With the recent increase in recalls of popular dog food brands, many pet owners are understandably concerned about the safety of their dog’s food. One brand that has caused worry is Grandma Mae’s, a smaller dog food company known for its natural, homemade-style recipes. So what’s the deal – has Grandma Mae’s had any recalls, or is it safe to feed your dog?
The Short Answer
As of October 2023, there have been no recalls of any Grandma Mae’s dog food products, and the brand is not associated with any of the larger recalls that have affected bigger brands recently. Grandma Mae’s appears to have a good track record when it comes to safety and quality control.
Recent Major Dog Food Recalls
Over the last few years, there have been several major dog food recalls that have understandably put pet owners on high alert:
- In March 2019, Hill’s Pet Nutrition recalled multiple canned dog food products due to potentially toxic levels of vitamin D.
- In December 2018, several varieties of Acana and Zignature dog foods were recalled for having too much vitamin D.
- Also in 2018, there was a significant recall of many canned dog foods from the J.M. Smucker Company after a FDA investigation found potentially dangerous levels of pentobarbital, an anesthetic used for euthanizing animals.
These are just a few examples – additional recalls have involved dangerous bacteria like salmonella and listeria being found in raw dog foods and treats. But Grandma Mae’s has not been affected by any of these major recalls.
Has Grandma Mae’s Ever Been Recalled?
Despite the many recent dog food recalls, Grandma Mae’s has no recalls listed on the FDA database as of October 2023. Searching online for information about any past Grandma Mae’s recalls also yields no results. This suggests the brand has a consistent track record for safety and quality control.
Grandma Mae’s is a smaller, independently owned company that was started in 2008. They produce high-quality, natural dog food and treats made with simple, pronounceable ingredients. Their products are manufactured in small batches in a family-owned facility in Wisconsin.
The fact that Grandma Mae’s has avoided any recalls despite the company’s rapid growth over the last 15 years is a good sign. It indicates they have been able to maintain quality control and follow safe manufacturing practices consistently.
Is Grandma Mae’s Dog Food Safe?
While no pet food is guaranteed to be 100% safe, Grandma Mae’s excellent track record is reassurance that their products are very unlikely to be contaminated or cause illness. Here are a few reasons Grandma Mae’s dog food can be considered safe:
- No history of recalls or safety issues
- Manufactured in the USA in a small, family-run facility
- Natural ingredients sourced from trusted suppliers
- Meets all FDA, USDA, and AAFCO standards for pet food
- Regular product testing for contaminants and proper nutrition
The company also has transparent manufacturing and safety standards, with strict protocols in place for:
- Testing and approving all ingredients
- Equipment sanitation and cleanliness
- Employee safety and food handling training
- Quality control and retention samples on every batch
- Humane handling of any animal-derived ingredients
Additionally, all Grandma Mae’s products are made without corn, wheat, soy, artificial flavors, or by-product meals of any kind.
What Customers Say About Grandma Mae’s
Reading through customer reviews also confirms the impression that Grandma Mae’s provides high-quality, well-received products for dogs. Some positive comments include:
- “This brand has never caused stomach upset for my 3 dogs.”
- “I contacted the company and they sent me extensive info about quality control and testing.”
- “My dog’s itching stopped after switching to this food.”
- “The ingredients seem very fresh – my dog loves the taste.”
- “Their customer service is great about answering any questions.”
Satisfied customers repeatedly mention that Grandma Mae’s foods are gentle on dogs’ stomachs and improve skin, coat, digestive, or allergy issues. Many also like supporting a smaller family company and appreciate the transparent sourcing.
What Products Does Grandma Mae’s Offer?
Grandma Mae’s offers an assortment of US-made dry dog foods and dog treats, including:
| Product Line | Key Features |
|---|---|
| Simple Origins | Limited ingredient diets for dogs with food sensitivities |
| Grain-Free Pure | Grain-free recipes with easily digestible carbs |
| Active Health | High protein foods for active or working dogs |
| Classic Recipes | Traditional dog food with whole grains and natural veggies/fruits |
| Puppy Food | Nutrient-dense recipes for puppy growth and development |
| Senior Food | Formulas designed for senior dogs’ needs |
| Oven-Baked Biscuits | Crunchy, baked dog treats in flavors like Pumpkin & Apple |
Their product range allows pet owners to choose a recipe suited for their dog’s life stage, activity level, and any food preferences or intolerances.
Where is Grandma Mae’s Dog Food Sold?
Grandma Mae’s dog foods and treats can be found at many independent pet retailers across the US. They are intentionally selective about stores that match their values and standards. Use their retailer locator tool to find a seller near you.
Some examples of chains that carry Grandma Mae’s include:
- Pet Food Express
- Hollywood Feed
- Pet People
- Pet Supplies Plus
You can also purchase directly from the company online if you don’t live near one of their retail partners. Grandma Mae’s provides free shipping on online orders over $49.
Should You Feed Your Dog Grandma Mae’s?
Grandma Mae’s natural, homemade-style dog foods appear to be a safe and nutritious choice, based on the brand’s excellent reputation and focus on quality. Their products are free from questionable ingredients and have no history of recalls.
When choosing any dog food, always transition slowly by mixing with your dog’s current food over a period of about 7 days. This allows their digestive system to adjust to new foods. Monitor your dog during the change and when starting any new diet. Make sure their stool remains normal and that they don’t experience any digestive upset, which can be signs a food doesn’t agree with them.
Discuss any diet changes with your veterinarian as well, especially if your dog has existing health issues.
The Bottom Line
Grandma Mae’s provides high-quality natural dog foods and treats made in the USA with strict safety standards in place. The brand has no recall history and a reputation for gentle, digestible recipes dogs love. While not right for every dog, Grandma Mae’s appears to be a safe choice with many merits if you’re seeking an alternative dog food.
Conclusion
Pet owners are right to be cautious and do their homework when choosing what to feed their dogs. But you can feel confident feeding Grandma Mae’s brand products based on their commitment to quality ingredients, transparent sourcing and manufacturing, extensive safety testing, and excellent track record over 15+ years. While monitoring your own dog’s reaction is advised when transitioning to any new food, Grandma Mae’s natural recipes are unlikely to pose any safety risks or cause illness if introduced gradually.