Purina is expanding a recall for dog food due to potentially elevated levels of vitamin D, which could lead to death.
The company originally issued a recall for its Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets EL Elemental, a prescription dry dog food, in February.
The expansion comes following an investigation 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, according to the Food and Drug Administration.
Vitamin D is an essential nutrient for dogs. However, elevated levels of vitamin D can cause "vomiting, loss of appetite, increased thirst, increased urination and excessive drooling to renal dysfunction," the FDA said. A continued diet with too much vitamin D can even be fatal.
The recall was triggered after Purina received reports of two separate confirmed cases of a dog exhibiting signs of vitamin D toxicity after consuming the food. Once taken off the diet, each of these dogs recovered.
The affected dog food was sold in 8 lb. and 20 lb. bags and distributed throughout the U.S. by prescription only through veterinary clinics, Purina Vet Direct, Purina for Professionals, and other select retailers with the ability to validate a prescription.
The original recall included the following production codes: 2249 1082, 2250 1082, 2276 1082, 2277 1082, 2290 1082, 2360 1082 and 2361 1082.
The expanded recall includes two additional production codes: 2213 1082 and 2214 1082.
People who have the recalled product should stop feeding it to their pet immediately and throw it away in a container that other animals can't get into, the FDA said.
If your pet is suffering from symptoms including weight loss, excessive drooling, vomiting, loss of appetite or increased thirst or urination, contact a veterinarian.
"We sincerely apologize to pet owners and veterinarians for the concerns and inconvenience this recall has caused," Purina said in a statement. "We fully recognize that dog owners who rely on PPVD EL Elemental are anxiously awaiting its return to market, and we are working hard to make this unique and life-changing formula available again within the next few months."
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