What Hill’s Dog Foods are Being Recalled?

After receiving reports of dogs sickening and dying after eating certain varieties of Hill’s dog foods, the company issued a recall. Since then, the recall has been expanded to include 33 different varieties.

What follows is a series of frequently asked questions about the recall, why these dog foods were recalled, and what you can do if your dog has been affected.

What Went Wrong?

According to Hill’s original recall notice issued on Jan. 31, a number of varieties sold under the company’s Science Diet and Prescription Diet dog foods contain excessive Vitamin D levels. It turns out that the culprit is a U.S.-based supplier from which Hill obtains its vitamin premix. However, despite the company’s claims that their pet foods are subjected to thorough testing, it is apparent that their testing and quality controls were inadequate.

Over the next three weeks, Hill discovered that additional varieties were also tainted with high amounts of Vitamin D; the most recent recall expansion was issued on March 20. During that time, many more beloved family pets and companions could have been fatally poisoned.

What Are the Symptoms of Vitamin D Poisoning?

A dog that has ingested too much Vitamin D will exhibit vomiting, loss of appetite, excessive thirst, excessive urination, drooling and tremors. Ultimately, Vitamin D toxicity leads to kidney failure and death. If your dog has been eating a Hills product and begins to exhibit any of these symptoms, discontinue feeding the product to the animal and contact your veterinarian right away.

Which of Hill’s Dog Foods Have Been Affected?

The manufacturer has posted a full list of specific products that have been found to contain elevated levels of Vitamin D on its website. 33 different varieties and formulas have been listed, along with SKU numbers and date and lot codes. This list is current as of the date of the most recent recall notice.

The recall applies only to canned dog foods; dry foods and feline formulas are not affected.

I’m a Veterinarian. What Actions Should I Take?

Veterinarians should remove the affected Hill’s products from their shelves and contact the manufacturer. If a dog owner brings in an animal exhibiting signs of hypercalcemia, a detailed dietary history should be taken to rule out other possible causes. The Food and Drug Administration is also asking veterinarians to contact clients who may have purchased Hill’s products affected by the recall. This information can be found in the dog’s medical records or sales receipts.

Is Hill’s Being Held Accountable?

A pet owner whose service dog died after eating Hill’s dog formulations has established a social media group called “Saving Pets One Pet @ a Time,” where others can share their experiences and learn about alternatives to Hill’s Science and Prescription Diet products. You can also contact a product liability lawyer, who can advise you on seeking compensation from Hill’s Pet Nutrition. Many pet owners have incurred veterinary bills in the tens of thousands of dollars, and while a lawsuit may not bring back their beloved pet, it may be their best chance of recovering those expenses.

Join a Free Hill’s Pet Nutrition Dog Food Recall Class Action Lawsuit Investigation

If you purchased Hill’s Science Diet or Prescription Diet canned dog food, you may qualify to join this Hill’s dog food recall class action lawsuit investigation.

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