Your Dog Food May Contain Deadly Pet Euthanasia

Check your dog food. It could contain a drug used for pet euthanasia and certain well known brands have been pulled from shelves nationwide.

The FDA is alerting pet owners about potential pentobarbital contamination in certain canned dog foods manufactured by The J.M. Smucker Company. Certain cans of Gravy Train, Kibbles ‘N Bits, Ol’ Roy, and Skippy brands have been taken off shelves.

What is Pentobarbital?

Pentobarbital is a barbiturate drug that is most commonly used in animals as a sedative, anesthetic, or for euthanasia.

What is the Problem & What is Being Done?

The FDA’s preliminary testing of Gravy Train samples show low levels of pentobarbital that is unlikely to pose a health risk to pets. However, any detection of pentobarbital in pet food is a violation of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. "Simply put, pentobarbital should not be in pet food." The FDA is continuing to investigate.

The J.M. Smucker Company voluntarily recalled canned dog food products from its Gravy Train, Kibbles ‘N Bits, Ol’ Roy, and Skippy brands due to the potential contamination. The recalled products were distributed to retailers nationwide and were produced between 2016 until present.

What Happens to a Pet That Eats that Food?

Pets that eat food containing pentobarbital can experience drowsiness, dizziness, excitement, loss of balance, nausea, nystagmus (eyes moving back and forth in a jerky manner) and inability to stand. Consuming high levels of pentobarbital can cause coma and death. However, pentobarbital present in these products is at a low level and unlikely to pose a health risk to pets.

“We take this very seriously and are extremely disappointed pentobarbital was introduced to our supply chain. We will continue to work closely with our suppliers and veterinarians to ensure the ingredients used in our products meet or exceed regulatory safety standards and our high-quality standards,” said Barry Dunaway, President, Pet Food and Pet Snacks in a statement. “Above all, we are a company that loves pets and understand the responsibility we have in providing high quality food for the pets our consumers love.”

If you think your pets may be ill from eating food contaminated with pentobarbital contact your veterinarian. The FDA also asks you report a complaint online or call their local FDA Consumer Complaint Coordinators.

The list of withdrawn products the firm provided to the FDA include:

* Gravy Train with T-Bone Flavor Chunks, 13.2-ounce can, UPC 7910052541
* Gravy Train with Beef Strips, 13.2-ounce can, UPC 791052542
* Gravy Train with Lamb & Rice Chunks, 13.2-ounce can, UPC 7910052543
* Gravy Train with Chicken Chunks, 13.2-ounce can, UPC 7910034418
* Gravy Train with Beef Chunks, 13.2-ounce can, UPC 7910034417
* Gravy Train with Chicken Chunks, 22-ounce can, UPC 7910051645
* Gravy Train with Beef Chunks, 22-ounce can, UPC 7910051647
* Gravy Train Chunks in Gravy with Beef Chunks, 13.2-ounce can, UPC 7910034417
* Kibbles ‘N Bits 12-can Variety Pack – Chef’s Choice American Grill Burger Dinner with Real Bacon & Cheese Bits in Gravy, Chef’s Choice Bistro Tender Cuts with Real Turkey Bacon & Vegetables in Gravy, 12 pack of 13.2-ounce cans, UPC 7910010377, 7910010378
* Kibbles ‘N Bits 12-Can Variety Pack – Chef’s Choice Bistro Hearty Cuts with Real Beef, Chicken & Vegetables in Gravy, Chef’s Choice Homestyle Meatballs & Pasta Dinner with Real Beef in Tomato Sauce, 12 pack of 13.2-ounce cans, UPC 7910010382, 7910048367, 7910010378
*Kibbles ‘N Bits 12-Can Variety Pack – Chef’s Choice Homestyle Tender Slices with Real Beef, Chicken & Vegetables in Gravy, Chef’s Choice American Grill Burger Dinner with Real Bacon & Cheese Bits in Gravy, Chef’s Choice Bistro Tender Cuts with Real Beef & Vegetables in Gravy, 12 pack of 13.2-ounce cans, UPC 7910010380, 7910010377, 7910010375
* Kibbles ‘N Bits Chef’s Choice Bistro Tender Cuts with Real Beef & Vegetables in Gravy, 13.2-ounce can, UPC 7910010375
* Kibbles ‘N Bits Chef’s Choice Bistro Tender Cuts with Real Turkey, Bacon & Vegetables in Gravy, 13.2-ounce can, UPC 7910010378
* Kibbles ‘N Bits Chef’s Choice Homestyle Tender Slices with Real Beef, Chicken & Vegetables in Gravy, 13.2-ounce can, UPC 7910010380
* Ol’ Roy Strips Turkey Bacon, 13.2-ounce can, UPC 8113117570
* Skippy Premium Chunks in Gravy Chunky Stew, 13.2-ounce can, UPC 79100502469
* Skippy Premium Chunks in Gravy with Beef, 13.2-ounce can, UPC 7910050250
* Skippy Premium Strips in Gravy with Beef, 13.2-ounce can, UPC 7910050245

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