Attorney at Graves McLain Injury Lawyers
Practice Areas: Car Accidents, Medical Malpractice, Vaccine Injuries
In February 2013, Nutri-Vet LLC issued a voluntary recall for its Nutri-Vet and Nutripet chicken jerky treats for dogs due to concerns about possible Salmonella contamination. Although the recall happened over a decade ago, the topic is still important—especially for those who may still have old products or experienced illness tied to this incident.
This post breaks down what happened, why it matters, and what Tulsa pet owners need to know, especially if legal help is needed today.
Nutri‑Vet LLC voluntarily recalled Nutri‑Vet and Nutripet Chicken Jerky products on February 20, 2013, due to possible Salmonella contamination.
The recall was announced on February 20, 2013. It affected specific chicken jerky products for dogs sold under the Nutri-Vet and Nutripet brands. These treats were available nationwide in stores and online between April 2012 and February 2013. Each recalled bag had a “Best By” date ranging from April 20, 2014, to October 3, 2014.
At the time of the recall, no test results had confirmed salmonella contamination in the final products, but the manufacturer chose to act out of caution. Pet owners were told to stop using the treats and return them to the place of purchase for a full refund. The company also provided a support line to answer questions and encouraged owners to contact a veterinarian if their pets showed symptoms.
No positive test results have been found on Nutri‑Vet or Nutripet products to date; FDA and manufacturer continue their investigation.
Salmonella is a harmful bacterium that can affect both humans and animals. While it’s commonly linked to undercooked food, it can also be found in pet treats, especially if food safety protocols aren’t followed during production or packaging.
For humans, symptoms include nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, diarrhea (sometimes bloody), and fever. In severe cases, Salmonella infection can lead to joint pain, urinary issues, and even heart infections.
Dogs infected with Salmonella may show signs like vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, and lethargy. However, some dogs don’t show any symptoms at all—yet they can still spread the bacteria to other pets or humans through direct contact or contaminated surfaces.
Pets can be asymptomatic carriers of Salmonella and pose a risk to humans around them.
Although the final products didn’t test positive, the source of contamination was linked to an ingredient supplier’s facility. It’s possible that even after cooking, the treats came into contact with bacteria due to poor handling or cross-contamination during packaging.
This recall is part of a broader trend in the pet industry. Since 1999, there have been over 100 pet food recalls in the U.S. related to Salmonella. At least 11 of those cases were connected to human illness. Some involved dangerous strains that were resistant to antibiotics.
Since 1999, there have been over 117 recalls of pet foods due to Salmonella contamination in the U.S., and 11 of these recalls were linked to human illness, with some involving multidrug‑resistant strains.
Detail | Information |
| Recall Date | February 20, 2013 |
| Distribution Period | April 2012 – February 2013 |
| Best By Dates | April 20, 2014 – October 3, 2014 |
| Item Numbers | 76-0081, 50701–50712, 50714, 50716, 99044 |
| Distribution Scope | Nationwide (Retail and Online) |
| Testing Outcome | No positive samples found at time of recall |
If you or a loved one experienced health issues after handling the recalled treats—or if your pet needed medical care—you may have legal rights. In Oklahoma, product liability law allows consumers to pursue damages for injuries caused by faulty or contaminated products.
Even though this specific recall may not have led to widespread lawsuits, other pet treat recalls have. Oklahoma doesn’t require a product to be proven unsafe in every case; it only requires showing that the product was defective and that harm occurred as a result.
The outcome of your case depends on its specific facts. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes.
If you suspect you still have one of the recalled treats, don’t give it to your pet. Please return it to the store, and monitor your pet’s health closely. If symptoms appear, reach out to a veterinarian. For human symptoms, see a doctor as soon as possible.
To stay safe in the future, always check recall lists, buy pet food from trusted sources, and wash your hands after handling dog treats. It’s also wise to avoid feeding pets expired or unpackaged treats. If you or your pet became ill, speak with a personal injury attorney to explore whether compensation might be available.
Nutri-Vet and Nutripet chicken jerky treats were recalled on February 20, 2013. They were distributed nationwide from April 2012 to February 2013, with expiration dates between April and October 2014.
Yes. Even if pets don’t seem sick, they can carry and spread Salmonella. The bacteria can be transferred through contact with saliva, feces, or contaminated surfaces.
In people, look for fever, nausea, vomiting, cramps, or diarrhea. In pets, symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, and appetite loss. Call a vet or doctor if symptoms appear.
It likely came from an ingredient supplier’s facility. While the finished products tested negative, contamination may have happened during handling or packaging.
Oklahoma law allows people harmed by defective products to seek compensation. If you or your pet were affected, you may be eligible to claim product responsibility.
Check for recalls, handle pet food safely, and avoid feeding expired or unverified treats. Always wash your hands after handling pet treats or cleaning up after pets.
Although the Nutri-Vet and Nutripet recall is more than a decade old, its impact still matters—especially for those who faced health concerns after using the products. Salmonella is serious, and both humans and animals can be affected. Understanding the risks, symptoms, and steps to take after exposure helps keep families safe.
If you believe you were affected by this or a similar case, the team at Graves McLain Injury Lawyers is available to review your situation. They understand Oklahoma product liability law and can explain your rights—so you can make informed decisions with confidence.
When injury victims need a law firm with a reputation for excellence, turn to Graves McLain Injury Lawyers. We are a top-rated personal injury firm determined to be the best. With decades of award-winning representation, our clients recover the compensation they need to put their lives back together.
