The Food and Drug Admiistration in July warned consumers not to fee certain canned dog food products from Castleberry's Food Co. (Augusta, GA) due to the risk of botulism poisoning.

In cooperation with the agency, Castleberry's recalled all SKUs, regardless of "best by" or code dates, of Natural Balance Eatables canned dog foods, including 15-ounce sizes of Irish Stew With Beef, Chinese Take Out With Sauce With Vegetable and Chicken, Southern Style Dumplings With Gravy With Chicken and Vegetables, and Hobo Chili With Chicken Pasta varieties.

FDA warned consumers using these products to throw them away immediately by double bagging the cans in tightly closed bags and placing them in a trash receptacle for non-recyclable trash outside the home. The agency also asked retailers selling these products to ensure they are removed from use and accidental reintroduction for sale, service or donation.

Teh incubation period for botulism in dogs is 2 hours to 2 weeks, but symptoms appear after 12 to 24 hours in most cases. Symptoms of botulism poisoning include muscle paralysis, difficulty breathing, chewing and swallowing, visual disturbances and generalized weakness. Death usually results from paralysis of the respiratory or cardiac muscles.

Dog owners who have fed the tainted food and whose pets show these symptoms should contact their veterinarian immediately. At press time, no pet illnesses assocated with the tainted food had been reported to FDA.  Consumers with questions or concerns about the recall can visit Castleberry's website at www.castleberrys.com or call the company at 800-203-4412 or 888-203-8446.