A small amount of one recipe has the potential to contain elevated levels of naturally occurring beef thyroid hormone. In an abundance of caution, we are voluntarily recalling a limited amount of one canned dog food product.
From the Wellness website:
At WellPet, our team takes food safety matters very seriously, so in an abundance of caution, we are voluntarily recalling a limited amount of one canned dog food product.
Recalled Product Details:
• Wellness 95% Beef Topper for Dogs – 13.2 oz
• Best-By Dates of 02 FEB 19, 29 AUG 19 and 30 AUG 19, located on the bottom of the can
(Please click here for a photo of the product and how the Best-By Date appears.)
A small amount of one recipe has the potential to contain elevated levels of naturally occurring beef thyroid hormone. Elevated levels may affect a dog’s metabolism and can be associated with increased thirst, increased urinary output, restless behavior and weight loss. Even though the chance of a dog being affected is remote, we are voluntarily recalling this recipe and only these three best-by dates as an extra precaution.
Our Consumer Affairs team has received no reports of any health problems as a result of feeding this recipe. No other Wellness products are affected.
Given that the recipe is a mixer or topper and intended for intermittent or supplemental feeding only, the likelihood of a dog being affected is remote. Multiple studies indicate that, for the vast majority of pets, symptoms are reversible as soon as the pet stops eating product with elevated thyroid hormone.
If you have any of the 13.2 oz recipe with these three best-by dates, please email us at wecare@wellpet.com or call us at 1-877-227-9587.
Please know that safeguarding the health and wellbeing of pets is of the utmost importance to us. We fully intend on maintaining the trust you have placed in us to keep your pets healthy and happy, and are removing this product as part of our ongoing commitment to quality and food safety.
Sincerely,
Camelle Kent
Chief Executive Officer
anniesezso
March 18, 2017 at 11:22 am
What does “elevated levels of naturally occurring beef thyroid hormone” mean? If it is naturally occurring how does it become “elevated?” I ordered one case of this recalled food to supplement my regularly fed Caru, from your approved list, because the Caru protein content seems low.
I want to know if this Wellness product could be lethal, so I plan to have a can of the contents tested. Iowa State University is the closest university specializing in veterinary medicine to my home, is this the correct way to go about testing since they are heavily funded and supported by Big Ag and the federal government?
Susan Thixton
March 18, 2017 at 11:35 am
I suspect “elevated levels of naturally occurring beef thyroid hormone” means they used high levels of beef thyroid glands in the pet food – which could be very problematic for the pets consuming the food. With testing, you could explain the recall information to the lab – ask them for suggestions on what to test the food for.
anniesezso
March 19, 2017 at 1:57 am
Thank you for the reply Susan. I guess i couldn’t imagine using enough of one body part (thyroid glands) in the mix to get to an elevated level necessitating recall.
Reader
March 18, 2017 at 12:47 pm
I don’t think Wellness is on an “approved” list. However a wide range of PF brands and recipes are categorized in the Petsumer Report where the ingredients and attributes are described. From Susan’s various articles, and from the footnotes provided, a reader can make a determination about whether (or not) the product is useful.
And even a listing doesn’t preclude a future recall.
anniesezso
March 19, 2017 at 2:06 am
Wellness isn’t on the list, but as I said above Caru is. I feed Caru and add either home cooked beef or chicken to boost protein level and flavor, but wanted to have something on hand for the occasional times I don’t have anything cooked ahead. Bad choice.
Christine
March 18, 2017 at 3:32 pm
There was one complaint of illness to the FDA from the Blue Buffalo can being recalled for the same reason, so it’s possible it could cause trouble for another dog. We’ll be interested to hear what you find.
Kim
March 22, 2017 at 6:23 am
Would guess that BB and Wellness use the same plant…?
Anonymous
March 23, 2017 at 11:59 pm
You would guess correctly. And it would be called Simmons…