How to Report a Pet Food Problem to the FDA

You report a pet food or treat problem to the US Food and Drug Administration through its online Safety Reporting Portal. According to FDA's FAQ page, anyone can file, a sick animal is not required, and the lot number and use-by date on the package are the most useful details. As of October 2026, this is the process FDA describes on its FAQ page (last updated April 2023) and its complaint page (updated July 2026). The report does not get your pet treated, so if your pet is ill, call your veterinarian.

1. What counts as pet food

FDA says "pet food" in this portal includes treats, chews, and nutritional supplements, as well as complete diets. Anything intended to be ingested by the pet that is not a drug is covered.

2. Who can report, and when

Anyone can submit a report. FDA expects most reporters to be veterinarians, clinic staff, pet owners, or concerned citizens. You also do not need to own the affected animal. Manufacturers, distributors, retailers, and public health officials are directed to a separate "Reportable Food" section of the portal.

An animal does not need to be affected. FDA gives examples of problems that justify a report on their own:

• Foul odor
• Off color
• A swollen can or pouch
• A leaking container
• A foreign object in the product

3. Report to FDA even if you told the store

FDA says to report even if you already told the store, the manufacturer, or the distributor. It also recommends informing the manufacturer or distributor named on the label.

4. What the form asks for

Fields marked with an asterisk are required, and the report is not accepted without them.

Animal information (required): the number of animals that reacted, the species, the breed, and the reproductive status of one of the animals. Requested but optional: number of animals given the product, a name or identifier, age, weight, sex, overall health before the event, health problems, and any medication.

Product information: the brand name is required. Requested if known:

• Product type, package type, and package size
• Universal Product Code (UPC)
• Lot number and use-by date
• Manufacturer or distributor name and address
• Date last purchased and how many were bought
• Whether you still have an unopened or opened package from that purchase
• Where you bought it

FDA states that of the requested product details, the lot number and use-by (expiration) date are the most important for following up on a complaint. FDA's complaint page adds that the lot number is stamped on the package, is hard to find and read, and sits near the best-by or expiration date. It helps FDA identify the manufacturing plant and production date. FDA asks you to keep the original packaging, including when dry food has been moved to another container, until the food is gone.

5. Accounts, guests, and privacy

You do not have to give your name. FDA says you can register as a "guest" and remain anonymous or provide contact details if you want FDA to reach you. The trade-off is that a guest must finish the report in a single session.

With an account, you can save a partial report, add a follow-up later, reuse your contact details, and see your past reports. Creating an account requires your name, phone number, country, mailing address, and email address.

FDA estimates a report takes 20 minutes to 2 hours: about 20 minutes if you already have an account and have gathered the information, and up to 2 hours if you have to set up the account and collect details.

6. What FDA does with a report

FDA says it reviews each report to decide whether a follow-up investigation is possible or needed. That could include collecting pet food or treats, or asking for a diagnostic sample from your pet. Even without testing, the report becomes part of its surveillance of adverse events and product problems. You may pay a private laboratory to test the food, but FDA says that can be costly, and it cannot pay for private lab testing or reimburse veterinary costs.

The FAQ also says you can attach up to 5 files of up to 10 MB each, and you can list up to three veterinarians if a vet was consulted.

7. A checklist before you start

1. Keep the package, and note the lot number and use-by date.
2. Write down the brand, UPC, package size, and where and when you bought it.
3. Note which pets ate it, how many showed signs, and how soon after eating.
4. If a veterinarian was involved, have their contact details and any records handy.
5. Decide whether to use a guest session (single sitting) or an account.

8. Key takeaways

• Use FDA's Safety Reporting Portal for problems with pet food, treats, chews, or supplements.
• You do not need a sick animal or to own the animal to report.
• Lot number and use-by date are the most important details.
• Reporting to the store or manufacturer does not replace reporting to FDA.
• Plan 20 minutes to 2 hours, and decide between guest and account before you begin.