Natural Balance recalls dry dog food

Natural Balance Pet Foods Inc. has recalled some of its dog food because it potentially is contaminated with Salmonella.

The Natural Balance Sweet Potato & Chicken Dry Dog Food with the "Best By" date of June 17, 2011 in the 5-pound and 28-pound bags have been recalled.

No illnesses have yet been associated with the recall, said Food Safety News.

Read the whole article here.

The recalled product was manufactured on Dec. 17. The recall was issued after a sample came back positive for Salmonella in a routine test conducted by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

Salmonella in dry pet food can infect both humans and animals.

For humans, symptoms of Salmonella include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramping, and fever.

More serious ailments including arterial infections, endocarditis, arthritis, muscle pain, eye irritation, and urinary tract problems. Anyone exhibiting these signs after having contact with this product should contact their healthcare providers.

Pets with Salmonella infections may be lethargic and have diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever, and vomiting. Some pets will have only decreased appetite, fever and abdominal pain.

Infected but otherwise healthy pets can be carriers and infect other animals or humans. If your pet has consumed the recalled product and has these symptoms, please contact your veterinarian.

The recall was not issued for New York.

Recalled products were only distributed in pet specialty stores in the states of Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Washington, Wisconsin and Wyoming.

People who purchased the product are urged to return it to the place of purchase for a full refund.

NOTE: This is Dick van Patten's dog food company.