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Before you feed your dogs, check to be sure they're not eating something that could potentially make them ill. The FDA has tested samples of Answers Pet Food and Darwin's Natural Pet Products and found salmonella and listeria. Answers voluntarily withdrew contaminated foods.
Certain lots of Answers dog food and Darwin's Natural Pet Products, which includes dog and cat food, have been recalled after the FDA tested samples of the brand's pet food, which tested positive for salmonella and listeria. So far, no illnesses related to the recall have been reported, according to the FDA's press release.
Answers' Detailed Beef Formula for Dogs, Straight Beef Formula for Dogs and Straight Chicken Formula for Dogs were recalled.
Salmonella was discovered in six samples of Darwin’s Natural Pet Products’s raw dog food and listeria was found in one. Only about 3% of Darwin’s Natural customers are likely to be affected, according to the release. So far, no illnesses related to the recall have been reported, according to the FDA's press release.
The Answers Pet Food products being recalled are 4-pound half-gallon cartons:
Darwin’s Natural Selections Antibiotic & Grain-Free Chicken Recipe for Dogs
Darwin’s Natural Selections Antibiotic & Grain-Free Chicken Recipe for Cats
According to the FDA, "Listeria monocytogenes rarely causes illness in dogs, but it is possible. Dogs can have mild symptoms such as diarrhea and vomiting." In more severe — though rare — cases, listeria can cause muscle pain, fever, breathing problems, and even death.
It's important to keep in mind that even if a pet doesn't show any symptoms, it can still be a carrier of the bacteria and spread it to humans. Symptoms in humans may include headache, fever, headache, nausea, muscle aches, stiff neck, abdominal pain, diarrhea, confusion, loss of balance, and convulsions. Young children, elderly people, pregnant women, and those with weakened immune systems are also particularly vulnerable.
Salmonella, however, has a higher chance of making your pet sick, particularly if they are very young or have a weakened immune system. "Pets with Salmonella infections may be lethargic and have diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever, and vomiting," according to the FDA. "Some pets may only exhibit decreased appetite, fever, and abdominal pain." Similar to listeria, pets that don't exhibit symptoms can still be carries and infect humans and other animals.
If your dog or cat has eaten potentially tainted food, call your vet to ask. If your pet is older or has other health complications, it may be a good idea to go in.
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