This past week the FDA had its hands full with warnings and recalls in the pet space.
The organization posted a caution to dog parents to not feed their pups any Performance Dog frozen raw pet food because it has tested positive for salmonella and listeria. It suggests any Performance Dog frozen raw pet food manufactured after produced on or after July 22, 2019 be thrown away.
The recall was issued because this product is a serious health threat to both humans and dogs. The FDA is particularly worried because people tend to store this product in their freezer and keep it there long after the manufacture date. The product is sold in two-pound bags, and though they have the lot code as 072219, it does not appear on retail packages.
This is the second recall of Bravo Packing, Inc., the manufacturer of Performance Dog raw pet food. In September 2018, the same product was recalled due to salmonella. Additionally, 2016, an inspection at the plant found the drugs pentobarbital and phenytoin in “horse meat chunk animal food.”
In the same week, the CDC and the FDA continue to investigate a multi-state report of drug-resistant salmonella infections linked to contact with pig ear dog treats. The latest business to get its pig ears recalled is TDBBS LLC, the umbrella company in which the popular Best Bully Sticks lives under, according to Dave Baker of Petful.
This product was shipped between April 22, 2019, and Aug. 13, 2019. The UPCs are X001768PNB and X000RBC5VF.
Symptoms of Salmonella and Listeria
Salmonella and listeria are both bacteria. Dogs may not display any symptoms, but they can still pass it on to their humans.
When dogs do have noticeable Salmonella symptoms, they include:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea (possibly bloody or containing mucous)
- Fever
- Loss of appetite
- Lethargy
- Weight loss
- Dehydration
- Fast heart rate
- Shock
Dogs that are young, old or have compromised immune symptoms are most at risk for serious illnesses. If you notice any of these symptoms (or if you get sick yourself), get your dog to a veterinarian.
Related: What Do Popular Dog Food Terms Even Mean?
Listeria in dogs can be fatal if not treated immediately. If your dog is on a raw diet particularly, and you notice these symptoms, you should take your dog to your veterinarian (or an emergency animal hospital) asap.
Initial signs of listeria are similar to flu symptoms. Symptoms of listeria infection include:
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Weakness
- Fever
- Drooling excessively
- Muscle soreness
- Lethargy
- Stiff neck
- Lack of coordination
- Skin infections
Later symptoms of listeria include paralysis of the face, which causes the face to be droopy. Listeria will eventually affect the brain, causing it to swell. Early diagnosis is critical, when it can still be treated with high doses of antibiotics.
If your dog may have ingested contaminated pig ears, return or disregard and contact TDBBS customer service at 877-483-5853 or customerservice@tdbbsllc.com.
If your dog ate Performance Dog food, make sure you contact the company, along with reporting the products electronically through the Safety Reporting Portal.
Related: In Update, FDA Shares Dog Food Brands Possibly Linked to Particular Type of Heart Disease
