Kibbles ‘n Bits® Canned Wet Dog Food Update

February 23, 2018 
(Updated March 2, 2018)

After launching a thorough and immediate investigation following claims of pentobarbital in canned wet dog food products, we have identified the sole source of contamination. We have confirmed extremely low levels of pentobarbital in select shipments of Kibbles ‘n Bits® canned wet dog food. While veterinary experts have confirmed that extremely low levels of pentobarbital do not pose a threat to pet safety, its presence at any level is not acceptable and is not up to our quality standards.

Testing done by scientists at an independent third-party microbiology laboratory indicates that animal fat was the source of the contamination. Additionally, the laboratory tests confirm the animal fat was from cow, pig, and chicken and no other animal of the nine types tested. We stopped production at our manufacturing facility that makes these specific products until we could obtain the ingredient from a new supplier, and we are no longer sourcing the ingredient from the original supplier.

We will now test our products for the presence of pentobarbital as a new quality assurance protocol. In addition, we are enhancing our sourcing and supplier oversight procedures to ensure this does not occur again.

There is nothing more important than ensuring pet parents can continue to feel confident they are making the best decision for their pets when they choose our brand. We are deeply sorry for the concern this has caused.

Consumers who purchased impacted product can call us at 800-828-9980, Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM EST, or email us here with any questions, concerns, or for a refund or replacement product.

 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

What was the ingredient that caused this?
Testing done by scientists at an independent third-party microbiology laboratory indicates that animal fat was the source of the contamination. The animal fat comes from cow, pig, chicken and no other animal of the nine types tested. We are now sourcing this ingredient from a new supplier.

Is this sourced from the U.S. or overseas, like China?
We source animal fat from the United States.

Do you put cats, dogs, and/or horses in your pet food?
No. Unfortunately, due to speculative and erroneous reporting, there has been a lot of false assumptions made about this. Testing done by scientists at an independent, third-party microbiology lab indicates that animal fat was the source of the contamination. Additionally, DNA testing of nine animal species confirmed the animal fat was from cow, pig, and chicken, and no other animal of the nine types tested.  

What is the name of the old supplier? What about the new supplier?
Due to potential litigation, we will not be releasing the name of either the old or new supplier.

What Kibbles ‘n Bits® products are impacted?

Item Name UPC Item Code(s)
Kibbles ‘N Bits 13.2 oz. Burger Bacon Cheese and Turkey Bacon Vegetable Variety 12-Pack

7910010377
7910010378

Kibbles ‘N Bits 13.2 oz. Beef, Chicken, Vegetable, Meatball Pasta and Turkey Bacon Vegetable Var. Pack 7910010382
7910048367
7910010378
Kibbles ‘N Bits 13.2 oz. Beef, Chicken, Vegetable, Burger Bacon Cheese and Beef Vegetable Variety Pack 7910010380
7910010377
7910010375
Kibbles ‘N Bits 13.2 oz. Wet Variety Pack 7910010375
Kibbles ‘N Bits 13.2 oz. Chef’s Choice Bistro Tender Cuts with Real Beef & Vegetable in Gravy 7910010375
7910048367
Kibbles ‘N Bits Chef’s Choice Homestyle Tender Slices with Real Beef, Chicken & Vegetables in Gravy  
7910010380

Kibbles ‘N Bits Chef’s Choice Bistro Tender Cuts with Real Turkey, Bacon & Vegetable in Gravy

7910010378

 

Are other brands impacted?

Item Name UPC Item Code(s)
Gravy Train 13.2 oz. with T-Bone Flavor Chunks 7910052541
Gravy Train 13.2 oz. with Beef Strips 7910052542
Gravy Train 13.2 oz. with Lamb and Rice Chunks 7910052543
Gravy Train 22 oz. with Chicken Chunks 7910051645
Gravy Train 22 oz. with Beef Chunks 7910051647
Gravy Train 13.2 oz. with Beef Chunks 7910034417
Gravy Train 13.2 oz. with Chicken Chunks 7910034418
Gravy Train 13.2 oz. Chunks in Gravy Stew 7910051933
Gravy Train 13.2 oz. Chicken, Beef & Liver Medley 7910051934
Gravy Train 13.2 oz. Chunks in Gravy with Beef Chunks 7910034417
Skippy 13.2 oz. Premium Select Cuts in Gravy with Beef & Bone Marrow 7910071860
Skippy 13.2 oz. Premium Select Cuts with Burgers & Cheese Bits 7910050243
Skippy 13.2 oz. Premium Chunks in Gravy with Smoky Turkey & Bacon 7910050246
Skippy 13.2 oz. Premium Chunks in Gravy with Beef & Chicken 7910050247
Skippy 13.2 oz. Premium Chunks in Gravy 3 in 1 Chicken, Beef & Liver 7910050248
Skippy 13.2 oz. Premium Chunks in Gravy Chunky Stew 7910050249
Skippy 13.2 oz. Premium Strips in Gravy with Chicken 7910050244
Skippy 13.2 oz, Premium Chunks in Gravy with Beef 7910050250
Skippy 13.2 oz. Premium Strips in Gravy with Beef 7910050245
Ol’ Roy 13.2 oz Turkey Bacon Strips 8113117570


What should I do with the Kibbles ‘n Bits® wet dog food I have at home now? Are you issuing a recall of impacted product?
Out of an abundance of caution, we initiated a voluntary class III recall on specific shipments of Kibbles ‘n Bits® canned wet dog food because they do not meet our quality specifications.

Consumers who purchased impacted product can call us at 800-828-9980, Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM EST, or email us here with any questions, concerns, or for a refund or replacement product. If emailing, pease include proof of purchase (e.g. a receipt or photos of product in your possession) as well as the name of product and UPC item code(s). A receipt or proof of purchase may not be required to obtain a refund or exchange, but we may require some form of verification that impacted product was purchased

What do I do if I suspect my pet has become ill because of this issue?
If your pet is ill or if you have concerns about your pet’s health for any reason, we recommend you consult your veterinarian. Veterinarians and animal nutrition specialists, as well as the FDA, have confirmed that extremely low levels of the substance in question do not pose a threat to pet safety.

Our Commitment to You

Due to ongoing national supply chain challenges and unprecedented demand, we recognize some of your pets' favorite foods may be difficult to find. We assure you we are working tirelessly to ensure we can deliver our trusted products to you without disruption. We appreciate your patience and the continued opportunity to meet the needs of your furry family members.