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Merrick Pet Care, of Amarillo, Texas, is recalling five varieties of beef dog treats due to the potential that they contain elevated levels of a naturally-occurring beef thyroid hormone.
Dogs consuming high levels of beef thyroid hormone may exhibit the following symptoms: increased thirst and urination, weight loss, increased heart rate and restlessness. These symptoms may resolve when consumption decreases. If a dog consumes high levels for a long period of time, these symptoms may increase in severity and may include vomiting, diarrhea and rapid or labored breathing. If your pet has consumed the product listed and has exhibited any of these symptoms, please discontinue feeding and contact your veterinarian.
The voluntary recall is limited to the production codes listed below. To locate the production code, consumers should look on the lower back of the treat bag. No other production codes, sizes or varieties of these products are affected.
| Item | UPC | Best Before Date Range |
| Castor & Pollux Good Buddy Prime Patties Real Beef Recipe 4 oz. | 780872510806 | 5/1/2017 – 9/1/2019 |
| Castor & Pollux Good Buddy Sausage Cuts Real Beef Recipe 5 oz. | 780872510745 | 5/1/2017 – 9/1/2019 |
| Merrick Backcountry Great Plains Real Beef Jerky 4.5 oz. | 022808786160 | 5/1/2019 – 9/1/2019 |
| Merrick Backcountry Great Plains Real Beef Sausage Cuts 5 oz. | 022808786047 | 5/1/2017 – 9/1/2019 |
| Merrick Backcountry Great Plains Real Steak Patties 4 oz. | 022808786078 | 5/1/2017 – 9/1/2019 |
No other Merrick or Castor & Pollux products are impacted. These treats are distributed in the U.S. through pet specialty, grocery and online retailers with limited distribution in Canada.
This potential health risk was brought to Merrick’s attention as a result of the FDA sharing one consumer complaint where the dog’s health was temporarily impacted while eating Merrick Backcountry Great Plains Real Beef Jerky 4.5 oz.
If you have product, contact Merrick Pet Care at 1-800-664-7387 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Central Time Monday through Friday or [email protected] for a refund.
