FDA Recalls Dog Supplements Sold on Amazon and Chewy Over Possible Salmonella Contamination

Two Fi dog supplements have been recalled over a potential Salmonella contamination risk. The products were sold directly to consumers and through major online retailers, including Amazon and Chewy.com.

Dog owners are being urged to check their supplies after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced a recall involving two Fi-branded dog supplements that may be contaminated with Salmonella.

Vet Plus Inc., the New York-based company that sells the products under the Fi brand, issued the recall after learning that an ingredient provided by its manufacturer could potentially carry the bacteria. According to the FDA, the manufacturer has stopped production while it investigates the possible source of the contamination.

The recall applies to specific lots of two products and does not mean that every Fi supplement is affected. Pet owners should therefore check the product name, package size, lot number, and UPC before deciding whether their product is part of the recall.

Which Fi Dog Supplements Are Recalled?

The FDA recall covers two 180-gram Fi dog supplement products.

The first recalled product is Fi Calming Supplement for Dogs, with the following identifying information:

• Lot number: 26118
• UPC: 8 50064 80011 1
• Package size: 180 grams

The second recalled product is Fi 8-in-1 Formula Supplement for Dogs, identified as:

• Lot number: 26159
• UPC: 8 50055 11168 4
• Package size: 180 grams

The affected supplements were sold directly to consumers as well as through online retailers, including Amazon and Chewy.com.

Because online purchases can remain in homes long after an order is delivered, dog owners who regularly purchase supplements online should check their products even if they bought them some time ago.

Why Is Salmonella a Concern for Dogs?

Salmonella is a type of bacteria that can cause illness in animals and people. Dogs that consume contaminated products can develop symptoms ranging from mild digestive problems to more serious illness.

According to the FDA, possible symptoms in dogs include lethargy, diarrhea, bloody diarrhea, fever, vomiting, decreased appetite, and abdominal pain.

However, not every infected dog will necessarily appear sick. One important concern is that an animal can potentially carry and spread Salmonella without showing obvious symptoms.

That means exposure is not limited to the dog that eats a contaminated supplement. Other pets and household members could also potentially come into contact with the bacteria.

Pet owners should contact a veterinarian if their dog develops concerning symptoms after consuming one of the recalled products. Veterinary advice is particularly important if symptoms are severe, persistent, or accompanied by significant weakness or dehydration.

Salmonella Can Also Affect People

The recall is also relevant to people who handle the supplements or come into contact with an affected animal.

People can potentially be exposed to Salmonella by touching contaminated products, surfaces, or animal waste and then touching their mouth or food without washing their hands.

The Mayo Clinic says common symptoms of Salmonella infection in humans include diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps. Symptoms can develop within several hours to several days after exposure.

Most otherwise healthy people recover without specific treatment, but Salmonella can sometimes cause more serious complications. Severe diarrhea can also result in dehydration.

Young children, older adults, pregnant people, and individuals with weakened immune systems may face a greater risk of serious illness. Anyone who develops significant symptoms after possible exposure should contact a healthcare professional.

What Should Dog Owners Do With Recalled Products?

Consumers who purchased one of the affected lots should stop using the product immediately.

The FDA advises consumers to follow the recall instructions and properly dispose of affected products. Pet owners should also take reasonable precautions when handling the container or anything that may have come into contact with the supplement.

Fi has said it is contacting affected customers directly as a precaution.

Consumers with questions can contact Fi at 1-888-434-3647. The company says its phone support is available seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern Time. Customers can also contact the company through its support email.

Pet owners should avoid giving a recalled supplement to another animal, even if the dog appears healthy.

How to Reduce the Risk of Salmonella Exposure

Good hygiene can help reduce the risk of spreading Salmonella in a household.

People should wash their hands thoroughly with soap and water after handling pet products, cleaning up animal waste, using the bathroom, changing diapers, or handling raw meat and poultry.

Pet owners should also regularly clean surfaces where supplements, food, or pet supplies are stored. If a recalled product has been handled, washing potentially contaminated surfaces with appropriate household cleaning products can help reduce the chance of bacterial spread.

It is also important to prevent cross-contamination when preparing food. Raw meat and poultry should be kept separate from ready-to-eat foods, while cutting boards and food-preparation surfaces should be cleaned after use.

These precautions are especially important in households with young children, older adults, pregnant individuals, or people with weakened immune systems.

How to Report Problems With a Recalled Pet Product

The FDA encourages consumers and veterinary professionals to report adverse events and quality problems involving animal products.

Problems associated with these recalled supplements can be reported to the FDA's Center for Veterinary Medicine using Form FDA 1932a.

FDA Animal Drug and Device Reporting

Reporting suspected problems can help regulators identify potential patterns and determine whether additional action is necessary.

What This Recall Means for Pet Owners

The Fi recall highlights why checking lot numbers is important when a pet product is subject to a targeted recall. A recall involving specific lots does not automatically mean that every product from the same brand is affected.

Dog owners who have Fi supplements at home should compare their packaging with the recalled lot numbers and UPCs listed above. If the product matches, it should no longer be given to a pet.

Owners should also monitor their animals for signs of illness and seek veterinary advice when necessary.

For people, proper handwashing remains one of the simplest ways to reduce the potential spread of Salmonella. If someone develops symptoms after suspected exposure, they should speak with a healthcare professional, particularly if symptoms become severe or dehydration develops.

Source

U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA): Recall notice concerning Fi dog supplements and possible Salmonella contamination.

Disclaimer

This article is provided for general informational purposes and is not a substitute for veterinary or medical advice. Pet owners should consult a veterinarian if their dog may have consumed a recalled product or develops possible symptoms of illness. People who believe they may have been exposed to Salmonella should contact a qualified healthcare professional. Recall information can change, so consumers should verify the latest details directly with the FDA and the manufacturer.