FDA pet food Salmonella recall: what’s new this week, what’s affected, and how to protect your household

Bassyonni

ago 15 hours

FDA pet food Salmonella recall

The FDA has flagged multiple Salmonella-related pet food and treat recalls in recent days, and pet owners should double-check labels before feeding dogs or cats. While no widespread pet illnesses have been confirmed in the newest notices, the agency’s sampling and distributor tests identified contaminated lots that must be pulled from circulation. Here’s a clear rundown of what’s involved and what to do next.

What’s recalled right now

Recent FDA postings include three separate actions tied to Salmonella risk:

Raw Bistro Pet Fare frozen beef dog food — select Grass-Fed Beef Entrée lots in 3-lb bags and 18-lb bulk cases, best-by 08/27/2026, Lot 239. Distributed earlier this fall across California, Colorado, Illinois, and Minnesota.
Foodynamics freeze-dried pet treats — specific lots sold under Raw Dog Barkery, BellePepper Cats, and Kanu Pets. Shipments went from Wisconsin to retailers in New York and Florida; impacted items include freeze-dried whole/sliced chicken hearts and select “What’s in the Bowl” treats.
Nature’s Own Pet Chews “Bully Bites” (Best Buy Bones, Inc.) — 16-oz bags with Best By September 2027 and lots 19379–19382; distributed out of Minnesota and sold in Wisconsin stores.

If any of these match products at home, do not feed them to pets.

Why Salmonella recalls matter—pets and people

Pets: Infection can cause lethargy, fever, vomiting, diarrhea (sometimes bloody), decreased appetite, and abdominal pain. Some animals may carry and shed the bacteria without obvious symptoms.
People: Handling contaminated food, bowls, or surfaces can lead to fever, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and cramps. Young children, older adults, and those with weakened immunity are at higher risk of severe illness.

Because raw and freeze-dried items aren’t heat-treated like conventional kibble, one contaminated lot can pose a direct exposure risk during handling—and an indirect risk via surfaces, sinks, and pet saliva.

What to do if you have a recalled product

Isolate it immediately. Place the bag or pouch in a sealed container or double bag.
Do not donate or resell. These items should not be given to shelters or neighbors.
Follow the refund path. Most recalls allow return to the point of purchase for a refund or safe disposal instructions.
Disinfect thoroughly. Wash pet bowls, scoops, storage bins, prep areas, and your hands. See cleaning steps below.
Monitor symptoms. Call your veterinarian if your pet shows signs listed above. If any person in the home becomes ill, contact a healthcare provider and mention pet food exposure.

How to clean up correctly (step-by-step)

Hard surfaces: Scrub with hot, soapy water; rinse; then apply a disinfectant labeled to kill Salmonella. Keep the surface wet with disinfectant for the full contact time on the label, then air-dry.
Bowls and utensils: Run through a dishwasher on a sanitizing cycle or wash with hot, soapy water and disinfect as above.
Storage bins/scoops: Clean seams and corners where residue collects.
Hands: Wash with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds after handling pet food, packaging, or bowls.
Fridge/freezer areas (for frozen items): Wipe spills immediately and sanitize shelves or drawers where product was stored.

How to check your bag like a pro

Find the lot code and best-by date. These are typically stamped near the seal, side gusset, or back panel.
Match brand, variety, size, lot, and date against the recall details above. If one element differs, treat it as not recalled—but stay alert for future updates.
When in doubt, contact the manufacturer’s consumer line with your lot code.

Quick timeline and status

Early October: FDA sampling and distributor tests identify contamination in select pet foods and treats.
Oct. 3–10: Firms announce voluntary recalls of the affected lots and notify distributors/retailers to pull inventory.
Mid-October onward: No confirmed human or pet illnesses tied specifically to the newest lots have been announced; investigations and trace-backs continue. Language and lot lists can expand as testing progresses.

Extra context: recurring risk patterns

Raw/freeze-dried products show up frequently in pathogen findings because they skip lethal heat steps.
Treats made from single-ingredient organs (e.g., hearts, lungs) can carry higher microbial loads if sourcing or controls falter.
Cross-contamination in home kitchens (sinks, cutting boards, counters) is a common route for human exposure.

Bottom line for pet owners

If you purchased Raw Bistro frozen beef, Foodynamics freeze-dried treats (Raw Dog Barkery, BellePepper Cats, Kanu Pets), or Nature’s Own Bully Bites with the lots listed above, stop feeding immediately, secure a refund/disposal, and disinfect contact areas. Keep an eye on pets and people in the home for symptoms over the next several days. For everything else in your pantry, make a habit of checking lot codes and best-by dates and washing hands and bowls after every feeding—small steps that sharply cut Salmonella risk.