Urgent Dog Food Recall: Freshpet Select Affected by Possible Plastic Contamination

It's the kind of news no pet parent ever wants to hear, a notification that the very food we rely on to nourish our beloved companions might contain something harmful. Well, gather 'round, because there's an important recall making headlines that every dog owner, especially those in certain states, needs to be aware of right now.

Freshpet, a name many of us recognize from the refrigerated pet food aisle, has voluntarily issued a recall for a particular batch of their Freshpet Select Small Dog Bite Size Beef & Egg Recipe. The reason? A concerning possibility that small, rigid plastic pieces could have found their way into the food during production. Yes, you read that right – plastic in your pup's dinner.

Imagine your furry friend excitedly chowing down, only to potentially ingest plastic. It's a scary thought, right? These foreign materials pose a very real risk, ranging from choking hazards to serious digestive issues that could lead to internal injuries or discomfort. No one wants to see their dog in pain, especially from something completely preventable.

So, how do you know if your dog's food is affected? This specific recall targets 4.5 lb bags of the Freshpet Select Small Dog Bite Size Beef & Egg Recipe, identifiable by UPC code 627975012939. And here’s a crucial detail: check the 'Best By' date. The affected products bear the date 10/29/22. Now, I know what you might be thinking – that date has already passed. But it's still vital to check, as some bags might linger in pantries or even in stores that haven't removed them yet, so please, double-check.

This particular batch of recalled food was distributed and sold exclusively through Walmart stores across a significant portion of the country. If you live in Alabama, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Mississippi, North Carolina, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia, or even Puerto Rico, this alert is especially for you. Take a moment to peek in your fridge if you typically buy Freshpet from Walmart.

What should you do if you find an affected bag? First and foremost, stop feeding it to your dog immediately. Please don't try to pick out the plastic; it's just not worth the risk. Discard the food safely, and then, here's the important part for your refund: take a clear picture of the product's UPC and the 'Best By' date on the bag. This photo will be your proof for a full refund.

For any questions, concerns, or to initiate that refund, Freshpet has made it easy to reach out. You can connect with them directly by calling 1-806-218-1786. Their customer service team is available Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM ET, and on weekends from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM ET. Don't hesitate to reach out if you have any doubts.

It’s good to see Freshpet taking prompt action in cooperation with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to address this issue. While this isn't their first rodeo with a recall—they had a separate, unrelated Salmonella recall back in June of last year—it underscores the importance of manufacturers staying vigilant and consumers staying informed.

Our pets rely on us for their well-being, and checking their food is a small but critical step in ensuring their safety. So, do yourself, and more importantly, your best friend, a favor: double-check those Freshpet bags in your fridge. Stay safe out there, pet parents!