Sportmix Dog Food Recall: What You Need to Know

Over seventy dogs died and others were injured by high levels of aflatoxin, prompting not just one Sportmix dog food recall, but another that expanded on the first. Learn more about this product and what to do if your pet was harmed.

Why Does Sportmix Make Pets Sick?

Sportmix is a line of pet foods made by Midwestern Pet Foods, a company based in Evansville, Ind.  According to the FDA recall notice, several products in the Sportsmix dry food line were contaminated with aflatoxin, a substance that is produced by a mold that can grow on products containing corn.

The FDA warns that pets are particularly susceptible to aflatoxin poisoning because they tend to eat the same foods repeatedly. The toxin accumulates in the pet’s system causing liver damage and may ultimately lead to their death.

Signs of aflatoxin poisoning include loss of appetite or vomiting, as well as sluggishness, says the FDA. Pets may also develop a yellowish tint to their eyes, skin, or gums. According to the FDA, pets may not show any signs of poisoning either, but can suddenly become ill and die as the toxin accumulates in their systems.

The FDA warns that consumers who think their pet food is contaminated with aflatoxin should immediately stop using the product and contact their veterinarian. A pet that is showing signs of aflatoxin poisoning should receive veterinary care immediately.

First Sportmix Dog Food Recall

In December 2020, Midwestern Pet Foods announced its first recall, stating that it would be recalling six types of the pet food after reports that over two dozen dogs had died after consuming the product. The FDA announced that it was working with the Missouri Department of Agriculture to determine whether other products were contaminated.

Sportmix Dog Food Recall Expanded

On Jan. 11, 2021, the recall was expanded by Midwestern over an exploding number of reports of pets poisoned by aflatoxin after consuming Sportmix products. The expansion appears to be linked to pet food products made in Midwestern’s Oklahoma processing facility.

The FDA recall announcement notes that Sportmix pet foods were sold in stores and online throughout the United States.

Recalled Sportmix Pet Foods

The following products have been recalled by Midwestern Pet Foods over aflatoxin contamination;

• Sportmix Energy Plus, 50 lb. bag
• Sportmix Energy Plus, 44 lb. bag
• Sportmix Premium High Energy, 50 lb. bag
• Sportmix Premium High Energy, 44 lb. bag
• Sportmix Original Cat, 31 lb. bag
• Pro Pac Adult Mini Chunk, 40 lb. bag
• Pro Pac Performance Puppy, 40 lb. bag
• Splash Fat Cat 32%, 50 lb. bag
• Nunn Better Maintenance, 50 lb. bag
• Sportmix Original Cat, 15 lb. bag
• Sportmix Original Cat, 31 lb. bag
• Sportmix Maintenance, 44 lb. bag
• Sportmix Maintenance, 50 lb. bag
• Sportmix High Protein, 50 lb. bag
• Sportmix Energy Plus, 44 lb. bag
• Sportmix Energy Plus, 50 lb. bag
• Sportmix Stamina, 44 lb. bag
• Sportmix Stamina, 50 lb. bag
• Sportmix Bite Size, 40 lb. bag
• Sportmix Bite Size, 44 lb. bag
• Sportmix High Energy, 44 lb. bag
• Sportmix High Energy, 50 lb. bag
• Sportmix Premium Puppy, 16.5 lb. bag
• Sportmix Premium Puppy, 33 lb. bag

The recall is limited to certain lots of the products, available on the FDA website.

Did You Purchase Recalled Sportmix Pet Food?

The agency warns that consumers should dispose of the food in a way that other pets, children, and wildlife cannot access it. In addition, any containers or dishes used to store or serve the food should be sanitized.

Consumers who purchased Sportmix pet foods that have been recalled or whose pets became sick after eating a Sportmix product may also be able to join a class action lawsuit investigation.