What was recalled
If you are a regular shopper at major grocery stores or big-box retailers in the United States, you have likely seen the familiar red and blue Pedigree® branding on your local shelves. This specific recall involves two particular lots of Pedigree® High Protein Chopped Chicken & Duck Flavor Wet Dog Food. It is important to note that this is not a blanket recall of all Pedigree products, nor does it affect every can produced by Mars Petcare US, Inc. Instead, the issue is isolated strictly to two specific lot codes: 613C3KKCFC and 613C1KKCFC. If your cans do not bear one of these exact alphanumeric strings stamped on the bottom or side, they are safe from this particular safety alert.
The product in question is a 13.2-ounce can intended for dogs. It is marketed as a high-protein option featuring chopped chicken and duck flavors. While Pedigree is known for its rigorous quality control standards, Mars Petcare US, Inc. issued this voluntary recall on July 2, 2026, because these two specific lots failed to meet their stringent safety protocols. The company explained that the product had undergone a robust third-party quality control process and was originally sent to a vendor for destruction as part of standard procedure. However, Mars later discovered that these cans were fraudulently diverted from that destruction process and illegally sold into the general marketplace across the United States.
This means that while the product itself is not inherently defective in its recipe, it entered the supply chain through an unauthorized and unsafe route. The recall does not specify the exact number of units affected, nor does it list specific stores where they were sold, as the diversion occurred after the initial quality check. Consumers are urged to check their pantries immediately for these two lot codes. No other Pedigree or Mars Petcare products are included in this action, and Mars is currently working with authorities to understand how the diversion happened. If you have these cans, they should be removed from your home right away.
The hazard, explained
When we talk about foreign material contamination in pet food, it is helpful to understand exactly what physical danger is present before jumping to conclusions. According to the FDA recall notice, this specific issue involves the potential presence of hard and sharp metal pieces mixed with plastic fragments within the Pedigree High Protein Chopped Chicken & Duck Flavor wet dog food. This is not a chemical contamination or a bacterial issue; it is a mechanical hazard. The danger lies in the physical properties of these objects: they are rigid, unyielding, and possess edges that can cut or puncture tissue.
To understand why this is serious, consider how a dog eats. Dogs do not chew their food with the same precision as humans. They often swallow pieces whole or tear them apart with significant force. If a sharp piece of metal or hard plastic is mixed into the soft texture of wet food, it may not be easily visible or detectable by smell. When your dog consumes this mixture, that foreign object travels down the esophagus and into the stomach. Because metal and hard plastics do not break down, they remain intact as they move through the gastrointestinal tract.
The primary risk here is mechanical trauma. Sharp edges can cause lacerations—essentially deep cuts—to the soft tissues of the mouth, throat, stomach lining, or intestines. These cuts can lead to painful inflammation, bleeding, and in severe cases, perforation (a hole) in the digestive tract. If a perforation occurs, bacteria from the gut can leak into the abdominal cavity, causing a life-threatening infection known as peritonitis. Furthermore, larger or jagged pieces can become lodged in the narrow passages of the intestines, leading to an obstruction or blockage. This prevents food and waste from passing normally, causing severe pain, vomiting, and requiring emergency surgical intervention to remove the object.
While the recall notice states that Mars Petcare has received no reports of pet illness or injury to date, the potential for harm is real because the hazard is unpredictable. You cannot know if a can contains these fragments until your dog has already eaten them. The combination of metal and plastic suggests a failure in the manufacturing or packaging equipment, where small parts may have broken off and fallen into the product stream. Because this occurred during the production phase before the cans were sealed and distributed, standard visual inspection at home is difficult. This is why the FDA emphasizes that even if the can looks normal on the outside, the internal contents must be treated with caution until verified.
It is also important to distinguish this from general spoilage. Spoiled food makes a pet sick through toxins or bacteria, which takes time to develop symptoms. Foreign object hazards can cause immediate physical damage. The sharpness of metal means that even small fragments, if ingested, pose a disproportionate risk compared to softer contaminants. This is why veterinarians advise immediate consultation if you suspect your dog has eaten the affected lots. Early detection allows for monitoring or intervention before complications like internal bleeding or blockage become critical.
Understanding this mechanism helps clarify why the remedy is a full replacement rather than a simple refund. The product itself is physically compromised in a way that cannot be fixed by heating, stirring, or inspecting individual pieces. The integrity of the food supply chain has been breached by fraudulent diversion, meaning these specific lots bypassed the safety checks designed to catch such errors. Recognizing the physical nature of this hazard—sharp, hard, and indigestible—helps you take the right steps: stop feeding immediately, check your lot codes, and contact Pedigree for a safe replacement.
Who is most at risk
When evaluating the potential dangers of this recall, it is important to understand that the primary group at risk consists entirely of dogs who have consumed or might consume the specific lots of PEDIGREE® High Protein Chopped Chicken & Duck Flavor wet food. Because the hazard involves physical foreign objects—specifically sharp pieces of metal and plastic—the danger is not biological in the traditional sense, such as bacterial contamination or toxicity. Instead, the risk is mechanical and acute. The animals most vulnerable to harm are those whose gastrointestinal tracts can be physically injured by these hard, sharp materials. This includes dogs of all sizes, but particularly those with smaller digestive passages, where a single shard of metal or plastic could cause immediate blockage or perforation.
While the recall notice states that Mars Petcare has received no reports of pet illness or injury to date, the potential for serious harm remains significant if the product is ingested. Dogs are natural scavengers and may swallow food without thoroughly chewing it, especially with wet foods that are often softer in texture until they hit the stomach. If a dog consumes even a small amount of the contaminated product, the sharp foreign material can lacerate the esophagus, stomach lining, or intestines. This can lead to internal bleeding, severe pain, infection, and in worst-case scenarios, life-threatening blockages that require emergency surgery.
It is also worth noting that certain dogs may be at higher risk due to their age or health status. Puppies with developing digestive systems and senior dogs with potentially thinner gastrointestinal walls are more susceptible to injury from foreign objects. Dogs with pre-existing conditions, such as inflammatory bowel disease or a history of gastrointestinal issues, may experience more severe complications from such an event. Furthermore, because the product was fraudulently diverted into the marketplace, there is no way for a pet owner to know if their specific can contains these hazards without checking the lot code. This uncertainty means that any dog with access to the affected lots is potentially at risk, regardless of their usual dietary habits or health status.
Additionally, while the recall focuses on canine health, the presence of sharp metal and plastic in pet food raises concerns about human handlers who may be preparing the food. Although the primary hazard is directed at the animal, caregivers handling the cans should exercise caution to avoid cuts or injuries from compromised packaging or unexpected foreign objects that might protrude from the can. Therefore, the entire household interacting with the affected product—both the dog and the human caregiver—should be considered part of the at-risk group until the product is safely removed and disposed of.
How to tell if you have the recalled item
Before you take any action or contact customer service, you need to be absolutely certain that the cans in your pantry match the specific items listed in this recall. Because Mars Petcare US, Inc. has clarified that this issue is isolated to two specific production runs, it is entirely possible that other Pedigree products on the shelf are perfectly safe. The company states clearly that no other Pedigree or Mars Petcare US, Inc. products are affected by this recall. Therefore, your first step is to slow down and inspect your product with care, rather than discarding every can of dog food you own.
The primary way to identify the impacted items is by checking the lot codes printed on the packaging. The recall applies exclusively to PEDIGREE® Can High Protein Chopped Chicken & Duck Flavor 13.2oz for dogs. You must look for one of two specific lot codes: 613C3KKCFC or 613C1KKCFC. If your product has a different lot number, it is not part of this recall. These codes are typically stamped on the bottom of the can or along the side seam of the label. It is important to note that while the brand name and flavor description provide context, they are not sufficient for identification alone, as other varieties of Pedigree wet food share similar branding but were not involved in this diversion incident.
Understanding how these products reached your home can also help you verify their authenticity. According to the FDA report, these items did not meet Mars and Pedigree’s stringent safety standards during production. They were originally sent to a third-party vendor for destruction as part of quality control protocols. However, Mars later discovered that this product was fraudulently diverted and sold into the marketplace in the United States. This means you might find these cans in standard retail stores or online marketplaces, which is why relying on where you bought it is not enough. You must rely on the physical lot codes.
If you are unsure where to find the lot number, please refer to the images provided below the official recall notice for visual guidance. The packaging is a 13.2oz can featuring High Protein Chopped Chicken & Duck Flavor. If you cannot locate the lot code or if the code does not match the two listed above, your product is likely safe. However, if you find a match, stop feeding it to your dog immediately and contact Pedigree Consumer Care at 1-800-525-5273 to initiate a replacement. Do not attempt to dispose of the product yourself without first following their instructions, as they are working with authorities to understand how these items entered the supply chain.
What to do — step by step
If you suspect you have one of the recalled Pedigree High Protein Chopped Chicken & Duck Flavor 13.2oz cans in your pantry or on a shelf, the most important thing you can do right now is to stop using the product immediately. Do not offer it to your dog, and do not let other pets near it. The recall notice clearly states that these specific lots may contain hard, sharp pieces of metal and plastic. Even if the can looks intact from the outside, the danger lies inside. By removing the food from your home’s environment, you are taking the first and most critical step in protecting your pet’s health. It is much easier to prevent an injury than to treat one, so act quickly but calmly. Next, you need to verify exactly which product you have. This recall applies ONLY to two specific lot codes: 613C3KKCFC and 613C1KKCFC. Check the bottom or side of the can for these codes. If your product does not match one of these two codes, it is safe to continue using. However, if your product matches either code, you have the affected items. Please note that no other Pedigree or Mars Petcare products are involved in this recall, so you do not need to discard your entire stock of pet food—just the specific cans with these lot numbers. Once you have identified the recalled cans, do not attempt to open them and inspect the contents yourself. This could expose you or your family to sharp materials. Instead, keep the cans sealed in a safe place where pets cannot access them, ideally in a trash bin with a lid to prevent curious animals from breaking out. You should then contact Pedigree Consumer Care to initiate a replacement. You can reach them by calling 1-800-525-5273. Their team is available Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM Central Standard Time (CDT), and on weekends from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM (CDT). Have your lot code ready when you call, as this will help them process your request efficiently. If you prefer, you can also visit https://www.pedigree.com/update for more information or to initiate the replacement process online. The recall notice mentions that consumers who fed the recalled product to their dog and are concerned should contact their veterinarian. While no reports of pet illness or injury have been received to date, it is always wise to monitor your pet for any signs of distress, such as vomiting, drooling, lethargy, or difficulty swallowing. If you notice any unusual behavior after your dog has ingested the food, seek veterinary advice immediately. By following these steps—stopping use, verifying the lot code, contacting the manufacturer for a replacement, and monitoring your pet—you are ensuring that your furry friend remains safe and healthy.Your refund, repair, or replacement options
If you find one of the affected lots of PEDIGREE® High Protein Chopped Chicken & Duck Flavor wet dog food in your pantry, it is natural to feel a mix of frustration and concern. The good news is that Mars Petcare US, Inc. has established a clear and straightforward path to resolve this issue. Because the product was fraudulently diverted from its intended destruction process, the company is taking full responsibility for getting the correct item into your hands without costing you anything extra. This section outlines exactly how to initiate that replacement process, ensuring your dog gets the nutrition they need while keeping you safe from any potential hazards.
The primary remedy offered in this recall is a replacement product. The official guidance states clearly that if you believe you have purchased this specific recalled product, you should contact PEDIGREE Consumer Care to initiate a replacement. This means you do not need to return the physical cans to a store or mail them back to the manufacturer. Instead, the process is designed to be convenient for you. You will reach out to their support team, verify that you possess one of the two lot codes (613C3KKCFC or 613C1KKCFC), and they will arrange for a replacement product to be sent to you. This approach minimizes the burden on consumers who have already dealt with the inconvenience of purchasing a product that turned out to be unsafe.
To start this process, you need to contact PEDIGREE Consumer Care directly. They have set up dedicated phone lines and an online portal specifically for this recall. You can call them at 1-800-525-5273. Their availability is quite generous, which is helpful if you are working during the day. They are open Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM Central Standard Time (CDT). If you prefer to handle things on your own time during the weekend, they are also available Saturday and Sunday from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM CDT. This extended weekend window ensures that most pet owners can find a time that fits their schedule without having to take time off work.
In addition to calling, you have the option to visit their website at https://www.pedigree.com/update. This online resource likely contains additional forms or instructions to help streamline your request. When you contact them, whether by phone or online, have your information ready. Knowing the specific lot code on your can will speed up the verification process significantly. The company has committed to helping consumers identify and remove these affected products from use, so do not hesitate to reach out if you are unsure about your specific item. They are working with authorities to understand how this diversion happened, but for you, the immediate priority is getting a safe replacement for your pet.
It is important to note that no other PEDIGREE or Mars Petcare US, Inc. products are affected by this recall. This means your remedy is strictly limited to these two lot codes of the High Protein Chopped Chicken & Duck Flavor 13.2oz cans. Do not worry about checking every bag of dog food in your house; focus only on the specific product described. If you have already fed this product to your dog and are worried, please contact your veterinarian for advice on monitoring your pet’s health. However, for the product itself, the replacement via PEDIGREE Consumer Care is the official and only remedy provided in this recall notice.
What can happen if you ignore it
When a product recall involves foreign material in pet food, the stakes are immediate and physical. The Pedigree recall specifically warns that the affected cans may contain pieces of hard and sharp metal mixed with plastic. This is not a minor quality issue like a slightly off taste or a mislabeled ingredient; it is a tangible mechanical hazard. If you continue to feed these products to your dog, you are allowing sharp, non-food objects to enter their body. The consequences of ignoring this warning can range from immediate distress to life-threatening medical emergencies.
The primary danger lies in the nature of the contamination. Sharp metal and hard plastic fragments do not digest. Instead, they travel through the gastrointestinal tract as rigid, cutting objects. As your dog swallows the food, these foreign bodies can cause lacerations—deep cuts—to the lining of the esophagus, stomach, and intestines. These injuries are painful and can lead to significant internal bleeding. Even if the object does not perforate a wall immediately, it can cause severe inflammation, swelling, and obstruction. A blockage in the digestive tract prevents food and waste from passing, which is a critical condition that requires urgent veterinary intervention.
Beyond the initial ingestion, the risks escalate over time. If small fragments are swallowed, they may lodge in narrow passages within the intestines, creating a partial or complete obstruction. This can lead to vomiting, loss of appetite, lethargy, and severe abdominal pain. In worst-case scenarios, a perforated intestine allows bacteria from the gut to spill into the abdominal cavity, causing peritonitis—a serious, potentially fatal infection. While the FDA report states that no related reports of pet illness or injury have been received to date as of the recall date, this absence of reported cases does not mean the risk is zero. It simply means that, so far, the diversion of these products has not resulted in documented health crises. However, the potential for harm remains high because the hazard itself—sharp metal and plastic—is inherently dangerous.
Ignoring the recall also means missing the window for easy resolution. The longer you keep the product, the more likely it is that your dog will consume it. Once an injury occurs, the remedy shifts from a simple product replacement to complex, expensive veterinary surgery and recovery. By acting now, you protect your pet from preventable trauma. By ignoring the recall, you gamble with their safety for no benefit, as the recalled items offer no nutritional or value advantage over safe alternatives. The potential outcome is not just a sick pet, but a traumatic emergency that could have been entirely avoided by checking the lot numbers and returning the product.