys as well as a mix of fruits and veggies. OC Raw Dog is no longer making or distributing the product until an investigation by it and the FDA is complete; no illnesses have yet been reported.

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