An Iowa-based grocery store chain is recalling several types of dog food that may be making dogs sick. Ruth Comer, spokeswoman for Hy-Vee, says the Iowa Department of Agriculture discovered the problem.

 “Routine tests of Hy-Vee dog food uncovered higher-than-normal levels of aflatoxin,” Comer says. “This is a chemical by-product of a mold that’s commonly found in corn and corn is one main ingredient in a number of pet foods that Hy-Vee produces.”

The dog foods in question were all made at a plant in Kansas City, Missouri, and sold under the “Hy-Vee Complete Dog” label in various sizes of bags.  “We’ve determined that it would be best to voluntarily recall those products just to be on the safe side,” Comer says.

“There is not an immediate life-threatening situation for pets or for humans, but because this could make pets sick over time, we thought it was better to be cautious and pull the product.” Aflatoxin can be harmful to pets if eaten in large quantities.

Dogs may have symptoms including: sluggishness or lethargy combined with a reluctance to eat, vomiting, yellowish tint to the eyes or gums, or diarrhea.  “Aflatoxin can affect, especially over the long term, some reduced liver functions in dogs and just make them not feel well,” Comer says.

“It’s not a case where it’s something that a pet is going to immediately get sick from or feel any affect but if a pet eats it over time, it could feel some ill health effects.” People with the products can bring them back to the store where they were purchased for exchange or refund.

The recalled products carry three different “best by” dates and were distributed to Hy-Vee stores in Iowa, Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Nebraska, South Dakota, Minnesota and Wisconsin between October 26, 2012 and January 11, 2013.

The following products are subject to the recall:

Hy-Vee Complete Dog – Complete Nutrition (Green Bag) – 34-lb.
UPC: 07545005647
Lot # ending with: 29812KC
“Best By” Date: 11/24/13

Hy-Vee Complete Dog – Complete Nutrition (Green Bag) – 8-lb
UPC: 07545005667
Lot # ending with: 29812KC
“Best By” Date: 11/24/13

Hy-Vee Complete Dog – Complete Nutrition (Green Bag) – 4.4-lb.
UPC: 07545005665
Lot # ending with: 29812KC
“Best By” Date: 11/24/13

Hy-Vee Complete Dog – Complete Nutrition (Green Bag) – 4.4-lb.
UPC: 07545005665
Lot # ending with: 29912KC
“Best By” Date: 11/25/13

Hy-Vee Complete Dog – Bites, Bones & Squares (Yellow Bag) – 20-lb.
UPC: 07545005680
Lot # ending with: 29312KC
“Best By” Date: 11/19/13

Hy-Vee Complete Dog – Bites, Bones & Squares (Yellow Bag) – 4.4-lb.
UPC: 07545005560
Lot # ending with: 29312KC
“Best By” Date: 11/19/13

No other Hy-Vee dog food products are affected by the recall. Consumers with questions can call the West Des Moines-based company at 800-289-8343.