When purchasing food for your dog, one selects not only the best food but also one that is safe for it. Companies manufacturing high-quality pet food adhere to stringent safety measures and quality during the manufacturing process of their foods. However, mistakes do happen and this facilitates the recalling of such foods. Make sure you give your pets good quality food. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), describes a recall as a process of removing a product from the market or correcting a product in the market because it is either potentially harmful or defective.

Most recalled dog foods are done either voluntarily by the manufacturing company or through the FDA when they detect an issue with the food during testing. However, consumer complaints also necessitate the need for most recalled dog foods, which results in a shift in the consumer base from the product that may at times be difficult to recover in time. In the recent past, most recalled dog foods have been due to contamination with dangerous pathogens such as E. coli or salmonella or inadequate levels of certain nutrients. Highlighted herewith are the most recalled dog foods in 2017. Read on to ensure that your dog food is not on the list:

United Pet Group

After receiving limited reports of illness in dogs with symptoms of diarrhea and vomiting, the company discovered an additive, a compound mixture commonly used in disinfectants, detergents and fabric softeners, in manufacturing plants in Mexico, Brazil, and Colombia. They voluntarily issued an extended recall of their Multiple Rawhide Dog Chew Products.

Blue Buffalo

After FDA received reports of symptoms in one dog, the Blue Buffalo Company issued a voluntary recall in March 2017 for their Wilderness Rocky Mountain Recipe Red Meat Dinner Wet Food for Adult Dogs. This was due to elevated levels of naturally occurring beef thyroid hormones. However, to date, Blue Buffalo denies the receiving of any reports with regards to the illness or injury of any pet due to the consumption of their dog food.

Wellness

After FDA received complaints of three dogs that were affected, Wellness Company issued a voluntary recall, for one of their canned topper products, Wellness 95% Beef Topper for Dogs, due to potentially elevated levels of naturally occurring beef thyroid hormone, this occurred in March 2017. The three dogs were treated to full recovery, and since then, Wellness has not received any other complaints regarding any of their dog food.

PetSmart

PetSmart initiated a voluntary recall after receiving notification from the manufacturer of consumer complaints about their Great Choice Adult Dog Food due to metal contamination that could potentially be a choking hazard to pets. However, PetSmart confirmed it had not received any complaints from the consumer themselves. PetSmart recalled foods manufac Pets require almost the same care as people do. Animals need water to meet their daily requirements. With more than 70% of the body being water, it is a basic necessity. Taking good care of your pet involves monitoring and providing enough water.

Just like us, pets require more water on hotter days. The water needs change depending on the season. You can determine how much water your pet needs. This will ensure that you provide them with more than enough water throughout the day.

Find out how much water your pet needs

This is the best way to make sure that there is sufficient water intake for pets. Fill a bowl with water and leave it out for your pet. See how long they take to finish it. Now refill the bowl again. Repeat this throughout the day ensuring that your pet has water to drink at all times.

Depending on how many bowls you had to refill, you can get an idea of your pet’s water needs and requirements. This method will work for any pet.

How to increase your pet’s water intake

If your vet feels like there needs to be more water intake for pets, then there are ways in which you can ensure it happens. The first thing you can try is giving dry food for them to nibble on. This sure increases their thirst. There are plenty of dry foods available in the market for pets. Find the right one and keep them full. This will increase their water needs. Now increase the water you provide compared to what you normally leave for your pet.

You could also provide your pet with water-rich foods.

Another technique you can try is leaving them in a fountain. This works especially well for dogs. However, ensure that the fountain has clean water.

How to check if your pet is hydrated

There is a different way to check water intake for pets. The clear-cut signs of dehydration are weakness and low body movement. This is common for all animals. Dehydration can make the throat dry and the animal stays stationary in one place. You can tell when your pet is quiet and still. Immediately get them some fresh water. If that does not work, take your pet to a vet.

One way to check the lack of water consumption for dogs is by lifting the skin on the back of the neck. If it immediately falls back into place, then your pet is doing fine. Otherwise, it is a sign that your pet is dehydrated.

By constantly providing your pet with water, you can keep him/her hydrated. Also, make sure that they are not in the sun for long durations. It is important to make sure that there is enough water intake for pets, so they remain healthy.tured between October 2016 and February 2017.