Pet owners trust the items they bring into their homes—from treats to toys—to enhance the lives of their furry friends, not endanger them. But sometimes, what seems safe can quickly become a silent threat. Over the years, several pet products have been recalled after causing illness, injury, or even death.
These recalls sent shockwaves through the pet-loving community and forced a closer look at how these items were tested and sold.
1. Evanger’s Hunk of Beef Dog Food: Tainted with a Deadly Drug
Evangers was a long-standing brand that marketed its products as gourmet, human-grade meals for dogs. In 2017, their Hunk of Beef canned dog food was recalled after several pets fell ill and one tragically died. The FDA discovered that the product contained pentobarbital, a euthanasia drug used to put animals to sleep.
This substance is never supposed to be present in pet food, and its detection pointed to horrifying possibilities about the meat sourcing. The recall raised serious questions about quality control and transparency in the pet food industry.
2. Hartz Ultra Guard Flea and Tick Drops: Linked to Seizures and Death
Flea and tick prevention is vital for pets, but some treatments have had devastating side effects. Hartz Ultra Guard Flea and Tick Drops were blamed for causing severe reactions in cats, including tremors, seizures, and even death. Despite numerous complaints and online petitions from outraged pet owners, the product remained on store shelves for years. Eventually, Hartz faced intense scrutiny and was forced to recall some of its lines due to overwhelming evidence of harm. The case exposed how even over-the-counter treatments can carry serious risks.
3. Sunshine Mills Dog Food: Salmonella and Aflatoxin Contamination
In 2020, Sunshine Mills—a company behind several popular dog food brands—initiated a massive recall of products due to two deadly contaminants. Some batches were tainted with Salmonella, while others were found to contain dangerous levels of aflatoxin, a toxic mold byproduct. Pets exposed to high levels of aflatoxin can suffer from liver damage or die suddenly, often with little warning.
Several dogs reportedly died after eating the affected food, prompting alarmed responses from pet owners and veterinarians alike. The recall impacted over 20 different products and revealed weaknesses in supply chain oversight.
4. PetSmart’s Top Paw Pet Carriers: A Risk in the Car
A pet carrier is meant to keep pets safe, especially while traveling, but one model turned out to be a hazard. In 2018, PetSmart recalled its Top Paw Double Diner Feeders due to reports of metal welds breaking off and posing choking risks. However, a more alarming recall followed soon after involving the Top Paw Pet Carrier, which had faulty zippers that would open unexpectedly.
This defect led to several incidents where pets escaped during transit, and in some cases, ran into traffic or became lost. The emotional toll on owners was immense, and PetSmart had to reevaluate its testing standards for travel products.
5. Midwestern Pet Foods: Multiple Brands, Hundreds of Deaths
Midwestern Pet Foods, which owns several household-name pet food brands, faced a catastrophic recall in 2021. The FDA reported that at least 130 dog deaths and over 200 illnesses were linked to high levels of aflatoxin in its products. The scale of the contamination was shocking, and the FDA noted the company’s failure to implement basic safety protocols.
This case became one of the most widespread pet food recalls in U.S. history and caused long-term damage to the company’s reputation. It also reignited calls for stricter federal regulation of the pet food industry.
6. Woody’s Pet Food Deli: Raw Food Gone Wrong
Raw food diets for pets have grown in popularity, with many owners believing they mimic what animals eat in the wild. But Woody’s Pet Food Deli, a Minnesota-based brand, issued a major recall in 2019 after its raw turkey pet food tested positive for Salmonella. Not only did the bacteria pose a risk to pets, but it also endangered the humans handling the food.
One kitten died, and the Minnesota Department of Health issued a public health alert to warn other pet owners. The case served as a stark reminder that even trendy, niche products can have deadly consequences if not properly monitored.
The History Of Recalls
These disturbing recalls reveal a deeper problem in how pet products are made, tested, and regulated. Pet owners rely heavily on brands to deliver safe, effective, and healthy items, but trust can be shattered in an instant when lives are put at risk. From tainted food to dangerous flea treatments, each of these cases led to heartbreak—and lessons that continue to shape the industry. The growing demand for accountability has prompted some improvements, but many experts argue that much more still needs to be done. As the market for pet products expands, so too must the responsibility of those who create them.
Have any of these recalls affected you or someone you know? Share your experiences or thoughts in the comments below—your voice might help another pet owner stay informed and safe.
Read More
These 4 Dog Breeds Have Dangerous Health Defects Most People Don’t Know About
These 5 Dog Breeds Are Known to Outlive Their Owners
The post 6 Pet Products That Were Recalled for Deadly Reasons appeared first on Clever Dude Personal Finance & Money.
