Dog Food Recalls in 2026: What Every U.S. Dog Owner Should Check
Have you ever opened your dog’s food bag and wondered, “Is this food still safe for my dog?”
You’re not alone. Most dog owners trust the food they buy, especially when it comes from a familiar brand. But sometimes a specific dog food product or production lot is recalled because of contamination, foreign material, nutritional problems, or another safety concern.
The important thing is that a dog food recall does not always mean the entire brand is unsafe.
Often, a recall affects only a particular product, package size, lot number, or date. That’s why knowing how to check your dog’s food can make a big difference.
In this guide, we’ll look at dog food recalls in 2026, how to check whether your dog's food is affected, what information to look for on the package, and what to do if your dog has eaten recalled food.
Important: Recall information can change. Always verify a current recall through the FDA or the manufacturer's official notice before making a decision about a specific product. (U.S. Food and Drug Administration)
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What Is a Dog Food Recall?
A dog food recall happens when a company removes a product from the market because it may have a safety or quality problem.
A recall can happen for different reasons, including:
Salmonella contamination
Listeria contamination
Foreign material
Potential metal contamination
Incorrect nutrient levels
Other manufacturing or food-safety concerns
A recall may be voluntary, meaning the company chooses to remove the product, or it can involve action or oversight by the FDA.
The FDA maintains a public database of recalls involving pet food and other animal products. (U.S. Food and Drug Administration)
Dog Food Recalls in 2026: What U.S. Owners Should Know
There have been several pet food recalls listed by the FDA during 2026.
For example, on August 21, 2026, Fromm Family Foods announced a recall involving certain canned dog foods because of potential metal contamination. (U.S. Food and Drug Administration)
On August 17, 2026, Oma’s Pride recalled one lot of Woof Complete Canine Chicken Recipe because it was contaminated with Salmonella. (U.S. Food and Drug Administration)
The FDA's 2026 recall listings also include recalls involving brands and products such as Pedigree, Steve’s Real Food, Raaw Energy, Albright’s and canine milk replacers. (U.S. Food and Drug Administration)
That doesn't mean every product from these companies is affected.
The exact product and lot information matters.
1. Fromm Wet Canned Dog Food
On August 21, 2026, Fromm Family Foods announced a recall involving certain Fromm Turkey P├вt├й Wet Dog Food and Fromm Diner Classics Milo’s Meatloaf P├вt├й Wet Dog Food because of potential metal contamination. (U.S. Food and Drug Administration)
The FDA notice identifies specific products, lot codes and best-by information.
For example, the recalled Turkey P├вt├й was listed as:
12.2 oz. can — Lot EP2A3306 551006 — Best By 032029
The Milo’s Meatloaf product was listed as:
12.5 oz. can — Lot EP2A3306 551029 — Best By 032029 (U.S. Food and Drug Administration)
If you feed your dog Fromm canned food, don't automatically assume your product is recalled. Compare the information on your package with the official recall notice.
2. Oma’s Pride Canine Food
Oma’s Pride announced a recall on August 17, 2026 involving Woof Complete Canine Chicken Recipe, 6 lb bag.
The affected lot is:
Lot BB012729
The reason for the recall was Salmonella contamination. The FDA's updated notice states that reported illnesses occurred in dogs and that no human illnesses had been reported at the time of the update. (U.S. Food and Drug Administration)
This is a good example of why simply knowing the brand isn't enough.
Always check the lot number.
3. Pedigree Wet Dog Food
In July 2026, Mars Petcare US announced a voluntary recall involving two lots of PEDIGREE Can High Protein Chopped Chicken & Duck Flavor 13.2 oz. wet dog food because of potential foreign plastic contamination. (U.S. Food and Drug Administration)
Again, this was not a recall of every Pedigree product.
If you have a product from the same brand, check the exact product and lot information before assuming it is affected.
4. Raaw Energy Dog Food
Raaw Energy expanded a dog food recall in May 2026 because of possible Listeria monocytogenes contamination.
The FDA notice says the recall involved products produced during specified periods, including products made between July 17, 2025 and December 23, 2025, along with another specified batch. (U.S. Food and Drug Administration)
This shows why checking older food in your home can also be important when a recall covers earlier production dates.
5. Albright’s Chicken Recipe for Dogs
In May 2026, Albright’s Raw Pet Food announced a voluntary recall of a specific lot of Chicken Recipe for Dogs Complete and Balanced because of potential Salmonella contamination.
The affected product was identified as Lot #C001730. (U.S. Food and Drug Administration)
If you feed raw pet food, checking recall information and handling instructions is especially important.
How Can You Check If Your Dog Food Is Recalled?
You don't need to guess.
Follow these simple steps.
1. Find the Brand Name
Start with the brand printed on the package.
But remember:
Brand name alone isn't enough.
A recall may affect only one product made by that company.
2. Check the Exact Product Name
Look at the complete product name.
For example:
Chicken Recipe
Beef Recipe
Puppy Formula
Wet Dog Food
Freeze-Dried Chicken
High Protein Formula
Write down the exact name if you're checking a recall.
3. Find the Lot Number
The lot number may be one of the most important details on your dog food package.
You may find it:
Near the best-by date
On the bottom of the bag
On the side of the package
On the bottom of a can
On a can lid
Near a production code
Take a picture of this information when you buy a new bag or case.
It can save you time later.
4. Check the Best-By Date
Look for the:
Best By / Best Before / Use By date
Then compare it with the official recall notice.
Some recalls affect only specific dates or production batches.
5. Check the FDA Recall Database
The FDA maintains a Recalls & Withdrawals database where pet food recalls are listed.
You can use the official FDA database to check current information. (U.S. Food and Drug Administration)
Don't rely only on a social media post or an old screenshot.
A recall can be updated as new information becomes available.
What Should You Do If Your Dog Food Is Recalled?
If your dog's food matches the exact product, lot number, package size, or date listed in an official recall notice, stop feeding that product and follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer or FDA.
Keep the Original Package
Don't immediately throw away the packaging.
It contains important information such as:
Lot number
Product name
Best-by date
UPC
Package size
You may need this information when contacting the manufacturer, retailer, or veterinarian.
Follow the Recall Instructions
The manufacturer may provide instructions about:
Returning the product
Disposing of the product
Getting a refund
Contacting customer service
Follow the specific instructions for that recall.
What If Your Dog Already Ate Recalled Food?
If your dog has eaten food that is part of a recall, don't panic, but don't ignore it either.
Check the reason for the recall and the official instructions.
If your dog develops concerning symptoms or you are worried about what your dog consumed, contact your veterinarian and provide the food's product and lot information.
Depending on the reason for the recall, signs of illness can vary.
Possible signs can include:
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Loss of appetite
Unusual tiredness
Changes in behavior
Other signs of illness
If your dog appears seriously ill, contact a veterinarian promptly.
Why Is the Lot Number So Important?
Imagine a company produces thousands of bags of dog food.
A problem may occur during only one production run.
That means:
Same brand ≠ same recall
and
Same product name ≠ necessarily same lot
This is why recall notices usually provide detailed identifying information.
The FDA's current recall listings demonstrate this clearly, with several 2026 recalls applying to specific products or lots rather than an entire company's product line. (U.S. Food and Drug Administration)
10 Things Every Dog Owner Should Check
Here's a simple checklist you can save:
1. Brand name
Know the company that makes your dog's food.
2. Product name
Know the exact recipe or formula.
3. Package size
Check whether the recall applies to your package size.
4. Lot number
Keep a photo of it.
5. Best-by date
Compare the date with the recall notice.
6. UPC
This can help identify the exact product.
7. Recall reason
Know why the product was recalled.
8. Distribution information
Some recalls apply only to certain areas or channels.
9. Your dog's condition
Watch for concerning changes after eating food involved in a recall.
10. Official instructions
Follow the manufacturer's or FDA's instructions rather than guessing.
Does a Dog Food Recall Mean the Whole Brand Is Unsafe?
Not necessarily.
This is one of the most important things to understand about dog food recalls.
A recall may involve:
One lot
One flavor
One production date
One package size
Several specific lots
For example, the 2026 Pedigree recall involved two lots of a specific 13.2-ounce wet dog food product. (U.S. Food and Drug Administration)
Similarly, the Fromm recall identified specific canned products and lot codes. (U.S. Food and Drug Administration)
Always read the complete recall notice before making assumptions.
How Often Should You Check Dog Food Recalls?
You don't need to spend all day checking recall websites.
A simple habit is enough:
Check periodically, and check immediately if you hear about a recall involving your dog's brand.
It's also a good idea to keep your dog food packaging or take a photo of the label when you open a new package.
That way, if a recall is announced later, you can quickly compare the information.
Quick Dog Food Recall Checklist
Before feeding your dog from a new package, make sure you know:
| Information | Check |
|---|---|
| Brand | ✅ |
| Product name | ✅ |
| Package size | ✅ |
| Lot number | ✅ |
| Best-by date | ✅ |
| UPC | ✅ |
| Recall status | ✅ |
| FDA notice | ✅ |
Keeping these details available can make checking a recall much easier.
Where Should You Get Dog Food Recall Information?
When it comes to your dog's safety, official sources are better than rumors.
The FDA maintains its Recalls & Withdrawals database for animal and veterinary products, including pet food. (U.S. Food and Drug Administration)
You can also check the pet food manufacturer's official website or recall announcement.
Remember that recall information can be updated.
A product that wasn't included in an earlier notice could potentially be added later if new information becomes available.
Final Thoughts
So, how can you keep your dog safer when dog food recalls happen?
The answer is actually pretty simple.
Know the brand, product name, lot number, package size, and best-by date of the food you're giving your dog.
If you hear about a recall, don't immediately assume that everything from that brand is unsafe.
Instead, check the exact information against the official FDA recall notice.
Several dog food recalls have been listed in 2026, including recalls involving potential metal contamination, Salmonella, Listeria, foreign material, and nutritional concerns. (U.S. Food and Drug Administration)
A few minutes of checking can give you valuable peace of mind.
Because when it comes to your dog, knowing exactly what's in the bowl matters.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a dog food recall?
A dog food recall is an action taken to remove a specific pet food product from the market because of a potential safety, quality, or regulatory concern.
How do I know if my dog food is recalled?
Check the brand, exact product name, package size, lot number, and best-by date against the official FDA recall notice.
Are all products from a recalled brand unsafe?
No. A recall can apply only to specific products, lots, package sizes, or dates.
What should I do with recalled dog food?
Stop feeding the affected product and follow the disposal, return, refund, or other instructions provided in the official recall notice.
What if my dog ate recalled food?
Check the reason for the recall and monitor your dog. If your dog becomes ill or you are concerned, contact your veterinarian and provide the product and lot information.
Where can I check current dog food recalls?
The FDA's official Recalls & Withdrawals database is a good place to verify current pet food recall information. (U.S. Food and Drug Administration)
How can I make recall checking easier?
Take a clear photo of your dog's food label showing the product name, lot number, and best-by date when you open a new package.
Disclaimer: This article is for general educational purposes only and is not a substitute for veterinary advice. Recall information can change, and readers should verify specific products through the current FDA notice or manufacturer announcement. If your dog has eaten a recalled product and develops concerning symptoms, contact a licensed veterinarian promptly.
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