Pet food recalls explained and how to keep your dog or cat safe

Seeing a pet food recall in the news can understandably be worrying, especially if you spot a brand or product, you regularly feed your dog or cat.

Pet food can be recalled for several reasons, from possible bacterial contamination to manufacturing problems. The important thing is knowing where to find reliable information, how to check whether your pet's food is affected and what to do next.

Here's what every pet owner should know about pet food recalls in the UK.

What is a pet food recall?

A product recall happens when a food safety issue is identified after a product has reached consumers and owners are advised to take action.

Pet food may be recalled because of concerns including contamination, harmful bacteria, foreign materials or other safety and quality issues.

You may also see a product described as “withdrawn”. This usually means it has been removed from the supply chain, while a recall asks consumers who may already have the product to take action.

How do I find out about UK pet food recalls?

If you hear about a dog food or cat food recall, always check the information against an official source rather than relying solely on social media posts.

The Food Standards Agency publishes food alerts and Product Recall Information Notices explaining which products are affected, why they have been recalled and what consumers should do.

It's worth checking the exact:

• Product name
• Pack size
• Batch or lot code
• Best-before or use-by date
• Manufacturer or brand

Recalls often apply to specific batches rather than every product made by a particular brand, so checking these details carefully is important.

What should I do if my pet food has been recalled?

First, stop feeding your pet the affected product and follow the instructions provided in the official recall notice.

Depending on the recall, you may be asked to return the product to the retailer for a refund or dispose of it safely.

If your dog or cat has eaten recalled food and you notice any unusual symptoms or changes in their behaviour, contact your vet for advice. Let them know which food your pet has eaten and have the packaging or batch information available if possible.

Never continue feeding recalled food simply because your pet appears well.

Look out for changes in your pet

Different food safety problems can cause different symptoms, so there isn't one single sign that something is wrong.

Getting to know what's normal for your pet makes it easier to notice changes in their appetite, energy levels, behaviour or toilet habits.

If you're concerned about your pet's health following a recall, speak to your vet rather than attempting to diagnose or treat the problem yourself.

Store pet food safely at home

Good food hygiene is important whether or not a recall is in place.

Keep dog food and cat food according to the manufacturer's storage instructions and always check packaging for damage before serving it.

Wash dog bowls and cat feeding bowls regularly, clean food preparation surfaces and wash your hands after handling pet food.

Extra care is particularly important with raw pet food. Keep it separate from food intended for people, clean utensils and feeding bowls thoroughly and take care to prevent cross-contamination when storing or defrosting products.

Avoid suddenly changing your pet's diet

If your pet's usual food is recalled, you'll naturally need to stop using the affected product.

However, suddenly changing a dog's or cat's diet can sometimes cause digestive upset. If you're unsure what alternative food to choose, particularly if your pet has allergies, health conditions or specific nutritional requirements, ask your vet for advice.

When choosing everyday dog food, cat food, puppy food or treats, always select products suitable for your pet's species, age and individual dietary needs.

Keep packaging and batch information

It can be tempting to throw food packaging away as soon as you open it, particularly if you transfer dry food into storage containers.

However, keeping the original packaging or taking a photo of the label means you'll still have access to important information such as batch numbers and best-before dates if a recall is announced.

If you use a separate storage container, make sure it's clean, dry and suitable for storing pet food.

Stay informed about pet food recalls

Pet food recalls don't happen every day, but knowing what to do means you can act quickly if a product your pet eats is ever affected.

Check trusted sources for the latest information, keep an eye on product batch numbers and contact your vet if you're concerned about your pet's health.

At Wundapets, you'll find a wide range of pet food, treats, feeding accessories and everyday pet care essentials for dogs, cats and other much-loved pets.

Don't forget to tag us @wundapets and show us your wonderful pets. We'd love to see them!