Cat Food Recall

Nutro Announces a Variety of Dry Food is Tainted

Nutro Products, Inc., has issued a voluntary recall on select varieties of Natural Choice and MAX dry cat foods. These products are being voluntarily recalled because of incorrect levels of zinc and potassium in the finished product.

Although they're not aware of any confirmed illness related to these products, Nutro advises that pet owners who've purchased these products should immediately stop feeding the food to their cats and switch to another advanced nutrition food.

Pet owners should monitor pet cats for symptoms, including a reduction in appetite or refusal of food, weight loss, vomiting or diarrhea. If you're concerned about your pet's health, contact your veterinarian as soon as possible. These recalled products do not pose any health risk to humans and there is no risk in handling or disposing of the products.

What Cat Food Has Been Recalled?

For the complete, updated list of cat foods that Nutro has voluntarily recalled, please visit their affected foods Web site, which features bar codes (UPC) and instructions for identifying the variety of affected foods.

Check the description and bar code of any food you may have against this list. The bar code can be found on the product label under a series of bars. If you need help, ask any PetSmart store associate.

What About Other Cat Foods?

This issue only affects select varieties of Nutro brand dry cat food. No other products are affected, including dry dog food, wet dog or cat food, or dog or cat food treats at this time. Please visit Nutro's Web site for full list of affected products available at PetSmart.

Nutro will continue to keep consumers informed of any developments regarding the recalled products at PetSmart by posting any updated information on their Web site, as well as in PetSmart stores.

Why are Zinc and Potassium Used in Cat Food?

Both zinc and potassium are essential nutrients for cats. Zinc is vital to the immune system and skin health. Potassium has a role in maintaining cell membrane integrity and nerve function.

Have Any Pets Become Ill From These Products?

Nutro has said they are not aware of any confirmed illness related to these products. These products were recalled voluntarily as a precaution, not because pets were getting sick.

What Nutro is Doing About the Cat Food Recall

Any news that involves a pet food recall naturally causes uncertainty and worry for pet owners. Nutro has expressed concern for their customers' pets and has released a statement saying they are handling this voluntary cat food recall with the utmost urgency to ensure their store shelves and Web site are free of all recalled product.

Nturo is also immediately removing all recalled product, and have precautions in place to make sure they are not re-stocked.

To the best of Nutro's knowledge, and based on information from their suppliers and government regulators, customers can continue to use pet food and treats that haven't been subjected to recall.

What Should You Do?

• If you purchased any recalled products, you should discontinue use immediately and return the food to any PetSmart for a complete refund or exchange for a different advanced nutrition food.
• If you have any concerns that your pet's health has been affected by any of these recalled foods, contact your veterinarian.
• Keep informed. PetSmart will continue to post any updated information on their Web site, as well as in their stores.
• You can also follow our updates via Twitter at @PetSmartTLC.

If you have any additional questions about this recall, please contact Nutro customer service at 1-800-833-5330 or PetSmart's customer service line at 1-888-839-9638.

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