Sportmix pet food is being recalled after deaths of at least 28 dogs

A pet food company is recalling several types of its Sportmix dog and cat food products after it was discovered that the pet food could potentially contain fatal levels of a toxic mold.

So far, 28 dogs have died and eight more have become ill, possibly from eating the food with the high levels of aflatoxin, a toxin that’s produced by mold that can grow on corn and other common grains used in pet food, according to the Food and Drug Administration. The FDA is continuing its investigation and cautions that the case counts and scope could grow.

Midwestern Pet Food, Inc. announced the recall of certain lots (see below for a complete list) of its Sportmix pet food products that have been distributed to retail stores nationally and sold online. Tests confirmed the food contained dangerous levels of the aflatoxin.

Pets that experience aflatoxin poisoning may exhibit the following symptoms:

• Sluggishness
• Loss of appetite
• Vomiting
• Jaundice (yellowish tint to the eyes or gums due to liver damage)
• Diarrhea

Also, in some cases, pets may suffer liver damage, but not show any signs, which is why it’s important to contact your vet if your pet has consumed this recalled food — even if they aren’t exhibiting any symptoms.

These are the recalled Sportmix pet food products:

• Sportmix Energy Plus, 50-pound bag
  Exp 03/02/22/05/L2
  Exp 03/02/22/05/L3
  Exp 03/03/22/05/L2
• Sportmix Energy Plus, 44-pound bag
  Exp 03/02/22/05/L3
• Sportmix Premium High Energy, 50-pound bag
  Exp 03/03/22/05/L3
• Sportmix Premium High Energy, 44-pound bag
  Exp 03/03/22/05/L3
• Sportmix Original Cat, 31-pound bag
  Exp 03/03/22/05/L3
• Sportmix Original Cat, 15-pound bag
  Exp 03/03/22/05/L2
  Exp 03/03/22/05/L3

Lot code information may be found on the back of the bag and will appear in a three-line code, with the top line in this format: “EXP 03/03/22/05/L#/B###/HH:MM”

If you have purchased any of the listed food, immediately stop feeding your pet the recalled products and consult your veterinarian, the FDA recommends.

You can also contact Midwestern Pet Foods Consumer Affairs at 800-474-4163, ext. 455 from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Central Time, Monday through Friday, or by email at info@midwesternpetfoods.com for additional information.

The FDA is continuing to investigate and the case count may continue to grow as more information becomes available. Pet owners can also report suspected cases of aflatoxin poisoning to the FDA.

Also, the American Veterinary Medical Association keeps a comprehensive list of recalls and safety alerts that contains updated information about recalled pet foods and products.