Dog food recall worries residents, but so far no harm to pets in Spokane

A recall of dog food contaminated with a barbiturate has prompted some caution, but no apparent harm, among animal lovers in the Inland Northwest.

Several brands of dog food made by J.M. Smucker, including Gravy Train, Kibbles ’n Bits, Ol’ Roy, and Skippy, may be contaminated with pentobarbital, an anti-seizure and sedative drug.

The FDA posted an alert about the recall Feb. 16 after J.M. Smucker began a voluntary recall.

Spokane County Regional Animal Protective Services sent out an email to staff asking them to dispose of any products impacted, director Nancy Hill said.

“We have scoured through our donated food that we give out in our shelter. If we have anything that’s recalled, we’re tossing it,” she said.

Brian Hunter, a veterinarian at Hunter Veterinary Clinic and past president of the Inland Northwest Veterinary Medical Association, said he hasn’t heard of any local cases.

FDA tests of contaminated food showed phenobarbital levels are low and “unlikely to pose a health risk to pets.”

“If you’ve already fed it and your pet is fine, I’d just move on,” said Raelynn Farnsworth, director of the Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine’s community practice service.

Hunter said a pet who eats food contaminated with the drug might stagger or be lethargic.

“Anytime you have those signs in any animal, regardless of cause, it would be indications to see your veterinarian,” he said.

Pets are more likely to get sick from ingesting chemicals around the home, like cleaners and fertilizer, Farnsworth said.

Consumers can report suspected illnesses due to contaminated food to the FDA by calling 800-353-3965 in Washington or Idaho, or filing a report online at safetyreporting.hhs.gov.

Hill said as far as she knows, SCRAPS has not gotten any calls from owners with pets that have become sick.

Anyone with recalled foods should dispose of them or return them to the store, the FDA said.

This article has been updated to correct the name of the drug present in recalled food.

The list of withdrawn products the firm provided to the FDA:

• Gravy Train with T-Bone Flavor Chunks, 13.2-ounce can, UPC 7910052541
• Gravy Train with Beef Strips, 13.2-ounce can, UPC 791052542
• Gravy Train with Lamb & Rice Chunks, 13.2-ounce can, UPC 7910052543
• Gravy Train with Chicken Chunks, 13.2-ounce can, UPC 7910034418
• Gravy Train with Beef Chunks, 13.2-ounce can, UPC 7910034417
• Gravy Train with Chicken Chunks, 22-ounce can, UPC 7910051645
• Gravy Train with Beef Chunks, 22-ounce can, UPC 7910051647
• Gravy Train Chunks in Gravy with Beef Chunks, 13.2-ounce can, UPC 7910034417
• Kibbles ’n Bits 12-can Variety Pack – Chef’s Choice American Grill Burger Dinner with Real Bacon & Cheese Bits in Gravy, Chef’s Choice Bistro Tender Cuts with Real Turkey Bacon & Vegetables in Gravy, 12 pack of 13.2-ounce cans, UPC 7910010377, 7910010378
• Kibbles ’n Bits 12-Can Variety Pack – Chef’s Choice Bistro Hearty Cuts with Real Beef, Chicken & Vegetables in Gravy, Chef’s Choice Homestyle Meatballs & Pasta Dinner with Real Beef in Tomato Sauce, 12 pack of 13.2-ounce cans, UPC 7910010382, 7910048367, 7910010378
• Kibbles ’n Bits 12-Can Variety Pack – Chef’s Choice Homestyle Tender Slices with Real Beef, Chicken & Vegetables in Gravy, Chef’s Choice American Grill Burger Dinner with Real Bacon & Cheese Bits in Gravy, Chef’s Choice Bistro Tender Cuts with Real Beef & Vegetables in Gravy, 12 pack of 13.2-ounce cans, UPC 7910010380, 7910010377, 7910010375
• Kibbles ’n Bits Chef’s Choice Bistro Tender Cuts with Real Beef & Vegetables in Gravy, 13.2-ounce can, UPC 7910010375
• Kibbles ’n Bits Chef’s Choice Bistro Tender Cuts with Real Turkey, Bacon & Vegetables in Gravy, 13.2-ounce can, UPC 7910010378
• Kibbles ’n Bits Chef’s Choice Homestyle Tender Slices with Real Beef, Chicken & Vegetables in Gravy, 13.2-ounce can, UPC 7910010380
• Ol’ Roy Strips Turkey Bacon, 13.2-ounce can, UPC 8113117570
• Skippy Premium Chunks in Gravy Chunky Stew, 13.2-ounce can, UPC 79100502469
• Skippy Premium Chunks in Gravy with Beef, 13.2-ounce can, UPC 7910050250
• Skippy Premium Strips in Gravy with Beef, 13.2-ounce can, UPC 7910050245.