Merrick Pet Care, based in Amarillo, Texas, is initiating a voluntary recall of a limited amount of beef dog treat varieties due to the potential that they contain elevated levels of a naturally occurring beef thyroid hormone, according to an FDA report. Dogs consuming high levels of beef thyroid hormone may exhibit increased thirst and urination, weight loss, increased heart rate, and restlessness. Dogs that consume high levels of the treats for a long period may experience an increase in these symptoms, as well as vomiting, diarrhea, and rapid or labored breathing. The voluntary recall covers only specific production codes of the following beef treat products: Castor & Pollux Good Buddy Prime Patties Real Beef Recipe 4 oz. Castor & Pollux Good Buddy Sausage Cuts Real Beef Recipe 5 oz. Merrick Backcountry Great Plains Real Beef Jerky 4.5 oz. Merrick Backcountry Great Plains Real Beef Sausage Cuts 5 oz. Merrick Backcountry Great Plains Real Steak Patties 4 oz. To view more information on the recalled products, click here. To locate the production code, consumers should look on the lower back of the treat bag. No other production codes, sizes, or varieties of these products are affected, and no other Merrick or Castor & Pollux products are impacted. These treats are distributed in the U.S. through pet specialty, grocery, and online retailers with limited distribution in Canada. “This potential health risk was brought to Merrick’s attention as a result of the FDA sharing one consumer complaint where the dog’s health was temporarily impacted while eating Merrick Backcountry Great Plains Real Beef Jerky 4.5 oz.,” stated a release on the FDA’s website. “The dog’s health improved and fully recovered after discontinuing consumption of the treat. Pet owners should know there is limited risk given treats are not intended for full nutrition and should only be occasionally consumed; however, out of an abundance of caution, and to maintain trust with our consumers, we are withdrawing all potentially impacted product. We have not received any similar reports to date from consumers about issues with these products. “If you have product, please contact us at 800-664-7387 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Central Time Monday through Friday, email customerservice@merrickpetcare.com so we can provide a refund, or visit our website and fill out a form merrickpetcare.com/customerrelations. “As a company of pet owners and pet lovers, we know our consumers place a tremendous amount of trust in us when their pet uses our products,” according to Merrick. “The quality and safety of our products are the top priority for our company. We apologize to our retail customers and consumers and sincerely regret any inconvenience and concerns caused by this voluntary recall. We are working with the U.S. Food & Drug Administration on this voluntary recall and will cooperate with them fully.”
