Dog food sold nationwide recalled for serious choking risk

Multiple lots of dog food have been recalled nationwide for possibly containing metal and plastic fragments that could injure pets, according to a Food and Drug Administration notice.

Mars Petcare US issued the voluntary recall on July 2, saying two lots of Pedigree-branded food had erroneously made it onto store shelves. The cans of food had previously been tested and found to be contaminated with "sharp metal and plastic foreign material" and were sent to a third party to be disposed of.

Instead, the products were "fraudulently diverted" and sold into the U.S. market, according to the company, which is working in tandem with federal authorities to investigate.

The brand has received no reports of injury or death but did warn that consuming the metal and plastic parts could cause choking, lacerations or blockages in the gastrointestinal tract. Here's what to know.

Which dog food was recalled?

• Pedigree 13.2 oz cans of High Protein Chopped Chicken & Duck Flavor for dogs. Lot codes: 613C3KKCFC & 613C1KKCFC

What to do with recalled pet food

Consumers who have purchased the affected products should stop feeding them to their pets and contact Pedigree for a replacement. Consumers can contact the company at 1-800-525-5273.

Pet owners who are concerned that their pet may have consumed contaminated food should contact their veterinarian with concerns, as the forgein objects could cause choking or gastrointestinal blockage or injury. If your animal shows any of the following symptoms of potential injury or illness after eating the food, contact a veterinary professional as soon as possible.

According to the American Red Cross and American Kennel Club, signs of choking in a dog include:

• Assuming the "tripod position," a stance in which an animal leans forward, supporting the body with the front legs, in an attempt to open airways.
• Drooling
• Gagging, retching or coughing
• Pawing at the mouth or throat, or rubbing it against objects
• Difficult breathing, high-pitched, rattling or other unusual sounds while trying to breathe
• Blue-tinged gums
• Collapse, weakness or unconsciousness

Signs of gastrointestinal blockage, according to PetMD, include:

• Vomiting
• Loss of appetite
• Weight loss
• Weakness or lethargy
• Abdominal pain
• Difficulty using the bathroom

Signs of gastrointestinal laceration, according to PetMD, include:

• Vomiting, especially vomiting with traces of blood. Blood may be bright red or dark and spotty, like coffee grounds. This is an emergency.
• Dark, tarry stool also containing blood. This also indicates an emergency.
• Abdominal pain
• Lethargy, weakness
• Weight loss, loss of appetite
• Drooling
• Pale gums and lips (indicates blood loss)

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Dog food sold nationwide recalled for serious choking risk

Reporting by Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA TODAY / USA TODAY

USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect

Copyright Reuters or USA Today Network via Reuters Connect

This story was originally published July 6, 2026 at 3:14 PM.