Before the details, I want to note that most recalls are expanded with time. Sometimes with other foods made by the company...in this case Purina/Nestle's products.

But, sometimes it spreads throughout foods. For example, a company might sell their vitamin D to various companies, and as they check, they find that it's too potent.

So, perhaps it was a mistake at Purina, and other of their foods can be found as affected, or perhaps it was sold to other companies and that will come out.

Because of that potential, please watch your dog and cats if you feed a Purina food, but also watch for the symptoms given below of excessive D, regardless of what you feed, and stop your food if your dogs shows any. And, see your vet, of course.

Vitamin D toxicity can kill a pet, and while I'm glad that the 2 cases that they mention recovered, that's not always the case. I'm hoping that the problem is well contained, and that no more pets get sick, but we just don't know if that will be the case, so stay vigilant.

Okay, that's my 2 cents. Here are the details:


Nestlé Purina PetCare Company is recalling a limited amount of Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets EL Elemental (PPVD EL) prescription dry dog food due to potentially elevated levels of vitamin D.

Vitamin D, while essential to a healthy diet, can cause health problems if ingested in too high an amount for too long.

Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets EL Elemental (PPVD EL) 8lb and 20lb bags. You can identify the recalled product by using the UPC and production codes in the image below.

This is a prescription-only product.

No other Purina products are impacted by this voluntary recall.

The recall has come after Purina was contacted about two separate confirmed cases (to date) of dogs exhibiting signs of vitamin D toxicity. Each had been on the diet but recovered once taken off.

According to the company (abridged statement):

Nestlé Purina PetCare Company is voluntarily recalling select lots of Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets EL Elemental (PPVD EL) prescription dry dog food due to potentially elevated levels of vitamin D. Vitamin D is an essential nutrient for dogs; however, ingestion of elevated levels can lead to health issues depending on the level of vitamin D and the length of exposure. Vitamin D toxicity may include vomiting, loss of appetite, increased thirst, increased urination, and excessive drooling to renal (kidney) dysfunction.

Purina is taking this action after receiving two contacts about two separate confirmed cases of a dog exhibiting signs of vitamin D toxicity after consuming the diet, to date. Once taken off the diet, each of these dogs recovered.

The affected dry dog food was distributed throughout the United States by prescription only through veterinary clinics, Purina Vet Direct, Purina for Professionals, and other select retailers with the ability to validate a prescription.

We apologize to pet owners and veterinarians for any concerns or inconvenience this situation has caused. As pet experts and pet owners ourselves, the health and well-being of pets is our top priority.

Purina recommends that pet parents immediately stop feeding the affected product to their dogs and discard any remaining food in a way that no wildlife or other animals can get to it.

It also recommends consulting your veterinarian if your dog has eaten the product and is showing symptoms such as weight loss, excessive drooling, vomiting, loss of appetite or increased thirst or urination.

Consumers are invited to reach out to Purina with any questions or for refunds. You may call 1-800-345-5678, Monday-Saturday, 8 am to 5 pm CST or via email at https://www.purina.com/contact-us.