Gravy Train – that’s the name of the J.M. Smucker dog food brand that’s been recalled after traces of pentobarbital were found in some of the cans.
Pentobarbital is a sedative that is used to euthanize animals and, according to the FDA statement that prompted the recall, “Pets that eat pet food containing pentobarbital can experience drowsiness, dizziness, excitement, loss of balance, nausea, nystagmus (eyes moving back and forth in a jerky manner) and inability to stand. Consuming high levels of pentobarbital can cause coma and death.”
J.M. Smucker, the company behind the brand, also voluntarily recalled its other brands – Kibbles ‘N Bits, Ol’ Roy and Skippy canned dog food – after the FDA reported that even though very small amounts of the drug are not likely to pose a threat to pets that eat them, it is still a violation of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act.
Smucker has narrowed down the source of the contamination to one particular supplier, and one single ingredient used by one manufacturing facility.
The trend of “humanization” is causing pet owners – or pet parents, as they are now referred to – to be extra cautious about the ingredients in pet foods, and the news could put a dent in Smucker’s sales figures for the quarter. The company is assuring its customers that they can call in with their concerns, and even get a refund or replacement.
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