Urgent pet food recall

A dog food product has been voluntarily recalled after a number of dogs fell ill after eating it.

Mars Petcare Australia has asked pet owners to return Advance Dermocare dry food for a full refund after a number dogs were affected by megaesophagus.

Megaesophagus is a is a generalized enlargement of the esophagus, something that is not usually associated with food.

News.com.au reports nine police dog squad members, including one who was euthanased, have been struck down by the condition

However, after running tests on the food, the company has been unable to find a link to the condition.

“Regardless, we are voluntarily recalling these products as a precaution while we work to get to the bottom of the issue as soon as we can,” a spokesperson said in a statement on Saturday.

No other products were included in the recall.

MARS PETCARE STATEMENT

“Mars Petcare Australia is voluntarily recalling Advance Dermocare dry dog food products in 3kg, 8kg and 15kg bags. We advise dog owners who have purchased this product to return them to the place of purchase for a full refund. These bags will have been purchased from speciality retailers and veterinarians. No other Advance products or varieties are affected by the recall.

“The health and wellbeing of Australian pets is our number one priority, so we were deeply concerned to learn that a number of dogs have been affected by megaoesophagus — a condition that is generally not associated with food.

“We have now run hundreds of tests on Advance Dermocare and have not found a link between the condition and our product. Regardless, we are voluntarily recalling these products as a precaution while we work to get to the bottom of the issue as soon as we can. We will continue to provide information to University of Melbourne to enable further testing, and consult with the Australian Veterinary Association (AVA).

“We understand Australian pet owners may be worried. Concerned pet owners should contact their veterinarian, or our Consumer Care team on 1800 640 111.”