Natural Balance Pet Foods is pulling its five pound and 28-pound bags of sweet potato and chicken dry dog food after they tested positive for salmonella.
The food was manufactured on December 17, 2009 with a “Best By” date of June 17, 2011.
In a letter posted on the company's web site, company president Joey Herrick said "I am sure your dogs are like my dogs — they sleep on our beds, they watch TV with us and if they are lucky enough, they come to work with us. This is why we are following the FDA’s recommendation and issuing a voluntary recall."
Herrick said since the company has not had any complaints about the product and it was manufactured six months ago, it's likely the food has already been consumed.
"If there are any bags in your cupboards, please take them back to the store you shop at for a full refund," he said.
Pets with Salmonella infections may be lethargic and have diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever and vomiting. Some pets will have only decreased appetite, fever and abdominal pain. Infected but otherwise healthy pets can be carriers and infect other animals or humans. If your pet has consumed the recalled product and has these symptoms, please contact your veterinarian.
Twenty-six states, including Washington, Oregon and Idaho, are affected by the recall.
Call (800) 829-4493, or e-mail info@naturalbalanceinc.com for information.
