WASHINGTON — A major manufacturer of dog and cat food sold under Wal-Mart, Safeway, Kroger and other store brands recalled 60 million containers of wet pet food yesterday after reports of kidney failure and deaths in some animals that ate the food.

An unknown number of cats and dogs suffered kidney failure and about 10 died after eating the affected pet food, Menu Foods said in announcing the North American recall. Product testing has not explained the reported illnesses and deaths, the company said.

"At this juncture, we're not 100 percent sure what's happened," said Paul Henderson, the company's president. However, the recalled products were made using wheat gluten purchased from a new supplier, since dropped for another source, spokeswoman Sarah Tuite said. Wheat gluten is a source of protein.

The recall covers the company's "cuts and gravy" style of food, which consists of chunks of meat in gravy, sold in cans and small foil pouches between Dec. 3 and March 6 throughout the U.S., Canada and Mexico.

Menu Foods did not immediately provide a full list of brand names and lot numbers covered by the recall, saying those would be posted on its Web site — www.menufoods.com/recall — early today. Consumers with questions can call (866) 463-6738.

However, repeated calls to that number over several hours last night got only a busy signal. Attempts to reach a company spokeswoman for an explanation were unsuccessful.

The company said it manufactures for 17 of the top 20 North American retailers. It is also a contract manufacturer for the top branded pet food companies, including Procter & Gamble Co.

P&G yesterday announced the recall of specific 3 oz., 5.5 oz., 6 oz. and 13.2 oz. canned and 3 oz. and 5.3 oz. foil pouch cat and dog wet food products made by Menu Foods but sold under the Iams and Eukanuba brands. The recalled products bear the code dates of 6339 through 7073 followed by the plant code 4197, P&G said.