Dog Dies After Eating Expired Food
In Derry, Pennsylvania, a Scottish Deerhound named Zeus, a grand champion show dog, died after consuming what his owner says was an expired shipment of dog food. On August 8, owner Karen Winter noticed that Zeus became violently ill after eating from the newly purchased bag. By the next morning, his condition had worsened to the point that Winter rushed him to the veterinarian. Despite aggressive medical care—including the removal of a twisted and inflamed spleen—Zeus died on August 10. Winter later discovered the bag of food was two months past its expiration date, something she regrets not seeing earlier. “I wish I had checked that bag before I ever fed it… I wish he hadn’t had to endure what he endured,” Winter told CBS Pittsburgh.
Veterinarian Raises Red Flags
Veterinarian Melissa Voll-Stouffer, who treated Zeus, said the dog had been in excellent health just two weeks earlier, with perfect blood work. She explained that the violent vomiting likely caused his spleen to wrap around his stomach, creating catastrophic complications. Voll-Stouffer also said she had received reports from other pet owners experiencing similar problems after feeding their dogs the same food brand. Samples of Zeus’s food were sent to the University of Missouri for toxicology testing to determine if mold or other toxins were present.
Manufacturer Responds, Cuts Off Distributors
The food in question came from Kinetic, an Ohio-based manufacturer. According to the company, the batch was produced and shipped in June 2024 with a “best by” date of June 2025. Distribution passed through Millersburg Feeds before being sold at Chux Mobile Milling in Connellsville. Kinetic issued condolences to Winter but placed responsibility on its distribution partners for failing to remove expired inventory. The company has since cut ties with both Millersburg Feeds and Chux Mobile Milling, citing a lack of oversight.
Calls for Recall and Warnings to Pet Owners
Winter has urged the company to go further, calling for a voluntary recall to ensure other pet owners do not unknowingly purchase expired food. “I want them to find every out-of-date bag and get it off the market,” she said. Veterinarians and pet advocates warn owners to double-check expiration dates on all pet food, regardless of brand, and to remain alert for any sudden changes in a pet’s health after consuming a new bag or shipment.
What Comes Next
The final word on Zeus’s case will depend on the results of toxicology testing at the University of Missouri. Until then, questions remain about whether expired food, mold, or another contaminant caused his fatal illness. For Winter, the loss of her beloved dog underscores the importance of vigilance and accountability in the pet food supply chain. “We have to find out what went wrong,” she said. “We have to do better.”
