A dog treat company is recalling multiple beef dog treat varieties because officials say they may contain elevated levels of a naturally-occurring beef thyroid hormone. Find out what caused this dog treat recall, the treats affected, and what to do if you feed these treats.

Recall Alert: Multiple Dog Treats Recalled Due to Potentially Elevated Levels of Beef Thyroid Hormone

A dog treat company is recalling multiple beef dog treat varieties because officials say they may contain elevated levels of a naturally-occurring beef thyroid hormone.

The company — Merrick Pet Care — issued the recall after the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) shared one customer complaint. According to a recall notice, the customer’s dog reportedly experienced temporary health issues from eating Merrick Backcountry Great Plains Real Beef Jerky 4.5 ounce (full list of recalled products below). The dog fully recovered after he/she stopped eating the treat.

The Potential Symptoms

According to a recall notice, dogs who consume high levels of beef thyroid hormone may experience increased thirst and urination, weight loss, increased heart rate, and restlessness. Like in the case above, these symptoms may clear up once a dog stops eating the impacted treats.

If a dog consumes high levels for a long period of time, symptoms may increase in severity. Pet parents are urged to watch for vomiting, diarrhea, and rapid or labored breathing.

What’s Recalled

This voluntary recall includes the five products listed below. If you buy this brand, you’re encouraged to check the production code on the lower back of your treat bag.

  • Castor & Pollux Good Buddy Prime Patties Real Beef Recipe 4 oz.
    • UPC: 780872510806
    • Best Before Date Range: 5/1/2017 – 9/1/2019
  • Castor & Pollux Good Buddy Sausage Cuts Real Beef Recipe 5 oz.
    • UPC: 780872510745
    • Best Before Date Range: 5/1/2017 – 9/1/2019
  • Merrick Backcountry Great Plains Real Beef Jerky 4.5 oz.
    • UPC: 022808786160
    • Best Before Date Range: 5/1/2019 – 9/1/2019
  • Merrick Backcountry Great Plains Real Beef Sausage Cuts 5 oz.
    • UPC: 022808786047
    • Best Before Date Range: 5/1/2017 – 9/1/2019
  • Merrick Backcountry Great Plains Real Steak Patties 4 oz.
    • UPC: 022808786078
    • Best Before Date Range: 5/1/2017 – 9/1/2019

The following photos are from Merrick Pet Care’s official recall notice:

As of now, officials say no other production codes, sizes, or varieties of these treats are impacted.

A Message From The Company

“We have not received any similar reports to date from consumers about issues with these products. As a company of pet owners and pet lovers, we know our consumers place a tremendous amount of trust in us when their pet uses our products. The quality and safety of our products are the top priority for our company. We apologize to our retail customers and consumers and sincerely regret any inconvenience and concerns caused by this voluntary recall.”

Feed These Treats?

If you feed these beef treats to your dog, stop using them immediately and contact Merrick for a full refund. You can contact the company by phone at 800-664-7387 from 8 am to 5 pm Central Time Monday through Friday.

Or by email at customerservice@merrickpetcare.com.

Or fill out this form on Merrick’s website.