These dog foods are being recalled after they tested positive for a euthanasia drug

The FDA warns that this drug "should not be in pet food."

A drug used to euthanize animals has been found in canned dog food, prompting a recall.

Low levels of the drug pentobarbital were detected in cans of Gravy Train dog food produced by the J.M. Smucker Company, the FDA said in a statement.

Pentobarbital is most commonly used as a sedative, anesthetic or to euthanize animals, it said.

“Pets that eat pet food containing pentobarbital can experience drowsiness, dizziness, excitement, loss of balance, nausea, nystagmus (eyes moving back and forth in a jerky manner) and inability to stand. Consuming high levels of pentobarbital can cause coma and death,” it said.

The FDA said its preliminary evaluation of the testing results of Gravy Train samples indicated the low levels found were unlikely to pose a health risk to pets.

“However, any detection of pentobarbital in pet food is a violation of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act—simply put, pentobarbital should not be in pet food,” it said.

dog food photo — Flickr | franchiseopportunitiesphotos

The Cause: A Single Supplier

The J.M. Smucker Company said it had initiated a voluntary recall of specific shipments of Gravy Train, Kibbles ‘N Bits, Ol’ Roy and Skippy canned dog food after pentobarbital was found.

“The Company has identified the root cause to be a single supplier and a single, minor ingredient, used at one manufacturing facility,” it said in a statement.

It said it took the issue “very seriously” and was “extremely disappointed” at the contamination.

“Above all, we are a company that loves pets and understand the responsibility we have in providing high quality food for the pets our consumers love.”

Customers who purchased the product could call with any concerns or for a refund or replacement product, the company said.

1. Gravy Train

Gravy Train with T-Bone Flavor Chunks, 13.2-ounce can, UPC 7910052541
Gravy Train with Beef Strips, 13.2-ounce can, UPC 791052542
Gravy Train with Lamb & Rice Chunks, 13.2-ounce can, UPC 7910052543
Gravy Train with Chicken Chunks, 13.2-ounce can, UPC 7910034418
Gravy Train with Beef Chunks, 13.2-ounce can, UPC 7910034417
Gravy Train with Chicken Chunks, 22-ounce can, UPC 7910051645
Gravy Train with Beef Chunks, 22-ounce can, UPC 7910051647
Gravy Train Chunks in Gravy with Beef Chunks, 13.2-ounce can, UPC 7910034417

Here is what the Gravy Train logo looks like, but please be aware this is not the only type of dog food being recalled (as you can see from the list above)–we’re just sharing as an example:

2. Kibbles ‘N Bits

Kibbles ‘N Bits 12-can Variety Pack – Chef’s Choice American Grill Burger Dinner with Real Bacon & Cheese Bits in Gravy, Chef’s Choice Bistro Tender Cuts with Real Turkey Bacon & Vegetables in Gravy, 12 pack of 13.2-ounce cans, UPC 7910010377, 7910010378
Kibbles ‘N Bits 12-Can Variety Pack – Chef’s Choice Bistro Hearty Cuts with Real Beef, Chicken & Vegetables in Gravy, Chef’s Choice Homestyle Meatballs & Pasta Dinner with Real Beef in Tomato Sauce, 12 pack of 13.2-ounce cans, UPC 7910010382, 7910048367, 7910010378
Kibbles ‘N Bits 12-Can Variety Pack – Chef’s Choice Homestyle Tender Slices with Real Beef, Chicken & Vegetables in Gravy, Chef’s Choice American Grill Burger Dinner with Real Bacon & Cheese Bits in Gravy, Chef’s Choice Bistro Tender Cuts with Real Beef & Vegetables in Gravy, 12 pack of 13.2-ounce cans, UPC 7910010380, 7910010377, 7910010375
Kibbles ‘N Bits Chef’s Choice Bistro Tender Cuts with Real Beef & Vegetables in Gravy, 13.2-ounce can, UPC 7910010375
Kibbles ‘N Bits Chef’s Choice Bistro Tender Cuts with Real Turkey, Bacon & Vegetables in Gravy, 13.2-ounce can, UPC 7910010378
Kibbles ‘N Bits Chef’s Choice Homestyle Tender Slices with Real Beef, Chicken & Vegetables in Gravy, 13.2-ounce can, UPC 7910010380

Here’s an example of the Kibbles ‘N Bits products being recalled: