If you’ve spotted fuzzy spots, a musty smell or clumped kibble in your dog’s food, stop feeding it and keep it out of reach. Some molds make mycotoxins, toxins that can cause vomiting, tremors, seizures and liver damage, and they can be present even when you can’t see any mold. Below you’ll find what to look for, what to do if your dog already ate some, how mold gets into food in the first place, and the storage habits that keep it out.
TL;DR
- Throw out moldy or suspect food safely, and don’t try to scrape off the mold or “cook it out.” Toxins can remain in food that looks fine.
- If your dog ate it, call your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center right away. Don’t wait for symptoms.
- Watch for vomiting, diarrhea, tremors, wobbliness, seizures, lethargy, jaundice or unusual bruising.
- Store dry food cool and dry, below 80°F, keep bowls and scoops clean, and check FDA recalls when something seems off.
- Keep the lot number and packaging. You’ll need them for your vet and for an FDA report.
Table of Contents
- Why mold in dog food is more than a spoiled-food problem
- What mold and mycotoxins can do to a dog
- What to do if your dog ate moldy dog food
- How mold gets into dog food
- Recalls: what has actually happened
- How to tell if food has spoiled
- Storing dog food so mold never gets a start
- Our perspective on mold and dog food
- A shelf-stable option if you’re rethinking the bowl
- Safe storage for freeze-dried food at home
- FAQ
- Sources
Why mold in dog food is more than a spoiled-food problem
Mold on a slice of bread is gross. Mold in dog food can be dangerous, and the reason is mycotoxins. These are toxic compounds made by certain molds and fungi that grow on crops and food. They are different from the mold you see: killing the mold doesn’t remove the toxin is the practical lesson, and the FDA also notes that aflatoxin can be present with no visible mold on the food at all.
That’s why a quick sniff-and-look test isn’t enough. A bag can seem normal and still be a problem, while a bag with a little surface fuzz may be a moisture or storage issue. Either way, the safe response is the same: stop feeding it and get advice.
Dogs may also be more exposed than we are. FDA points out that dogs often eat the same food every day, while people generally eat a varied diet, so a contaminated food can add up fast.
What mold and mycotoxins can do to a dog
Not every mold causes the same problem. Two groups come up most often in veterinary guidance.
Aflatoxins and the liver
Aflatoxins are produced by Aspergillus flavus, a mold that can grow on pet food ingredients such as corn, peanuts and other grains. According to the FDA, high levels can cause illness, liver damage and death in pets, and aflatoxins can affect blood clotting and lead to long-term liver problems.
The FDA lists these signs of aflatoxin poisoning:
- Sluggishness
- Loss of appetite
- Vomiting
- Yellowing of the eyes or gums (jaundice)
- Unexplained bruising or bleeding
- Diarrhea
The scary part: liver damage can occur without early signs, and pets that keep eating contaminated food may die suddenly. If your dog seems a little off after a meal and you have any doubt about the food, don’t wait it out.
Tremorgenic mycotoxins and the nervous system
The second group acts on the nervous system. The Merck Veterinary Manual explains that tremorgenic mycotoxins arise when molds, particularly Penicillium species, grow on food, feed or food waste. Dogs can develop vomiting, drooling, loss of coordination, a racing heart, tremors and seizures.
Timing matters here too. Signs may begin within one to two hours, or several hours, after eating. Large exposures can cause seizures and death. With treatment, signs often resolve within days, though occasionally they last much longer. The ASPCA adds that vomiting, diarrhea, muscle tremors, seizures and a raised body temperature can follow moldy food and can become life-threatening without treatment.
This is also why trash, compost and forgotten leftovers matter. Moldy table scraps are a common source of tremor cases, not just bad kibble.
What to do if your dog ate moldy dog food
Here’s the order we’d follow, and it matches what the veterinary and regulatory sources recommend.
- Remove the food. Take away the bowl and bag so nothing more is eaten. FDA advises stopping the suspected food immediately.
- Call a professional. Contact your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center right away. The ASPCA says signs can develop quickly, so rapid triage matters. Your vet may ask how much was eaten, how long ago, and your dog’s weight.
- Go in if there are symptoms. If your dog is vomiting, trembling, wobbly, very sluggish or having seizures, go to a veterinary clinic immediately. Call ahead so they can prepare.
- Save the evidence. Keep the bag, the lot number and the best-by date. Photograph the food and the packaging. Don’t toss everything yet.
- Don’t treat at home. Don’t induce vomiting or give home remedies unless a veterinarian or poison control tells you to. The right step depends on what and when your dog ate.
If your dog ate a small amount and seems fine, you still want that phone call. Liver effects can be silent at first.
How mold gets into dog food
Mold in pet food generally comes from one of three places.
On the crops, before the food is made. Mycotoxin-producing molds grow on grains in the field and in storage, especially in warm, humid or drought-stressed seasons. Aflatoxin, for example, is already present in raw ingredients before they are made into food, which is why responsible manufacturers test incoming grain. This is the route behind most large recalls.
During manufacturing. Dry food that leaves the plant with too much moisture can grow mold in the bag. A pet-food company quoted by Whole Dog Journal said mold can develop when moisture in a dry food climbs above 10 percent, especially in warm weather.
In your home. Humidity, heat, temperature swings and dirty containers do the rest. Moisture and heat together can trigger mold growth, and old kibble left at the bottom of a bin can contaminate the fresh food poured on top.
So yes, dry food can be contaminated, and so can any food that’s stored badly. Kibble isn’t the only risk, but its ingredients (often corn and other grains) and its long shelf life make it a regular topic in recalls.
Recalls: what has actually happened
Mycotoxin recalls are real, and they’ve been large. We won’t name brands here, but you can see the pattern in the official notices.
- In September 2020, routine sampling found elevated aflatoxin in one lot, and the company recalled specified dog foods nationwide as a precaution.
- In January 2021, a manufacturer expanded a recall to dog and cat foods made with corn products and expiration dates on or before July 9, 2022, because they could contain aflatoxin above acceptable levels.
- Later that month, FDA reported more than 110 pet deaths and more than 210 sick pets associated with certain products, while cautioning that the numbers were approximate and not every case was lab-confirmed.
The takeaway isn’t panic. It’s that checking is easy. The FDA Recalls & Withdrawals page lists the date, brand, product description, reason, company and status for each recall. Bookmark it, and look at it whenever your dog’s food changes or a bag seems off.
How to tell if food has spoiled
Use your eyes and nose, but don’t trust them alone.
- Look for: fuzzy or discolored patches (white, green, gray, black), clumps stuck together, damp spots, or oil that looks cloudy.
- Smell for: musty, sour, or “old basement” odors, or a sharp rancid smell.
- Check the package: the FDA recommends buying packages without dents, tears or discoloration, and keeping the top of the bag tightly folded.
- Notice your dog: a dog who suddenly refuses a favorite food, or gets an upset stomach after meals, is giving you information.
A quick word about rancid food: rancid fats, storage mites and mold are not the same thing, though all of them are good reasons to toss a bag. And remember the key point from above: no visible mold doesn’t equal safe.
Report it
If you think a food made your dog sick, tell the FDA. Their guide to reporting a pet food complaint asks for the exact product name, package type, lot number, best-by date, UPC, net weight, purchase details, how it was stored and handled, and a description such as a foul odor or off color. That’s why we said to save the bag.
Storing dog food so mold never gets a start
Most home mold problems are preventable. The FDA’s pet food storage guidance boils down to a few habits:
- Store dry food in a cool, dry place, below 80°F.
- Keep it in the original bag, or put the whole bag inside a clean, dry, tightly lidded container. The bag carries the lot number and best-by date you may need later.
- If you do pour food into a container, wash and dry it completely between bags. Never top off old food with new.
- Wash and dry food bowls and scoops after every use, and wash water bowls daily.
- Refrigerate leftover wet food promptly at 40°F or below, or throw it out.
- Discard spoiled food in a securely tied bag inside a covered trash can so your dog and wildlife can’t get to it.
A few extra tips from the kitchen side: avoid garages and sheds, where summer heat and humidity swing wildly. Skip the spot next to the dishwasher or under the sink. Buy smaller bags if your dog takes a while to finish them, and keep the receipt or a photo of the lot number.
Our perspective on mold and dog food
We started Loyal Saints because we’re dog moms who wanted to know exactly what goes into the bowl. When we talk to dog owners about mold, we hear the same worry: “How would I even know?” Our honest answer is that you can’t rely on your eyes alone, which is why we care about three things: where ingredients come from, how the food is made, and how it’s kept.
Our freeze-dried raw recipes use human-grade, whole ingredients sourced from Midwest farms, and they’re formulated to AAFCO standards for complete nutrition. Freeze-drying removes moisture, and because moisture is what mold needs to grow, a sealed, dry, shelf-stable product has an advantage on the storage side: no thawing, no fridge, no ice packs. We’re careful not to oversell that. No food is immune from handling mistakes, and a drying process doesn’t tell you what a crop looked like before it arrived. That’s why we still say the same thing we’d tell any dog owner: keep the bag sealed, keep it cool and dry, check the date, and call your vet if something seems off.
If you’re curious about the details, our guides cover storing freeze-dried dog food safely, common contaminants in dog food and the steps in freeze-drying for safety. And whatever you feed, your veterinarian knows your dog’s history best, so bring them into any food switch.
— Kristina
A shelf-stable option if you’re rethinking the bowl
If a scare has you looking at your dog’s food with fresh eyes, we’d love to help you find something that fits. Loyal Saints makes freeze-dried raw dog food in Beef, Chicken and Turkey + Salmon recipes, with no fillers or synthetic additives. Bags range from $24.95 to $44.95 depending on size, and the pouches store right in your pantry.
Not sure which protein your dog will like? The 3 × 14 oz variety pack lets you try Beef, Chicken and Turkey with Salmon. If you’d rather keep a steady supply, the Halo Club membership is $79.99 per year or $10.99 per month. Standard shipping is $7.99 and express is $14.99; see our shipping page for current details. If your dog has a medical condition or has been sick from food, talk to your veterinarian before switching.
Safe storage for freeze-dried food at home
Freeze-dried food is easier to keep, but it still needs the basics. Reseal the pouch after each feeding, squeeze out extra air, and keep it away from heat, sunlight and steamy kitchen corners. Don’t let damp scoops or wet hands touch the food, since adding moisture undoes the benefit of drying. For more on the details, see our guides on storing freeze-dried food for longevity and packaging safety standards.
If you rehydrate food, treat it like fresh food: serve it, then refrigerate leftovers promptly at 40°F or below or discard them, just as the FDA advises for any moist pet food.
FAQ
What happens if my dog eats moldy dog food?
It depends on the mold and the amount. Some dogs get only an upset stomach, but others develop tremors, seizures or liver damage. Call your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center right away, even if your dog seems fine, because signs can develop quickly and liver effects may be silent at first.
Can I cut the mold off and feed the rest?
No. Mycotoxins can remain in food that looks clean, and aflatoxin can be present with no visible mold at all. Discard the whole bag in a securely tied trash bag, and keep the lot number in case you need to report it.
How do I know if my dog’s food has been recalled?
Check the FDA’s Recalls & Withdrawals page, which lists the brand, product, reason and date. Compare the lot number and best-by date on your bag to the notice. If your food matches, stop feeding it and call your vet if your dog has had any symptoms.
How should I store dog food to prevent mold?
Keep dry food below 80°F in a cool, dry spot, ideally in its original bag, with the top tightly folded. If you use a container, make sure it’s clean, dry and lidded, and wash it between bags. Wash bowls and scoops after every use.
Is mold on dog treats normal?
It’s common for natural treats without preservatives to spoil, but that doesn’t make mold safe. Treat mold the same way you would in food: throw the treats out, and call your vet if your dog ate them.
Sources
- Aflatoxin Poisoning in Pets, FDA
- Animal Poison Control Alert: The Dangers of Moldy Food, ASPCA
- Tremorgenic Neuromycotoxicosis in Dogs, Merck Veterinary Manual
- Toxins That Can Arise in Dry Dog Food, Whole Dog Journal
- Recalls & Withdrawals, FDA
- FDA recall notice, September 2020
- FDA recall expansion, January 2021
- FDA alert, January 21, 2021
- Tips for Safe Handling of Pet Food and Treats, FDA
- How to Report a Pet Food Complaint, FDA
- Proper Storage of Pet Food & Treats, FDA
