Dog Food Recall: Another Product Pulled For 'Elevated' Vitamin D Levels

Pictured: Representative image of a pet food bowl.

A company is voluntarily recalling a "limited quantity" of its dog food products because they may contain elevated levels of vitamin D.

The recall affects 1,600 cases of "Pure Vita Salmon Entrée Dog Food" that came in 12.5-ounce Tetrapak cartons, the company announcement posted on the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) website noted. Tuffy's Pet Foods learned of the problem after the product manufacturer informed it of the issue.

"The manufacturer of the affected product has identified and isolated the error and corrective actions are in progress to prevent this from happening again," the announcement noted.

Vitamin D is an essential nutrient that helps dogs and cats absorb calcium, but too much of it can be harmful and may lead to adverse effects, according to Spotsylvania Animal Hospital.

"There is a set standard for the amount of vitamin D added to commercial dog and cat food sold in the United States," the animal hospital explained. "If an animal ingests too much, their internal biology begins to malfunction."

Early signs that a dog is experiencing vitamin D toxicity include not eating, weakness and lethargy, it said further. Moreover, a dog that ingests vitamin D at excessive levels can develop serious health issues such as renal dysfunction.

"If your dog is showing signs of vitamin D toxicity such as vomiting, loss of appetite, increased thirst and urination, excessive drooling and/or weight loss, contact a veterinarian immediately," the FDA noted. "Provide a full diet history to your veterinarian, including what food you (or other household members) give him and also other food or items he might have gotten into."

As for the current recall, the company has not received reports of illness or injury from consumers, but it is issuing the recall "out of an abundance of caution."

The recall affects Pure Vita Salmon Entrée Dog Food with the UPC Code 0 73893 96202 1, while the affected lot numbers and "best by" dates are available on the FDA website.

These were distributed "exclusively" within the U.S., the company noted. Those who may have purchased an affected product are urged not to feed it to their pets and return it to where they bought it instead to get a full refund.

"No other Pure Vita dog or cat foods or treats are affected by this announcement," the company said.