Is your pets food safe? Learn about the latest small batch dog food recall updates.

Okay, so I wanted to share what happened here the other week regarding that small batch dog food recall. It wasn't some huge national thing, thankfully, but it definitely threw a wrench in my routine for a bit.

I first caught wind of it scrolling through one of those local pet owner groups online. Someone posted a heads-up about Brand X, a specific type and size bag. My heart did that little jump, you know? Because yeah, that's the brand I'd been feeding Max.

Checking My Stash

So, first thing I did was march right over to where I keep the dog food. Pulled out the bag I had open and the spare one I kept in the pantry. Sure enough, it was the right brand and the right formula mentioned in the post.

The tricky part was finding that darn batch code. They print it so small sometimes! Had to get my reading glasses and really look. I compared the number on my bag to the numbers listed in the recall notice I found on the manufacturer's actual site (always best to check the official source, I reckon).

And wouldn't you know it? The bag I had open matched one of the recalled batch numbers. The spare bag was fine, different batch code altogether. Talk about a mixed bag of relief and annoyance.

What I Did Next

Alright, so immediate action was needed.

• First, I sealed up that open bag real tight. Put it aside where Max couldn't possibly get to it, just in case.
• Didn't want to just chuck it in the regular trash, worried some stray might get into it. I double-bagged it and made sure it went deep into the outside bin right before pickup day.
• Next, I needed to sort out getting my money back or a replacement. I took a clear photo of the bag showing the batch code and the 'best by' date.
• I called the pet store where I usually buy it. Explained the situation, mentioned I had the recalled batch. They were pretty good about it, actually. Told me to just bring the bag (or proof of purchase/the photo) in for a full refund.
• So, I drove down there later that day. Showed them the picture on my phone, they processed the refund, no fuss.

Getting Back on Track

Of course, Max still needed to eat! Since I wasn't sure if I wanted to grab another bag of the same brand right away (even though my spare bag was okay), I decided to pick up a small bag of a different brand that I know he tolerates well. Always good to have a backup plan food-wise, I think.

I kept a close eye on Max for the next few days – watching his appetite, energy levels, and, well, you know, his digestion. Luckily, he was totally fine. Maybe the issue wasn't in every single bag of that batch, or maybe he just didn't get enough to cause any trouble. Huge relief there.

It was just a good reminder, really. Check those emails for recall notices, keep an eye on batch codes when you buy, and know what steps to take if it happens to you. A little hassle, sure, but way better than having a sick pup on your hands.