PEDIGREE Dog Food Recall 2026: Popular Canned Dog Food Pulled Over Choking and Injury Risk

Pet owners across the United States are being urged to check their dog food supplies after Mars Petcare US announced a voluntary recall of specific lots of PEDIGREE High Protein Chopped Chicken & Duck Flavor canned dog food. The recall follows the discovery that products originally marked for destruction were allegedly diverted into the retail marketplace, creating a potential safety risk for dogs.

According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the affected products may contain metal and plastic foreign materials that could cause choking, mouth injuries, or digestive tract blockages if consumed.

If you feed your dog PEDIGREE canned food, it is important to verify the product details immediately and stop using any affected cans.

Why Was the PEDIGREE Dog Food Recalled?

The recall was initiated after Mars Petcare US discovered that two lots of PEDIGREE High Protein Chopped Chicken & Duck Flavor dog food had been fraudulently diverted into the U.S. marketplace.

These products had originally been sent to a third-party vendor for destruction because they did not meet the company's strict quality and safety standards. Instead of being destroyed, the products allegedly entered retail distribution and were sold to consumers.

Because the cans may contain sharp pieces of metal or plastic, the company issued a voluntary recall to protect pets from possible injuries.

Mars Petcare stated that it is working with authorities to determine how the products entered the marketplace.

Recalled PEDIGREE Dog Food Details

The recall affects only the following product:

Product Name:
PEDIGREE High Protein Chopped Chicken & Duck Flavor for Dogs

Can Size:
13.2-ounce can

Affected Lot Codes:

• 613C3KKCFC
• 613C1KKCFC

No other PEDIGREE products are included in this recall.

Pet owners should carefully inspect the lot code printed on the can before feeding it to their dogs.

What Are the Health Risks?

According to the FDA, foreign materials such as metal and plastic can pose serious health risks to dogs.

Potential dangers include:

• Choking
• Cuts or lacerations inside the mouth
• Damage to the throat
• Gastrointestinal blockages
• Internal injuries requiring veterinary treatment

Sharp foreign objects may also damage the stomach or intestines, leading to emergency medical situations if left untreated.

Symptoms to Watch for in Dogs

If your dog may have eaten the recalled food, monitor them closely for unusual symptoms.

Possible warning signs include:

• Difficulty swallowing
• Excessive drooling
• Vomiting
• Loss of appetite
• Abdominal pain
• Lethargy
• Bloody stool
• Difficulty passing stool

If your dog develops any of these symptoms, contact your veterinarian immediately.

Early treatment can help prevent more serious complications.

What Should Pet Owners Do?

Consumers who have purchased the affected PEDIGREE canned dog food should stop feeding it to their pets immediately.

Recommended steps include:

• Check the product lot code.
• Do not feed recalled cans to your dog.
• Store the product safely away from pets.
• Follow disposal or return instructions provided by the retailer or manufacturer.
• Contact your veterinarian if your dog has already consumed the product and shows signs of illness.

Even if your pet appears healthy, monitoring them over the next several days is a good precaution.

Has Any Dog Been Injured?

At the time of the recall announcement, Mars Petcare reported that it had received no confirmed reports of illness or injury related to the recalled products.

The recall was issued as a precaution after identifying the potential contamination risk.

While no injuries have been confirmed, the company encourages consumers to take the recall seriously because foreign materials inside pet food can cause severe health problems.

Mars Petcare Investigating Fraudulent Diversion

One unusual aspect of this recall is that the affected products were never intended for sale.

According to Mars Petcare, the recalled lots had been sent to a third-party destruction facility after failing internal quality standards.

The company later discovered evidence suggesting the products had been fraudulently diverted instead of destroyed.

Officials are working with authorities to investigate how the products entered the marketplace and prevent similar incidents in the future.

This case highlights the importance of secure disposal practices throughout the food manufacturing supply chain.

Previous PEDIGREE Dog Food Recall

This is not the first recall involving PEDIGREE dog food.

In May 2024, Mars Petcare recalled 315 bags of PEDIGREE Adult Complete Nutrition Grilled Steak & Vegetable Flavor Dry Dog Food sold through Walmart in Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, and Texas.

That recall involved concerns about loose metal pieces that could pose health risks to pets.

The affected bags carried:

• Lot Code: 410B2TXT02
• Best-by Date: March 4, 2025

Although unrelated to the current recall, both incidents demonstrate the company's willingness to issue voluntary recalls when potential safety concerns are identified.

How to Stay Updated on Pet Food Recalls

Pet food recalls can happen unexpectedly, making it important for pet owners to stay informed.

Helpful ways to stay updated include:

• Regularly checking FDA pet food recall announcements.
• Registering products when manufacturers offer product registration.
• Following official announcements from pet food manufacturers.
• Keeping original packaging until the food has been completely used.

Prompt action can reduce the risk of pets consuming unsafe products.

Final Thoughts

The voluntary recall of PEDIGREE High Protein Chopped Chicken & Duck Flavor canned dog food serves as an important reminder for pet owners to inspect food products before use.

Although no illnesses have been reported, the possibility of metal and plastic contamination makes this recall a serious safety concern. Pet owners should verify lot codes, discontinue use of affected products, and seek veterinary advice if their dog shows any unusual symptoms after eating the recalled food.

Staying informed about recalls helps ensure pets remain healthy and protected from preventable hazards.

Source:

• U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
• Mars Petcare US, Inc. official recall announcement

Disclaimer:
This article is intended for informational and educational purposes only. It should not be considered veterinary or medical advice. If your pet has consumed recalled food or is showing signs of illness, consult a licensed veterinarian immediately. Recall information is accurate based on official announcements available at the time of writing and may be updated as new information becomes available.