When submitting a complaint regarding pet food, it’s essential to have accurate information on hand to ensure a thorough investigation and swift response. Many pet owners choose to transfer dry pet food into alternative containers for easier access. If you can, please retain the original packaging until the food has been fully consumed, as it contains CRUCIAL information needed to identify the specific type of pet food, the manufacturing facility, and the production date.
- Exact name and description of the product (as listed on the label)
- Type of container (e.g., box, bag, can, pouch, etc.)
- Storage requirements of the product (whether it should be refrigerated, frozen, or kept at room temperature)
- Lot number – This number may be challenging to locate and read. It is typically stamped on the packaging and consists of a mix of letters and numbers, usually found near the best by/before or expiration date (if applicable). The lot number is vital for tracking the manufacturing plant and production date.
- Best by, best before, or expiration date
- UPC code (the bar code)
- Net weight of the product
- Date of purchase and specific location of purchase
- Results from any laboratory analyses conducted on the pet food
- Details on how the food was stored, prepared, and handled
- Description of the issue with the product, such as:
- Unpleasant odor or unusual color
- Swollen cans or pouches, leaking containers
- Any foreign objects discovered in the product
If you believe your pet has fallen ill or been harmed due to consuming pet food, please also provide information about your pet, including:
- Species (dog, cat, rabbit, fish, bird, etc.)
- Age, weight, breed, and whether they are pregnant, spayed, or neutered
- Previous health condition of your pet
- Any existing health issues
- Any additional foods, treats, dietary supplements, or medications given to your pet
- Typical amount of the suspected product your pet consumes
- Amount of the questionable product taken from the package
- Quantity of the product you still possess
- Clinical symptoms shown by your pet (e.g., vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy)
- Time frame in which the clinical symptoms appeared after consumption
- Contact details of your veterinarian, along with their diagnosis and medical records for your pet
- Results from any diagnostic lab tests conducted on your pet
- Number of pets that consumed the product and showed clinical symptoms
- Any pets that consumed the product but remained unaffected
- Whether your pet has unsupervised access to the outdoors
- Your reasons for suspecting the pet food caused the illness.
By providing comprehensive information about the product and your pet’s condition, you can help expedite the investigation and ensure that potential issues are addressed effectively. Remember, the more detailed your submission, the easier it will be to trace any potential problem in the supply chain, keeping all pets safer.