A concerning discovery has been made regarding a well-known dog food brand, Sportmix. High levels of a deadly toxin called aflatoxin have been found in the pet food, which has led to the deaths of at least 28 dogs. The FDA has subsequently issued a recall notice for Sportmix pet food. In addition to the dogs that died, eight others became severely ill but ultimately survived.
Sportmix is produced by Midwestern Pet Food. The company is now scrambling to recall their contaminated products to prevent further harm to pets. The recall affects several varieties of pet food, including Sportmix Energy Plus, Premium High Energy, and Original Cat lines.
The Missouri Department of Agriculture conducted tests on the dog food brand, discovering the dangerous aflatoxin levels. Aflatoxin is a toxin generated by the Aspergillus flavus mold, which can grow on corn and other grains used in making pet foods. This toxin can accumulate in pets’ bodies over time, increasing the risk of poisoning since dogs and cats often consume the same food daily.
Pet owners should be aware of the symptoms of aflatoxin poisoning, which include loss of appetite, vomiting, lethargy, jaundice, and diarrhea. In some cases, the toxin can even cause liver damage. If you or someone you know has been feeding a pet the affected Sportmix dog food varieties, it is crucial to contact a veterinarian as soon as possible.
While pet owners are not at risk from simply handling contaminated pet food, experts recommend washing hands after handling any pet food as a precautionary measure against potential future issues.
It is still unclear whether Sportmix will need to recall more types of pet food. The list of affected products could expand if the FDA and the Missouri Department of Agriculture find additional harmful foods.
Many pet owners have taken to social media to discuss their concerns about the pet food causing their animals’ sudden deaths.
One Facebook user wrote, “I was getting my dog this dog food, and she passes away.”
Another shared that her Rottweiler “passed away three weeks ago just out of nowhere. He was a very healthy dog.”
Over one hundred people engaged in a discussion about the toxic dog food on Daily Mail.
One user commented, “This happened with Purina Beneful at one time as well. They paid on a class-action suit and tried to keep it as hush as possible. Really sad because it isn’t something you should have to worry about, but it happens too often not to.”
Some pet owners even suggested making dog food from scratch at home to avoid such problems.
One person shared, “It’s really easy to make your own dog food and very much worth it. My dog lived until he was 19.” Pet owners must remain vigilant about the food they provide to their pets and stay informed about potential dangers associated with certain brands and products.
WATCH the video below for more details:
Source: AWM