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Contamination with harmful substances like bacteria and mold is one of the most common causes of pet food recalls. While moldy dog food sounds unpleasant by itself, there’s an even bigger issue to consider: aflatoxin, a poisonous substance produced by mold, is extremely dangerous for dogs. Aflatoxin poisoning occurs when a dog eats food where aflatoxins are present.
Here’s what you need to know about aflatoxin in dog food, how it gets into your pup’s bowl, and what you can do to protect them.
How Aflatoxin Gets into Dog Food
Aflatoxins come from mold belonging to the Aspergillus family. These molds commonly grow on grains like corn, wheat, and rice. They can also appear on other crops like nuts, lentils, and potatoes.
While the mold often starts in the field, it’s possible for it to grow in storage—especially at higher temperatures and humidity levels. The toxins can be introduced at any point in the food production process.
While most reputable pet food manufacturers impose stringent ingredient quality checks and use various means to kill fungus and other pathogens on raw ingredients, aflatoxins can survive the conditions involved in pet food preparation—including baking, pressure cooking, air drying, and canning.
Even a small amount of aflatoxin can negatively impact the whole batch. That’s one reason aflatoxin concerns aren’t always limited to dog food with grains—contamination can happen at any facility that handles affected materials.
The Danger of Aflatoxins for Dogs
At high levels, aflatoxins can cause illness and death in all pets, but they’re particularly dangerous for dogs. Aflatoxin can cause symptoms of poisoning in dogs at just 50 parts per billion, and they can be present even if you don’t see mold.
Repeated exposure—say, if your dog eats the same food every day—can lead to liver damage, blood clotting issues, and death.
How common is aflatoxin poisoning?
In 1952, the role of aflatoxins in fatal liver disease was discovered after a deadly outbreak swept across dogs in the southern United States. An investigation revealed aflatoxins produced by Aspergillus fungi to be the underlying cause.
In the years since, the veterinary community has learned a great deal about aflatoxicosis. However, outbreaks continue to occur on occasion, with notable recalls in 1998, 2005, 2011, 2013, and 2020.
The 2005 Diamond Pet Food recall was initiated after aflatoxin was found in 19 varieties of pet food, causing more than 100 dogs to die. More recently in 2020, Sunshine Mills announced a voluntary recall of certain dog food products due to aflatoxin contamination.
Symptoms of Aflatoxin Poisoning in Dogs
Aflatoxin poisoning generally occurs around 50 parts per billion, though the FDA calls pet foods “contaminated” when they contain 20 parts per billion or more. While sensitivity varies depending on the dog’s size, aflatoxins need to build up in the dog’s bloodstream before signs of illness appear. By the time you notice the symptoms, your dog is already at risk for serious illness.
Common symptoms of aflatoxin poisoning include:
- Loss of appetite
- Sluggishness
- Jaundice
- Bruising/bleeding
- Vomiting
- Increased thirst
- Diarrhea
Diagnosis and Treatment of Aflatoxin Poisoning
Aflatoxin poisoning is a serious medical concern. If your dog is experiencing any of the symptoms above, or if you’ve discovered mold in their food, they should see a veterinarian ASAP.
Diagnosing aflatoxicosis
Diagnosis of aflatoxicosis can be tricky and may require blood tests to check for elevated levels of certain enzymes, which may indicate liver damage. Your veterinarian may also recommend a clotting profile or a liver biopsy to confirm the diagnosis. Though not yet a reliable way to test for aflatoxin poisoning, urine tests are being developed to help with diagnosis as well.
Treating aflatoxin poisoning
Currently, there is no standard treatment for aflatoxin poisoning. Aflatoxins can stay in your dog’s body for up to three weeks after exposure, and there’s no antidote to directly counteract their effects.
Some treatment options may involve fluids, supplements, and other medications to support the dog’s liver function in the hopes that it will heal. Supportive therapies to ease nausea or vomiting, stimulate appetite, and treat secondary infections may also be recommended.
Tips To Reduce Your Dog’s Risk for Aflatoxicosis
As pet parents, we put a great deal of faith in the pet food industry. We trust that pet food manufacturers will do what’s necessary to ensure the quality and safety of their products. We also have faith that the FDA will proactively identify problem products and notify the public of the risk.
Even so, it is our responsibility as pet parents to protect our dogs’ health and welfare to the best of our ability. That means making an educated decision regarding your pet’s diet, continually monitoring them for any concerns, and responding quickly when issues arise.
Here are some ways to reduce your dog’s risk for aflatoxin poisoning.
Choose trusted, quality pet food brands
Because mold can be introduced in the manufacturing process, it’s essential to choose your pet’s food from brands you and your vet trust.
A brand’s recall history is useful, but it’s worth noting that many dog food brands will issue a recall of their pet food at some point—it can actually be a sign that the company is keeping close tabs on things. It’s when the recalls become frequent that you should be concerned.
Don’t assume grain-free food is safe
While aflatoxin is commonly found in grains, these deadly toxins can be found in almost any dog food. Grain-free dog food may have a lower risk for aflatoxin contamination, but it isn’t safe to assume there’s no risk at all. And grain-free food can have its own downsides for some pups.
Store pet food properly
Mold, and its corresponding aflatoxin, can develop at any point between the fields and your pet’s bowl. Pet food is best stored in its original packaging. You can also place the bag in an airtight container after opening.
While it’s tempting to buy a big bag of food for your pup, it’s best to only buy as much as you need. An open bag of dog food stays fresh for just just 4-6 weeks. The longer the bag is open, the greater the risk of moisture getting in.
Keep the label
Hold on to the UPC label and lot number for your dog’s food for at least 3 months after you’ve finished the bag. Dog food recalls typically affect specific foods, often down to a particular batch. The label can help you determine if your dog was exposed to any harm if a recall is issued.
Check your dog food regularly
Always visually inspect your dog’s food before feeding. Throw away any food that shows signs of wetness or mold. When it comes to aflatoxin poisoning, safe is always better than sorry.
Consider rotating your dog’s diet
Diet rotation is popular for a variety of reasons—to keep picky eaters interested, for example, or to prevent intolerances from developing in allergy-prone pets. It also has the advantage of reducing the impact of potential contaminants, giving aflatoxins less opportunity to build up in a dog’s system over time.
A rotating diet isn’t for all pets—especially those with sensitive stomachs that don’t handle food transitions well. But for some, it’s an additional measure of comfort against potential contaminants.
What To Do if Your Dog’s Food Is Included in a Recall
Even if you do your job as a pet parent properly, things can still happen. The FDA’s website is a great resource to stay up to date on pet food recalls and to learn what to do if your dog’s food is affected. The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) also offers safety alerts, which you can sign up for on their website.
As we’ve seen, recalls due to the presence of aflatoxin in dog food do happen on occasion. If your dog’s food is recalled, follow these steps:
- Stop feeding the affected product immediately.
- Contact your veterinarian and make an appointment to have your dog examined.
- Return the food or dispose of it properly so that no pets, humans, or wildlife can access it.
- Thoroughly clean and sanitize your dog’s bowl and dog food storage container.
- Report any signs of illness to the FDA through the Safety Reporting Portal.
Aflatoxin poisoning is serious, but you can help protect your pet. Educating yourself on the risks of pet food contamination, taking the time to choose a high-quality food from a reputable company, staying up-to-date on pet food recalls, and knowing the signs of illness can help you and your pet avoid a life-threatening situation.