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, according to a press release issued on February 8, 2023.
"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," said the release. "Vitamin D toxicity may include vomiting, loss of appetite, increased thirst, increased urination, and excessive drooling to renal (kidney) dysfunction."
Purina said it 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 the dogs recovered.
Specifics on the affected food
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. Bags with the following UPC and production codes should be immediately discarded, according to the company:
Product: Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets EL Elemental (PPVD EL) 8-lb. and 20-lb. bags
UPC Codes: 38100 19190 (8-lb. bag), 38100 19192 (20-lb. bag)
Production Codes: (*first 8 characters equal to) 2249 1082, 2250 1082, 2276 1082, 2277 1082, 2290 1082, 2360 1082, 2361 1082
Pet owners who purchased bags of the product listed above are asked to immediately stop feeding and throw it away in a container where no other animals, including wildlife, can get to it. If signs such as weight loss, excessive drooling, vomiting, loss of appetite or increased thirst or urination have occurred in their dog while eating this diet, pet owners should contact their veterinarian.
Veterinary and other retail partners should remove and destroy the affected product from their inventory. No other Purina pet care products are affected.
"We apologize to pet owners and veterinarians for any concerns or inconvenience this situation has caused," said Purina in a statement. "As pet experts and pet owners ourselves, the health and well-being of pets is our top priority."
The Purina team can be contacted directly Monday-Saturday, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. CST, at 1-800-345-5678. They can also be emailed via www.purina.com/contact-us for questions or assistance in getting a refund.
