Key Takeaways
- Revival Animal Health recalled Breeder’s Edge Foster Care Canine and Shelter’s Choice Canine Milk Replacers due to variable vitamin D levels causing both deficiency and toxicity.
- Two complaints of rickets have been reported to date, indicating the severity of vitamin D deficiency in affected products.
- Products were distributed nationwide through online and retail pet stores in multiple package sizes including resealable bags and 12-ounce jars.
- Dogs consuming elevated vitamin D levels may show vomiting, appetite loss, increased thirst, excessive drooling, and potential kidney dysfunction.
- The recall affects seven specific UPC codes with particular best-by date ranges for both Shelter’s Choice and Breeder’s Edge brands.
Revival Animal Health recalled two canine milk replacer products nationwide after discovering dangerous variations in vitamin D levels that have caused rickets in puppies and threaten kidney damage from overdose.
The Orange City, Iowa company voluntarily recalled Breeder’s Edge Foster Care Canine and Shelter’s Choice Canine Milk Replacers after investigation revealed some products contained extremely low vitamin D levels while others had elevated amounts. Two rickets cases have been confirmed.
“Dogs ingesting elevated levels of Vitamin D may exhibit symptoms such as vomiting, loss of appetite, increased thirst, increased urination, excessive drooling, and weight loss,” the company warned. “Vitamin D when consumed at very high levels can lead to serious health issues in dogs including renal dysfunction.”
The recall affects seven UPC codes distributed through online retailers and pet stores nationwide. Products came in multiple sizes of stand-up resealable bags and 12-ounce jars. Specific lot numbers and best-by date ranges are listed for both Shelter’s Choice (UPCs 817160011087, 817160011070, 817160011056) and Breeder’s Edge (UPCs 817160010189, 817160011025, 817160010172, 817160010073) brands.
Vitamin D controls calcium absorption and bone development. Deficiency causes rickets, a bone-softening disease that can permanently deform growing puppies. Excess vitamin D forces calcium buildup in soft tissues, potentially causing kidney stones, kidney failure, and death.
The variable vitamin D levels suggest manufacturing quality control failures during production or storage. Milk replacers require precise nutrient profiles because newborn animals depend entirely on these formulas for proper development.
Revival Animal Health discovered the issue through internal testing rather than customer complaints, though the two rickets cases indicate some owners had already fed affected products to their animals. The FDA is aware of the recall.
“Consumers should stop feeding the products listed below to their dogs,” the company stated. Pet owners whose dogs consumed the recalled products and show symptoms should contact veterinarians immediately.
This recall adds to mounting pet food safety concerns in 2026. Earlier recalls included Quest Cat Food for thiamine deficiency, Elite Treats for Salmonella contamination, and ongoing FDA warnings about Raaw Energy dog food containing multiple pathogens.
For pet owners evaluating coverage, best pet insurance policies typically cover emergency veterinary treatment for recalled product incidents. Pet insurance cost varies significantly, but emergency coverage for vitamin D toxicity treatment could save thousands in veterinary bills.
Revival Animal Health offers full refunds for returned products. Customers with questions can call 1-877-870-4059 during business hours (Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. CDT).
The recall highlights the risks of specialized animal nutrition products. Unlike traditional pet foods, milk replacers serve as complete nutrition sources for vulnerable newborns. Quality control failures can have immediate, severe health consequences.
Pet owners should inspect any Revival Animal Health milk replacer products immediately. Look for the specific UPC codes and best-by date ranges listed in the recall notice. Even unopened products should be returned rather than stored for future use.
Rickets typically develops over several weeks of vitamin D deficiency. Early signs include lethargy, reluctance to move, and difficulty walking. Advanced cases show bowed legs, enlarged joints, and bone pain. Pet owners who used these products should monitor for symptoms even if their animals currently appear healthy.
Revival Animal Health has not announced changes to manufacturing processes or quality control procedures following this recall.
