Have Pork Chomps Been Recalled? What Pet Owners Need To Know

Pork Chomps are a popular dog treat made by Scott Pet Inc. However, there has been some confusion lately about whether Pork Chomps have been recalled. As a dog owner, it’s important to stay up-to-date on any recalls of pet food and treats, so you can make sure your furry friends stay safe and healthy.

In this article we’ll take an in-depth look at Pork Chomps including what they are, their ingredients, any past recalls, and signs to watch out for if your dog gets sick after eating them. We’ll also provide tips on choosing safe, high-quality treats and what to do if you suspect your dog has eaten a contaminated treat.

What Are Pork Chomps?

Pork Chomps are a type of rawhide-free dog chew made from baked pork skin. The pork skin is processed to remove 70% of the fat, making Pork Chomps a lower-fat option than many other meat-based treats.

According to the manufacturer the pork skin is baked rather than fried which helps reduce the fat content. Pork Chomps are also flavored with either a smoked or peanut butter flavor to make them even more enticing to dogs.

The treats come in various shapes and sizes, from chips and twists to bones and rolls. Pork Chomps are marketed as a tasty and long-lasting chew that helps promote dental health by scraping away plaque and tartar as the dog gnaws on it.

Have There Been Any Recalls of Pork Chomps?

There have not been any widespread recalls impacting all Pork Chomp products. However, in April 2021, there was a limited recall of one lot of Pork Chomps after reports of dogs becoming ill after eating them.

Here are the details on the 2021 recall

• The recalled product was Pork Chomps Prime Bones sold in a 22-oz bag with a best by date of 02/07/2022 and UPC #7 85184 25105 8.

• The treats were sold online through Chewy.com. After customers reported their dogs becoming ill, Chewy pulled all of the affected lot from their warehouses.

• Three dogs belonging to the same household reportedly became ill after eating the treats. Two were hospitalized, but all recovered fully.

• No source of contamination was ever confirmed, but it appears the issue was isolated to that particular lot number.

Other than this one incident, there are no other recalls of Pork Chomps in the brand’s 27+ year history. However, it’s a good reminder to check lot codes when a recall is issued, even if the product brand itself is not implicated.

Are Pork Chomps Safe? What Experts Say

According to veterinarians, Pork Chomps are generally considered a safe, healthy treat for dogs. Since they’re rawhide-free and baked rather than fried, they do not pose some of the same risks as other meat chews like rawhide bones.

The treats are highly digestible compared to rawhide, so they are less likely to cause obstructions. The fat content is also lower than many pork products thanks to the baking process.

Of course, any treat should be fed in moderation. Veterinarians recommend appropriate sizing for your dog’s breed and age, as well as always supervising your dog when they have a chew treat to prevent choking hazards.

As long as you follow basic precautions, most experts consider Pork Chomps a good option to mix into your dog’s treat rotation. But it’s always smart to keep an eye out for recalls just in case.

Signs Your Dog May Have Eaten a Contaminated Treat

If your dog becomes ill after eating a treat like Pork Chomps, watch for these common symptoms:

• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Loss of appetite
• Lethargy
• Dehydration

In severe cases, dogs may experience bloody stool, elevated heart rate and respiration, tremors, and seizures. If your dog shows any concerning symptoms after eating a treat, call your vet right away.

Quick action is crucial, but in many cases dogs will recover fully with prompt veterinary treatment. Always save any packaging and contact the manufacturer to report any issues.

How to Choose Safe, Wholesome Treats for Your Dog

To help avoid contaminated treats in the future, keep these tips in mind when shopping:

• Check labels: Read all labels carefully and avoid treats made outside the USA, which have less oversight on safety standards.

• Research brands: Stick to reputable, transparency brands with rigorous quality control standards.

• Avoid artificial additives: Choose treats with all-natural, pronounceable ingredients. Steer clear of artificial preservatives and additives.

• Talk to your vet: Ask your veterinarian for brand recommendations based on your dog’s needs and health conditions.

• Start small: When introducing a new treat, give just a small amount at first to test for any reactions.

• Watch for signs: Monitor your dog closely after giving new treats and stop immediately if they seem unwell.

Following these precautions will give you peace of mind that your dog’s treats are safe, nutritious, and delicious!

What to Do if Your Dog Eats a Recalled Treat

If you learn that a treat you fed your dog has been recalled due to contamination, here are the steps to take:

• Stop feeding it: If you still have any remaining treats at home, stop feeding them immediately.

• Save packaging: The lot numbers, best by dates, and other packaging details will be important to have on hand.

• Contact the manufacturer: Notify the company of any illness your dog experienced. Their investigation could prevent further safety issues.

• Watch for symptoms: Closely monitor your dog over the following days and weeks for any signs of illness.

• See your vet: If your dog seems unwell after eating a recalled treat, seek veterinary care right away for evaluation and prompt treatment.

• Report the issue: You can also contact the FDA to report any illnesses related to pet food recalls by calling them or using their online form.

By acting quickly and following these steps, you can help protect your dog’s health if a recall situation arises. Don’t hesitate to reach out to the treat maker, your vet, or the FDA if you have any concerns.

The Bottom Line on Pork Chomp Recalls

While there have been isolated incidents of illness, Pork Chomps dog treats have never been recalled overall as a brand. One lot was recalled in 2021 after some dogs became sick, but the source of contamination was never found.

According to veterinarians, Pork Chomps are generally a healthy treat option since they’re rawhide-free and baked to be highly digestible. However, it’s always smart to supervise your dog with any chew treat and watch for recalls impacting specific lots or production dates.

Following basic safety precautions, researching brands, and monitoring your dog closely after treating can go a long way in protecting their health. If your dog does become ill after a treat, call your vet right away and be sure to report any issues to the manufacturer and FDA.

With vigilance and care, you can continue to reward your furry best friend with tasty, fun treats that you can feel good about! Just be sure to keep a close eye on recall alerts so you can respond quickly if any products are impacted. Here’s to many more happy, healthy years of enjoying special chews or snacks together!