Dog food brands recalled over possible presence of euthanasia drug

Feb. 16 (UPI) -- Dog food shipments were recalled, their manufacturer said, after an independent investigation found they contained a euthanasia drug.

J.M. Smucker Co. said in a statement Thursday that it will withdraw shipments of Gravy Train, Kibbles n' Bits, Ol' Roy and Skippy brands, made by Big Heart Pet Foods, a Smucker subsidiary. The action comes after WJLA-TV Washington, in conjunction with food testing firm Ellipse Analytics, analyzed dog food brands. It reported on Feb. 8 that 60 percent of the 15 Gravy Train cans tested contained trace amounts of pentobarbital, a euthanasia drug.

"Veterinarians and animal nutrition specialists, as well as the FDA, have confirmed that extremely low levels of pentobarbital, like the levels referenced in this report, do not pose a threat to pet safety. However, the presence of this substance at any level is not acceptable to us and not up to our quality standards. We sincerely apologize for the concern this has caused. Out of an abundance of caution we initiated a voluntary withdrawal on specific shipments of Gravy Train canned/wet dog food because they do not meet our quality specifications." the Smucker {link:statement said. : "http://www.gravytraindog.com/information" target="_blank"} It added that the other three brands are also being withdrawn.

The action follows an FDA recall order on Thursday over fears that some pet food products may be tainted with Salmonella bacteria. None are Smucker brands.