Pro-Pet is recalling five brands of dry dog and cat foods for Salmonella contamination in 29 states. The recall involves three brands of dry dog food, the Hubbard Life Happy Hound Dog Food, the Hubbard Life Maintenance Dog Food and their QC Plus Adult Dog Food. They are also recalling two dry cat food brands, the Joy Combo Cat Food and their Hubbard Life Cat Stars Cat Food.

According to their press release, the company is recalling the pet food because a “single field test” indicated the pet foods manufactured during a two-day period, on a single production line “may” have the “potential” for Salmonella contamination.

I don’t know why manufacturers always have to stick the “may” word in there. The products either tested positive or they didn’t  – there is no maybe about it.

As a result of their “single field test”, which may or may not have tested positive for Salmonella, Pro-Pet is recalling the “potentially” contaminated pet foods made during a two-day period that they believe was the only time the food could have become contaminated.  The pet food was manufactured at their plant in St. Marys, Ohio.

Why worry?

For the simple reason that Salmonella can affect animals eating the products and there is risk to humans from handling contaminated pet products, especially if they have not thoroughly washed their hands after having contact with the products or any surfaces exposed to these products.

Salmonellosis in humans

Healthy people infected with Salmonella should monitor themselves for some or all of the following symptoms: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramping and fever. Rarely, Salmonella can result in more serious ailments, including arterial infections, endocarditis, arthritis, muscle pain, eye irritation, and urinary tract symptoms. Consumers exhibiting these signs after having contact with this product should contact their healthcare providers.

Salmonella infection in pets

Pets with Salmonella infections may be lethargic and have diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever, and vomiting. Some pets will have only decreased appetite, fever and abdominal pain. Essentially, pets may exhibit signs of infection similar to humans. Infected but otherwise healthy pets can be carriers and infect other animals or humans. If your pet has consumed the recalled product and has these symptoms, please contact your veterinarian.

Recalled pet foods

These products were distributed through select retailers, distributors and on-line consumer purchases in Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, North Carolina, North Dakota, Nebraska, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Washington, Wisconsin and West Virginia.

No other products/lot numbers are affected by this recall.

According to the company website (which does not mention the recall) Pro-Pet specializes in the manufacture of premium and super-premium, private label pet foods for distribution domestically and around the world.

Customers should immediately discontinue use of any contaminated pet food and contact Pro-Pet at 1-888-765-4190 for more information on the recall. Customer service representatives will be available Monday through Friday 8 am to 5 pm CT.

Click on the link to see photos of the product labels.