Nutro Recalls Dry Cat Food

VIN News reported yesterday that pet food manufacturer Nutro has recalled ten varieties of the company’s dry cat foods,seven of which are sold in the US, after incorrect amounts of zinc and potassium were detected in the foods. As a result of this voluntary recall, Nutro has advised pet owners who have purchased affected products to immediately discontinue its use. Affected product may be returned to the seller for a full refund.

Zinc and potassium are essential nutrients for cats; affected diets have elevated levels of zinc and decreased levels of potassium resulting from a production error by a US-based vitamin/mineral premix supplier. Short term feeding of these diets is not likely to cause health problems and no reports of ill cats have been received by Nutro. Short-term symptoms may include decreased appetite, weight loss, vomiting, and diarrhea. Owners of pregnant cats or cats experiencing health problems while eating the affected foods are advised to contact their veterinarian immediately.

A list of recalled Nutro dry cat foods, including Max Cat and Natural Choice with “best if used by” dates between May 12 and August 22, 2010, can be found on the company’s website. Dog food and canned cat foods are not affected by this recall.