Did Pedigree get recalled

Pedigree Dog Food Review 2024: Recalls, Pros, and Cons

Our Final Verdict

We give Pedigree dog fooda rating of 4.0 out of 5 stars:

Introduction

The Pedigree brand of dog food probably doesnt need much introduction weve all seen these products on the shelves of our local supermarket or pet supply store. In fact, one of the major selling points of this brand is its availability and affordable price point.

As we all know, however, just because something is cheap and easy to find, that doesnt mean its the best option out there. While Pedigree dog food is an accessible option for owners on a budget, its far from the best dog food you could be feeding your canine companions. Between low-quality ingredients and an extensive recall history, it might be time to switch your dog to a more expensive brand. Before you do, though, heres what you need to know:

At a Glance: The Best Pedigree Dog Food Recipes:

The Pedigree brand offers a variety of dog food formulas, including wet food, dry food, and treats. As of our review, here are a few of the best dog food recipes offered by Pedigree:

Pedigree Dog Food Reviewed

Pedigree is an affordable, widely available brand of dog food that almost every pet owner has seen on their local pet store or supermarket shelves. While these formulas are a go-to option for dog owners on a strict budget, they might not be the best option for all (or even most) hungry canines.

Who makes Pedigree Dog Food and where is it produced?

The Pedigree brand is one of many dog food labels owned by Mars, Incorporated, which also owns popular human consumables like M&M candies, Snickers, and Milky Way. Dont worry, though the factories that make your favorite candy bars are not also making your dogs dinner!

While many Pedigree dog food formulas bear a Made in the U.S.A. label, its unclear if this applies to every dog food recipe manufactured by the brand. Since this information isnt readily available, we think its safe to say that not all Pedigree dog food formulas are made in the United States. If youre concerned about where your dogs food is manufactured, we suggest only purchasing Pedigree products that display the Made in the U.S.A. label.

Which Types of Dogs Is Pedigree Dog Food Best Suited For?

Overall, we recommend Pedigree dog food for pups in good health. In other words, these arent necessarily the best formulas for dogs with pre-existing health conditions, food allergies, and other concerns.

With that said, this brand is one of the most affordable dog food labels out there for a reason. If youre able to invest a little extra into your regular dog food budget, your four-legged companions might be better off with something of a bit higher quality.

While we understand that not all dog owners can afford premium dog food formulas, some great alternatives available at your local supermarket might include the Nutro Wholesome Essentials Adult Dry Food or the Purina Pro Plan FOCUS Adult Sensitive Skin & Stomach.

Whats Inside? (The Good and the Bad)

Although Pedigree dog food is not perfect, one great thing about the company is its willingness to share information about its core ingredients. These include:

Whole corn

Despite its poor reputation, high-quality corn can actually be an important source of nutrients for your dog, including amino acids (protein), fiber, and linoleic acid. As long as your dog doesnt have any known corn allergies, theres no reason to avoid this ingredient entirely.

However, many Pedigree dry recipes feature corn as the very first ingredient, which means that animal-based proteins are not being prioritized.

Meat and bone meal

While its always nice to see whole meat as an ingredient in our dogs food, it is far from the only option when it comes to sourcing nutrient-dense animal protein. In Pedigrees case, most of its formulas rely on meat and bone meal instead.

In simple terms, meat and bone meal is a ground-up mixture of the unused parts of an animal after being slaughtered for human consumption. No, this doesnt sound very appetizing to our human stomachs, but dogs (and their wild ancestors) rely on bone, cartilage, and organ meat to get their required nutrients.

So, the use of this ingredient isnt too concerning. However, we wish there were additional sources of animal protein in most Pedigree formulas.

Beet pulp

Just like us humans, dogs need a good amount of fiber to stay regular. Beet pulp is a safe, easily digestible source of fiber.

Vegetable oil

According to Pedigree, several of its formulas contain vegetable oil. While its true that vegetable oil is a source of linoleic acid and can help boost coat appearance, there are better oils you could be feeding your dog.

Despite its popularity in dog food recipes, vegetable oil may cause diarrhea or other digestive symptoms in some dogs.

A Quick Look at Pedigree Dog Food

Calorie Breakdown:

• Widely available at supermarkets
• Different recipes for various dietary needs
• More affordable than competitors
• Some products are made in the U.S.A.

• Features some lower-quality ingredients
• Company has been subject to past recalls
• Not a good source of animal protein

Pedigree Dog Food Recall History

Though a larger brand is indeed more likely to experience recalls than a smaller competitor, the number of recalls issued by the Pedigree brand in recent years is on the high end.

In 2014, Pedigree recalled a selection of 55-pound dry dog food bags because of potential metal fragment contamination and a single lot of 15-pound dry dog food bags for possible contamination with a foreign material.

In 2012, Pedigree recalled three varieties of wet food for potential contamination with small pieces of plastic.

In 2008, Pedigree recalled a wide variety of dog food products because of potential salmonella contamination.

Unlike some other pet food companies, whose past recalls have been over relatively minor quality issues, Pedigrees recall history is concerning.

Reviews of the 3 Best Pedigree Dog Food Recipes

If youre interested in learning a little more about Pedigree dog food, heres a closer look at three of the brands best formulas:

1. Pedigree Dry Dog Food High Protein (Beef & Lamb)

The Pedigree Dry Dog Food High Protein formula is popular among owners who want to boost the amount of muscle-building protein being fed to their dogs. Compared to the brands standard adult dry food, this formula contains 25% more protein. It also contains essential amino acids and nutrients to meet your dogs dietary needs.

The Beef & Lamb recipe contains a minimum of 27% protein, 12% fat, 4% fiber, and 12% moisture.

Despite our criticisms of the Pedigree brand, this formula is quite popular among consumers. You can see what other dog owners have to say about this dry dog food by reading the Chewy reviews.

• High-protein formula supports lean muscle
• Made in the U.S.A.
• Available at most pet food retailers
• Affordable for most dog owners

• Plant-based protein is the primary source
• Filler ingredients may trigger digestive issues

2. Pedigree Choice CUTSin Gravy (Country Stew)

If youre someone who prefers feeding your dog wet food over kibble, even if just as a special treat, the Pedigree Choice CUTS in Gravy is one of the brands most popular canned food recipes. Unlike the brands dry food formulas, the primary protein source in this food is real chicken, which is great to see. Looking at Pedigree wet dog food reviews, this formula offers well-balanced nutrition for the price.

For the Country Stew recipe, the minimum nutritional breakdown includes 8% protein, 3% fat, 1% fiber, and 83% moisture.

Many dog owners on a budget rely on this food to feed their canine family members, so we encourage you to check out what other consumers have to say by reading the Chewy reviewsfor this product.

• Meat is the primary protein source
• More affordable than many other wet formulas
• Made in the U.S.A.
• Highly digestible ingredients
• Features nutritious fats for coat and skin health

• Protein content is on the low end
• Does not contain much fiber
• Contains a large amount of gravy

3. Pedigree Dry Dog Food Puppy(Chicken & Vegetable)

For those looking for a Pedigree puppy food review, the Pedigree Dry Dog Food Puppy formula is definitely the brands most popular option. This recipe includes key nutrients for puppy development, such as DHA, calcium, and phosphorus. Like Pedigrees adult dry food formulas, though, this product does rely heavily on plant-based protein.

In the Chicken & Vegetable flavor, youll find a minimum of 27% protein, 11% fat, 4% fiber, and 12% moisture.

To hear what other puppy owners have to say about this dry food formula, we suggest hopping over to the Amazon reviews.

• Designed for the needs of young dogs
• Includes a good amount of protein
• Affordable and easy to find
• Made in the U.S.A.

• Primary protein sources are corn and soy
• Not ideal for some large breed puppies

What Other Users Are Saying About Pedigree Dog Food

Looking at what other reviewers have to say about Pedigree and its line of dog food formulas, its clear that we arent the only ones who think this brand is acceptable but definitely not the best.

PetAware: Although Pedigree formulates its products to conform to standards set by nutrition authorities, their use of questionable ingredients cannot be overlooked.

DogFoodAdvisor: Pedigree is a grain-inclusive dry dog food using a modest amount of poultry by-product or meat and bone meals as its main source of animal protein.

Dog Food Insider: This is not a food you want to feed your dog if you have alternatives. There are some other foods that have some of the same ingredients, but this food has none of the better ingredients you usually find to offset ingredients you dont like.

Labrador Training HQ: It is safe to say that this dog food, while popular, is not the top dog food that you should be serving to your pup.

Conclusion

So, should you feed your dog Purina dog food? In the grand scheme of things, feeding your dog one of the Purina dog food formulas, either short or long term, is unlikely to do any harm. Theres a reason that Pedigree is one of the most popular budget dog food brands out there, and we dont see it going anywhere any time soon.

On the other hand, we believe that there is a wide variety of other great options out there that may be healthier for your dog than Pedigree Dog Food. If you have access to higher-quality dog food, we definitely recommend checking out your options before settling on a Pedigree formula.

Pedigree Dog Food Recall

The recent recall of certain Pedigree dog food products has sparked concern among pet owners worldwide. In this comprehensive guide, we delve deep into the details of the recall, helping you understand its implications and how to ensure your furry friends safety and health.

Breaking Down the Recall: The Essential Facts

What Happened?

Pedigree, a well-known brand in the pet food industry, has voluntarily recalled specific varieties of its weight management canned dog food products due to potential choking hazards. This move reflects the brands commitment to pet safety, though it raises questions among consumers.

Recall Timeline

Reference:https://www.fda.gov/animal-veterinary/safety-health/recalls-withdrawals

Understanding the Risks: Why Was It Recalled?

Choking Hazard Explained:

• Physical Risk: The recall was initiated due to the potential presence of small pieces of plastic, posing a choking risk to dogs.
• Health Implications: While no health issues other than choking have been reported, its crucial to be vigilant.

Comparative Risk Analysis:

Pet Owner Actions: What Should You Do?

Checking Your Product:

1. Lot Number Verification: Compare the lot number on your product with the recall list.
2. Purchase Location: Confirm if the purchase location matches the distribution areas of the recalled products.

If You Have a Recalled Product:

• Cease Feeding: Immediately stop feeding the product to your pet.
• Contact Veterinarian: If your pet has consumed the recalled food, monitor for distress and consult a vet if necessary.
• Return or Dispose: Return the product to the place of purchase or dispose of it safely.

Alternatives to Consider:

• Switch to Other Pedigree Products: Non-recalled Pedigree products are still safe.
• Explore Other Brands: Consider other reputable brands with no recent recalls.

Expert Opinion: Is Pedigree Still Reliable?

Pedigree, despite the recall, maintains a strong reputation in the pet food industry. This recall, although significant, represents a proactive approach to pet safety rather than a systemic issue.

Staying Updated: Future Recalls and Safety Measures

Keeping Informed:

• FDA Website: Regularly check the FDAs recall page for pet food.
• Brand Websites: Monitor Pedigrees official website for updates.
• Veterinary Advice: Stay in touch with your vet for professional guidance.

Proactive Pet Care:

• Regular Health Checks: Ensure your pet undergoes routine veterinary examinations.
• Diet Monitoring: Keep a close eye on your pets reaction to new foods.

FAQs About Pedigree Dog Food Recall

Q1: How can I identify if my Pedigree dog food is part of the recall?

To determine if your Pedigree dog food is affected, locate the lot number on the packaging. This number is typically found on the bottom or back of the can or bag. Compare this number with the list of recalled lot numbers provided on the Pedigree website or the FDAs recall announcement. If theres a match, your product is part of the recall.

Q2: What immediate steps should I take if my dog has consumed recalled food?

If your dog has consumed the recalled Pedigree food, observe them closely for any signs of distress, such as choking, coughing, or discomfort. Even if your dog appears to be fine, its a good idea to consult with your veterinarian for advice, mentioning the specific product consumed. Keep a portion of the food in case your veterinarian needs it for examination.

Q3: Can I get a refund for my recalled Pedigree dog food?

Yes, most retailers will offer a refund or exchange for recalled products. Its advised to return the product to the store where it was purchased. Bring your receipt if possible, but many stores will honor returns without it, especially for recalled items. Contact Pedigrees customer service for further assistance if you encounter any issues.

Q4: Are there any long-term health risks associated with the recalled Pedigree dog food?

As of the latest information, there have been no reports of long-term health risks directly linked to the recalled Pedigree dog food. The primary concern is the immediate physical risk of choking. However, its always prudent to monitor your dogs health and consult with a veterinarian if you notice any unusual symptoms or behaviors.

Q5: How can I ensure the dog food I purchase in the future is safe?

To maximize safety in future purchases, consider the following tips:

• Stay Informed: Regularly check the FDA and brand websites for any new recalls or safety notices.
• Quality Check: Opt for dog foods with high-quality ingredients and a strong safety record. Research and read reviews before trying a new brand.
• Batch Tracking: Keep a note of the lot numbers of the dog food you purchase. This practice can be invaluable in quickly identifying if you have a potentially affected product in a future recall.

Q6: Has there been a pattern of recalls with Pedigree dog food?

Pedigree has had occasional recalls in the past, but these incidents are not frequent enough to suggest a consistent pattern of quality control issues. Its important to consider that recalls can sometimes be a sign of a companys commitment to safety and proactive measures.

Q7: Are certain types of dog food less likely to be recalled?

While no type of dog food is immune to recalls, historically, dry dog foods have had fewer incidents compared to wet or canned foods. However, this does not necessarily mean they are safer. The key is to choose products from brands with stringent quality control practices and a transparent approach to sourcing and manufacturing their products.

Q8: What alternative dog food brands are recommended during the Pedigree recall?

When looking for alternatives, consider brands with a strong safety record and minimal history of recalls. Some reputable brands include Purina Pro Plan, Royal Canin, and Hills Science Diet. Always transition to new food gradually to avoid gastrointestinal issues for your dog.

Q9: How can I report a problem if I suspect my dog is affected by the recalled food?

If you suspect your dog is adversely affected by the recalled Pedigree dog food, you should report it to both the FDAs Safety Reporting Portal and Pedigrees customer service. Documenting symptoms and maintaining a sample of the food can be crucial for investigation. Also, consult your veterinarian, as they can provide necessary medical reports to support your claim.

Q10: What are the key ingredients to avoid in dog food, and does Pedigree generally contain these?

When choosing dog food, its wise to avoid artificial preservatives, colors, and flavors, as well as excessive fillers like corn and soy. While Pedigree products generally meet industry standards, some formulations may include these ingredients. Always read the label carefully to ensure the food aligns with your pets dietary needs.

Q11: How does Pedigree handle quality control to prevent future recalls?

Pedigree, like most reputable pet food brands, employs rigorous quality control measures including ingredient sourcing checks, manufacturing process monitoring, and finished product testing. Following a recall, these protocols are typically reviewed and enhanced to prevent future issues, demonstrating the brands commitment to pet safety.

Q12: Are there specific signs I should watch for in my dog that may indicate a reaction to recalled food?

Symptoms to watch for include gastrointestinal distress (such as vomiting or diarrhea), choking or gagging, changes in appetite or water consumption, and any unusual behavior or lethargy. These signs can indicate a reaction to the food and warrant immediate veterinary attention.

Q13: How often should I check for pet food recalls, and where is the most reliable information found?

Its prudent for pet owners to check for recalls every few months, or whenever purchasing a new batch of food. The most reliable sources for recall information are the FDAs recall website and the manufacturers official channels. Setting up alerts from these sources can ensure timely updates.

Q14: In the case of a recall, how should I transition my dog to a new food brand safely?

When transitioning to a new food, especially under the stress of a recall, its important to do so gradually over a period of 7-10 days. Start by mixing a small amount of the new food with the old, gradually increasing the proportion of the new food while decreasing the old. This method helps prevent digestive upset.

Q15: Can homemade diets be a safer alternative during a dog food recall?

Homemade diets can be a temporary alternative during a recall, but they must be well-balanced and meet all of your dogs nutritional needs. Consult with a veterinarian or a canine nutritionist to formulate a suitable homemade diet. Long-term feeding of unbalanced homemade diets can lead to nutritional deficiencies or excesses.

Q16: Is there a difference in recall frequency or severity between premium and economy dog food brands?

Premium dog food brands often have stricter quality control measures, which can result in fewer recalls. However, recalls are not exclusive to any price range and can occur in any brand if manufacturing or ingredient sourcing issues arise. Regardless of the brand, always stay informed about potential recalls.

Q17: How can I educate myself more about dog food safety and nutrition?

To enhance your knowledge of dog food safety and nutrition, consider resources such as veterinary blogs, peer-reviewed studies, and educational seminars from animal nutrition experts. Engaging with professional groups or online forums dedicated to pet health can also provide valuable insights.

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