Pet Food Recall: These Deadly Dog, Cat Foods Could Put Your Animals At Risk

After receiving multiple reports of dogs dying, Midwestern Pet Foods has issued a recall of several lots of dog and cat foods because they may contain high levels of Aflatoxin – a toxin produced by mold – that exceeds acceptable limits.

The recalled pet foods were distributed nationally to both online distributors and at the retail store level, as confirmed by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA).

The affected dog and cat food include the Sportmix Energy Plus, Sportmix Premium High Energy, and Sportmix Original Cat brands.

Lot numbers and expiration dates can be found on the back of the bag in a three-line code. Codes include:

• 50# Sportmix Energy Plus Lots Exp 03/02/22/05/L2, 03/02/22/05/L3, 03/03/22/05/L2
• 44# Sportmix Energy Plus Lots 03/02/22/05/L3
• 50# Sportmix Premium High Energy Lots 03/03/22/05/L3
• 44# Sportmix Premium High Energy Lots 03/03/22/05/L3
• 31# Sportmix Original Cat Lots 03/03/22/05/L3
• 15# Sportmix Original Cat Lots 03/03/22/05/L2, 03/03/22/05/L3

Labels of the recalled pet food products can be viewed here.

Consumers are being urged to stop feeding their pets or any other animal the recalled dog and cat food. The products should be destroyed so that children, pets, and wildlife cannot access them. All pet food bowls, cups, and storage containers that came in contact with the pet food should be sanitized.

Aflatoxin can grow on corn and other grains used as an ingredient in dog and cat foods. When Aflatoxin is present at high levels, it can cause illness and death in pets.

Midwestern Pets has received eight reports of illnesses and 28 deaths in dogs associated with the pet food that has been recalled. It said it has not received any reports of cat or human illnesses.

Pets that have aflatoxin poisoning may show signs of sluggishness, loss of appetite, diarrhea, vomiting, and jaundice, which includes a yellowish tint to the eyes, gums, or skin due to liver damage.

If a pet displays these symptoms, they should be seen by a veterinarian immediately, where their full diet history should be provided, including pictures of the pet food label they are being fed.

The FDA has alerted veterinarians about the recall and said the investigation is ongoing.

Questions about the recall can be directed to Midwestern Pet Foods Consumer Affairs at 1-800-474-4163, ext. 455, Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. CST or by email at info@midwesternpetfoods.com.