Introduction: Blue Wilderness Dog Food
Blue Wilderness dog food is a popular brand of dog food that is manufactured by Blue Buffalo. The company is known for creating high-quality pet food that is free from artificial preservatives and additives. The Blue Wilderness line of dog food is especially popular among pet owners who are looking for a grain-free and protein-rich diet for their dogs.
Recent Reports of Illnesses
Recently, there have been reports of dogs falling sick after consuming Blue Wilderness dog food. Some of the symptoms reported include vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy. Pet owners have been concerned about the safety of the product and have been looking for answers about what is causing the illnesses.
Investigation by FDA
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has been investigating the reports of illnesses associated with Blue Wilderness dog food. The FDA has been collecting samples of the product and testing them for contamination. The investigation is still ongoing, but the FDA has recommended that pet owners stop feeding their dogs Blue Wilderness dog food until more information is available.
Recall Initiated by Blue Buffalo
On March 2, 2021, Blue Buffalo announced a voluntary recall of certain batches of Blue Wilderness dog food due to the potential for elevated levels of beef thyroid hormones. The company stated that the affected products were distributed across the United States and Canada through pet specialty stores and online retailers.
Products Affected by Recall
The recall affects the following products:
- Blue Wilderness Rocky Mountain Recipe Red Meat Dinner Wet Food for Adult Dogs (12.5 oz can)
- Blue Wilderness Rocky Mountain Recipe Red Meat Dinner Wet Food for Adult Dogs (12.5 oz can)
- Blue Wilderness Rocky Mountain Recipe Bison Dinner Wet Food for Adult Dogs (12.5 oz can)
Reasons for Recall
The recall was initiated due to the potential for elevated levels of beef thyroid hormones in the affected products. Consuming high levels of beef thyroid hormones can cause dogs to experience increased thirst and urination, weight loss, increased heart rate, and restlessness.
Potential Risks of Contamination
The contamination of pet food can pose a significant risk to pets. In addition to the potential for elevated levels of thyroid hormones, pet food can also be contaminated with harmful bacteria such as Salmonella and Listeria. These bacteria can cause serious illness in pets and can also be transmitted to humans who come into contact with contaminated pet food.
What Pet Owners Should Do
Pet owners who have purchased the affected products should stop feeding them to their pets immediately. Dogs that have consumed the affected products should be monitored for symptoms of illness, including increased thirst and urination, weight loss, increased heart rate, and restlessness. If pets exhibit any of these symptoms, pet owners should contact their veterinarian.
How to Identify Recalled Products
Pet owners can identify the recalled products by checking the can label for the following information:
- UPC Code: 840243101153
- Best By Date: June 7, 2019
Refunds and Assistance Offered
Pet owners who have purchased the affected products can contact Blue Buffalo for a full refund. The company has also offered to provide assistance to pet owners who have incurred veterinary expenses as a result of their pets consuming the affected products.
Prevention of Future Recalls
Pet owners can take steps to prevent future recalls by carefully selecting the pet food they feed their pets. It is important to choose products that have been manufactured by reputable companies and that have been tested for quality and safety. Pet owners can also monitor their pets for any signs of illness and take prompt action if symptoms are observed.
Conclusion: Ensuring Pet Food Safety
The safety of pet food is an important issue that affects the health and well-being of pets. Pet owners should be vigilant in selecting pet food that is safe and nutritious for their pets. By taking the necessary steps to ensure pet food safety, pet owners can help to protect their pets from illness and potentially harmful contaminants.