Full Breakdown
Pedigree Canned Dog Food Recalled Over Potential Metal and Plastic Contamination
7/8/2026, 12:13:53 PM
Recall Announcement and Affected Products
On July 2 2026, Mars Petcare US, Inc. issued a voluntary recall of Pedigree Can High Protein Chopped Chicken & Duck Flavor wet dog food (13.2-oz cans). The recall covers two lot codes—613C3KKCFC and 613C1KKCFC. The company’s notice states that the affected cans may contain hard, sharp metal and plastic fragments. No other Pedigree or Mars Petcare products are included.
Background and Cause of Recall
Mars’ internal quality checks flagged the two lots as non-conforming. They were subsequently sent to a third-party vendor for destruction. The vendor later diverted the product into U.S. retail channels, prompting Mars to initiate the recall after learning of the “fraudulent diversion.” The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) posted a corresponding recall notice on the same date.
Key Entities Involved
- Mars Petcare US, Inc. – Manufacturer and recall initiator.
- Pedigree – Brand under Mars Petcare.
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration – Federal agency that published the recall notice.
- Third-party vendor – Unnamed contractor originally tasked with destroying the lots.
- Hawaii Department of Health – State agency that issued a local alert and noted uncertainty about whether the recalled cans reached Hawaiian retailers.
Data and Scope
- Product: Pedigree Can High Protein Chopped Chicken & Duck Flavor, 13.2-oz cans.
- Lot codes: 613C3KKCFC, 613C1KKCFC.
- Reported volume: approximately 13,000 units (as cited by Fox Business).
- Distribution: nationwide; specific sales figures and regional reach remain undisclosed.
Health Risks to Dogs
The presence of sharp metal and plastic foreign material can cause choking, oral or gastrointestinal lacerations, and intestinal blockages. All sources agree that, to date, no pet illnesses or injuries have been reported in connection with the recalled cans.
Official Statements & Responses
Mars Petcare emphasized that the recalled lots “did not meet its safety and quality standards” and that the company is “working with authorities to determine how these products entered the marketplace.” The FDA’s recall notice mirrors this description and advises consumers to stop feeding the product and contact Pedigree Consumer Care (1-800-525-5273). The Hawaii Department of Health echoed the FDA’s guidance and added that it lacks data on whether the affected cans were sold in the state.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- Distribution data: No public information confirms the quantity of recalled cans sold in any specific market, including Hawaii.
- Cause of diversion: The identity of the third-party vendor and the mechanism of the fraudulent diversion have not been disclosed.
- Health outcomes: While all sources report zero confirmed pet injuries, the absence of reported cases does not preclude unreported incidents.
Verbatim Quotes
- “The potential presence of sharp metal and plastic foreign material in the cans could pose a hazard to your dog.” — Mars Petcare announcement
- “Mars is working with authorities to determine how these products entered the marketplace. We are committed to protecting pets and helping consumers identify and remove the affected products from use,” — Mars Petcare spokesperson
- “The potential presence of sharp metal and plastic foreign material in the cans could pose a hazard to your dog. Health risks to dogs ingesting sharp foreign objects can range from choking to lacerations or blockages in the gastrointestinal tract. Consumers who fed the recalled product to their dog and are concerned should contact their veterinarian. Mars is working with authorities to determine how these products entered the marketplace. We are committed to protecting pets and helping consumers identify and remove the affected products from use,” — Recall notice
What’s Next
Mars Petcare is cooperating with law-enforcement and regulatory agencies to investigate the diversion. Consumers are instructed to check lot codes on the bottom of cans, cease feeding any affected product, and contact Pedigree Consumer Care for a replacement or refund. Veterinarians should be consulted if a dog exhibits vomiting, loss of appetite, drooling, difficulty swallowing, lethargy, or abdominal pain after consumption.
