If you've just heard about a recall (or you're just being cautious), here's the fastest way to verify whether the food you're feeding is actually affected. Recalls usually apply to specific lots, not all production of a brand.

Step 1: Find the Specific Product Identifiers

You'll need three pieces of information from your bag, can, or pouch:

  1. Exact product name — "Brand X Chicken Recipe Adult Dog Food, 30 lb" (not just "Brand X dog food")
  2. Lot or batch number — usually printed on the bag/can, often near the "best by" date
  3. "Best by" or expiration date — for confirming the production window

Lot numbers can be in various locations:

  • Bottom of cans
  • Stamped on bag seams (often hard to read)
  • Bottom or side of bag
  • Printed on label below the barcode

Step 2: Check Multiple Sources

Don't rely on a single source. Cross-check these:

FDA Recall Database

The official source. Search "FDA pet food recalls" or go directly to fda.gov. The FDA lists current and past recalls with full product details, lot numbers, and date ranges.

Our Recall Hub

The PetComparison recall tracker aggregates pet food recall information by brand. You can search for your brand to see if anything recent applies.

Manufacturer's Website

Most brands have a "Safety" or "Recall Information" page. Check the manufacturer's official site (not a third-party retailer). Look for their most recent news section.

Retailer Notifications

If you bought from Chewy, Amazon, or another retailer, check their notifications. Many will email customers about recalls of products they've purchased.

Step 3: Match Your Product

Recall notices include specific information that must match your product to be affected:

  • Exact product name and size
  • UPC code (the long number under the barcode)
  • Lot or batch number range
  • "Best by" date range

If ANY of these don't match the recall notice, your specific bag is probably not affected. But verify against the official recall — don't assume.

What If You Can't Read the Lot Number?

Bag lot numbers are sometimes faded, scratched, or printed unclearly. If you can't verify:

  • Contact the manufacturer with the product name, size, and "best by" date — they can usually identify the production window
  • Save the bag/packaging until you've confirmed
  • When in doubt, switch to a different food temporarily — better safe than sorry

Step 4: If Your Product Is Recalled

  1. Stop feeding immediately.
  2. Save the packaging for refund/return purposes.
  3. Secure the food so other pets or wildlife can't access it.
  4. Watch your pet for symptoms — even if they seem fine.
  5. Contact your vet if any symptoms appear.
  6. Switch to a different food — see our food switching guide for transition tips.
  7. Get a refund from the manufacturer or retailer.
  8. Report illness to the FDA if your pet got sick — this helps identify systemic issues.

Setting Up Future Alerts

To get notified of future recalls:

  • FDA alerts: Sign up at fda.gov for pet food safety email notifications
  • Manufacturer alerts: Most brands offer email lists for safety updates
  • Bookmark our recall hub and check periodically

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I've been feeding the recalled product for weeks?

If your pet has been eating recalled food for an extended period without symptoms, they're likely fine — but a vet visit for baseline bloodwork is reasonable, especially for pathogen or vitamin D recalls.

How long should I save recall packaging?

Until you've successfully gotten a refund. Most manufacturers process refunds within 4-6 weeks. After that, you can dispose of the packaging.

What if the recall happened a year ago and I just found out?

Check whether your specific product is still affected — many recalls have specific date ranges that may have passed. If your bag is from outside the range, you're likely OK. If it's within the range, dispose of it and watch your pet.

The Bottom Line

Checking a recall takes 5 minutes if you have the right information. Note lot numbers and "best by" dates when you buy, keep packaging until food is consumed, and check our recall hub or the FDA periodically. When in doubt, switch foods — pet health is worth more than a $40 bag.