CONSUMER ALERT: Hay Cube Recall Raises Botulism Concerns for Horses
The FDA published the company’s voluntary recall announcement on November 10, 2026.
Horse owners: Check your feed supply. A voluntary recall of Grade A Mini Hay Cubes over potential botulism contamination follows reports of horse illnesses and deaths in the Southwest.
Laub’s Feeding & Cubing, Inc., based in Beryl, Utah, has voluntarily recalled up to 89 tons of Grade A Mini Hay Cubes because the feed may be contaminated with Clostridium botulinum, the bacterium responsible for botulism.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) published the company’s recall announcement November 10, 2026.
Although the recalled feed was initially sold in Utah, distribution may have extended into Northern Arizona, Nevada and Southern California. Additional customers may have received the product through subsequent distribution.
What Products Are Affected?
The recall covers Grade A Mini Hay Cubes sold between October 3 and October 31, 2026.
- Brand: Laub’s Feeding & Cubing
- Product: Grade A Mini Hay Cubes
- Packaging: 1,500-pound totes and bulk supply
- Initial sales locations: Paragonah Farm in Paragonah, Utah, and the Feed Store in St. George, Utah.
- Potential distribution area: Utah, Northern Arizona, Nevada and Southern California.
The company began contacting customers directly about the recall on November 3.
Why Is This Recall Important?
Clostridium botulinum can produce a powerful toxin that affects the nervous system. Animals that consume contaminated feed can develop botulism, a serious condition that can cause paralysis, respiratory failure and death.
The recall follows reports received by the Utah Department of Agriculture and Food (UDAF) involving horses that became ill and died in southern Utah and surrounding areas.
Initial reports involved several horses on one farm, three of which reportedly died. Additional reports received November 2 involved horses in southern Utah, Nevada and Arizona.
UDAF is investigating reports of horse illnesses and deaths in southern Utah and surrounding areas. Testing of feed cubes sold at facilities in southern Utah is underway to identify the exact cause. The illnesses and deaths have been reported, but the number of affected horses has not been confirmed.
Warning Signs Horse Owners Should Watch For
Possible symptoms of botulism in horses include:
- Muscle weakness or tremors.
- Difficulty swallowing or vocalizing.
- Weak eyelids or loss of muscle tone.
- A limp or floppy tail.
- A flaccid tongue.
- Difficulty breathing.
- Abdominal swelling or colic.
- Constipation.
- Inability to urinate.
- Depression or incoordination.
Symptoms can become serious. Horse owners whose animals show neurological signs or other symptoms of illness should contact a veterinarian immediately.
What Should Horse Owners Do?
If you have purchased or received the recalled Grade A Mini Hay Cubes:
- Stop feeding the product immediately. Do not give it to horses or other animals.
- Return the product to the original place of purchase if possible.
- If you cannot return it, quarantine the feed in a secure, covered location where animals cannot access it.
- Contact Laub’s Feeding & Cubing for additional instructions.
- If your horse has consumed the feed and shows signs of illness, contact your veterinarian immediately.
Do not assume the feed is safe simply because an animal has not yet shown symptoms.
How to Report a Problem
The FDA encourages horse and livestock owners to report suspected adverse reactions involving animal feed.
Reports can be submitted through the FDA’s reporting portal:
Report a Problem With Horse or Other Livestock Feed or Food
Company Contact Information
Laub’s Feeding & Cubing, Inc.
Phone: 435-439-5531
Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mountain Time.
What About Alaska?
The company’s announcement identifies Utah, Northern Arizona, Nevada and Southern California as potential distribution areas. Alaska is not specifically identified.
However, because some customers may have redistributed the feed beyond its original sales locations, horse owners and feed suppliers should check their inventory and purchasing records if they have any connection to the recalled product.
The important thing is to verify the product’s origin rather than assume that feed purchased outside the initial sales area is automatically unaffected.
Sources and Additional Information
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA): Laub’s Feeding & Cubing, Inc. Voluntary Recall Announcement
- Utah Department of Agriculture and Food
- UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine: Botulism in Horses
- FDA: Reporting Problems With Horse or Other Livestock Feed or Food
Alaska Headline Living will continue to monitor consumer safety announcements that may affect animal owners and livestock operations.
Alaksa Headline Living | Stay informed. Stay inspired. Stay curious.
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