Popular Dog Food Recalled Due To Elevated Thyroid Hormone

A company has issued a recall voluntarily for some of its dog treats due to contamination with increased beef thyroid hormone levels.

The rescindment was announced by Merrick Pet Care after a buyer filed a complaint with the FDA, when their pup began to exhibit symptoms of high beef thyroid consumption. The dog in question has made a full recovery since then when they stopped eating the affected food.

Beef thyroid hormones mainly come from gullets and thyroid glands, and both of these ingredients are banned for use in human food by the USDA. Gullets may be used in pet food but only if thyroid glands are fully removed – and failure to do so results in elevated thyroid hormones.

A list of the affected products has best before dates between 5/19/2017 to 9/1/2019 and further details are as follows.

Name: Merrick Backcountry Great Plains Real Beef Jerky

Size: 4.5 oz
Code: UPC 022808786160

Name: Merrick Backcountry Great Plains Real Beef Sausage Cuts

Size: 5 oz.
Code: UPC 022808786047

Name: Merrick Backcountry Great Plains Real Steak Patties

Size: 4 oz.
Code: UPC 022808786078

Name: Castor & Pollux Good Buddy Prime Patties Real Beef Recipe

Size: 4 oz.
Code: UPC 780872510806

Name: Castor & Pollux Good Buddy Sausage Cuts Real Beef Recipe

Size: 5 oz.
Code: UPC 780872510745

Pups who consume foods that contain elevated beef thyroid hormone levels may begin to display symptoms of illness. This includes restlessness, excessive urination and thirst, sudden weight loss, and a heightened heart rate. Prolonged exposure to that hormone can also cause diarrhea, vomiting, and heavy or hard breathing.

If you have purchased one of these foods and notice your pup experiencing these symptoms, immediately stop feeding them the affected product and speak to your vet. You can request a refund by calling Merrick’s care line at 800-664-7387 or through customerservice@merrickpetcare.com. You can also fill out a refund request form on their website here.