Why Do Pet Brands Recall Food? | Recalled Dog Food List
Hannah Roundy

What is a dog food recall? Are there any dog food recalls right now? We reveal the answers.
If you find yourself Googling “what pet food is being recalled right now”, you’re not the only one. Pet parents should keep a close eye on the pet food recall list—and we’ll tell you why in this article.
What is a “pet food recall”?
A pet food recall occurs when a brand (or the FDA) asks stores and customers to stop selling or feeding a specific product because of a potential safety issue. Think of it as the dog food equivalent of “oops, this batch isn’t safe.”
Dog food recalls happen in two different ways:
- Voluntary recalls - When the dog food brand finds an issue first and pulls the product.
- Mandatory recalls - When the FDA steps in and requires the product to be removed.
The way the food is recalled isn’t what matters. The point is that any pet food recall means something in the recipe doesn’t meet safety standards. Thus, it’s not safe to feed your pup.
What is the cause of dog food recalls?
It’s a fair question. If the issue was problematic enough to remove products from stores, it’s just as risky for our dogs. But what are the most prevalent issues that cause pet food recalls?
Most recalls boil down to production and manufacturing mistakes. But often, it’s a minor logistical error that could result in legal trouble for the company. The most common culprits are:
- Contamination: Salmonella, E. coli, and mold toxins
- Mislabeling: Sometimes the ingredients on the bag don’t match what’s inside. Brands can run into a lot of trouble with government regulations if this is the case.
- Foreign objects: Bits of plastic, metal, or bone fragments can slip into the food during production.
- Nutritional imbalances: Too much or too little of key nutrients like Vitamin D can trigger a recall. That’s why we recommend avoiding dog food recipes with synthetic supplements.
Recalls can be no big deal, but it’s better to be safe than sorry. That’s why keeping up with dog food recall lists is a priority for pet parents.
Are there any dog food recalls right now?
The FDA regularly updates its pet food recall list so you can see the latest information. We recommend bookmarking that page and checking in every so often to ensure your dog’s food is unaffected.
As of fall 2025, several brands have recalled pet food products. Unfortunately, most of the popular pet brands have recalled dog food. That’s why it’s smart to stay proactive about what’s in your pup’s bowl.
Which dog food brands have had recalls?
Sadly, most large pet food companies have experienced at least one recall over the years. Kibble and canned food in particular are more prone to contamination because of the way they’re processed, shipped, and stored.
The following brands are listed on the FDA’s pet food recall list between 2019 and 2025 (for various reasons):
- Purina
- Hill’s Science Diet
- Spot & Tango
- Darwin’s Natural Dog Food
- Blue Buffalo
- Sportmix
- Zuke’s
- Freshpet
- Hill’s Prescription Diet
- Nutrisource
- Fromm
- Primal Pet Foods
- Pedigree
- Victor
While recalls don’t always mean a brand is “bad,” they’re still a red flag about quality control and production practices. Just do your best and research dog food brand recalls before switching to a new diet.
Researching Resources for Dog Food Recall Lists
If you’re in the market for new dog food, peruse a few pet food recall lists first. The FDA is the best source for dog food recalls, but Dog Food Advisor is another unbiased source you can trust.
When you’re scanning the latest pet food recall list, here’s what to look for:
- Brand name and specific product line (most of the time, not every product is affected).
- Lot numbers or UPC codes. These are usually printed near the bag’s seal on dog food packaging.
- Manufacturing or expiration/best by date
If your bag matches anything listed on the recall list, throw it away. It’s too dangerous for your dog to eat recalled food–don’t take the risk.
The Best Dog Food Brands with NO Recalls
Looking for a fresh dog food brand with no recalls on the roster? Here’s the good news: Sundays for Dogs meets your criteria. We have never had a recall–not once!
Why has Sundays dog food never been recalled? Because our fresh food for dogs is different from traditional kibble and canned foods that dominate most recall lists. Instead of being extruded under high heat, Sundays is air-dried, gently preserving nutrients without harsh processing.
Even better: Sundays uses real, whole-food ingredients—the kind you’d recognize on your own grocery list. No anonymous “meat meals”. No cheap fillers. Just safe, high-quality food that dogs (and their humans) can feel good about.
If your pup is ready for recall-free dog food, subscribe to Sundays today! Subscribers receive exclusive 20% savings on every order, a customized meal plan for your furry friend, and free shipping for life.
Dog Food Recall List FAQ
What pet food is being recalled right now?
The FDA updates its pet food recall list regularly. You can check their recalls & withdrawals page for the most current information.
Why does dog food get recalled?
Most recalls happen because of contamination (like Salmonella), mislabeling, or nutritional imbalances. Foreign objects or packaging errors can also trigger recalls.
What brands have had recent dog food recalls?
Many well-known brands—including Purina, Blue Buffalo, and Hill’s—have had pet food recalls in the past.
Has Sundays for Dogs ever had a recall?
No, Sundays’ dog food has never had a recall. Their small-batch dog food recipes are made with strict quality controls to keep pups safe.