Nearly one ton of raw pet food just came off shelves after federal tests found two dangerous bacteria.
Story Snapshot
- Northwest Naturals recalled 1,956 pounds of raw chicken recipes for dogs and cats.
- Food and Drug Administration testing detected Salmonella and Listeria monocytogenes.
- The recall covers two lots of frozen chicken products sold nationwide.
- Raw pet foods face far more pathogen recalls than other formats.
The Recall: What Was Pulled And Why It Matters
Northwest Naturals of Portland, Oregon, voluntarily recalled two frozen raw chicken products after Food and Drug Administration testing found Salmonella and Listeria monocytogenes.
The company removed 53 cases, or 1,272 pounds, of its Frozen Chicken Recipe for cats, and 19 cases, or 684 pounds, of its Frozen Raw Diet for Dogs Chicken Recipe.
That adds up to 1,956 pounds. The recall targets two specific lots. The agency’s notice states the goal is to protect pets and people who handle the food.
Salmonella and Listeria monocytogenes can sicken pets and humans. Pets may have vomiting, diarrhea, fever, and low energy. Some pets show no signs but still shed germs. People can get sick from handling raw pet food, dishes, or the animal’s stool.
Young children, older adults, and anyone with a weak immune system face a higher risk. The Food and Drug Administration urges safe handling, thorough handwashing, and cleaning of surfaces that touch raw pet food during and after use.
Where This Fits In The Bigger Safety Picture
Raw pet foods exhibit a pattern of pathogen-related issues. A peer-reviewed review found 859 Salmonella-linked recalls in pet foods between 2003 and 2022, making up nearly a quarter of all pet food recalls and the vast majority of bacteria-related recalls.
Industry analyses based on Food and Drug Administration data show that raw diets drive a far larger share of pathogen recalls than their market share would suggest, indicating a higher concentration of risk in that segment. This event tracks with that history.
Regulators have also flagged repeat contamination across some raw makers. Food and Drug Administration advisories describe multiple recalls tied to raw diets after findings of Salmonella, Listeria monocytogenes, or certain harmful E. coli strains.
Those advisories press companies to improve testing, kill steps, and controls. They also remind pet owners to treat raw pet food with the same caution as raw poultry in a home kitchen, since cross-contamination can spread fast.
What Owners Should Do Right Now
Pet owners should stop feeding the recalled lots and secure the packages so children and pets cannot reach them. Use sealed bags for disposal and keep them out of the regular kitchen area. Wash hands with soap and hot water after handling the food or bowls.
Clean and disinfect any surfaces, scoops, freezer drawers, and the sink. Watch pets for signs of illness, including diarrhea or low appetite. Call your veterinarian if symptoms appear. Contact your doctor if you or a family member develops fever or stomach issues.
‼️Dog Food Recall
Northwest Naturals Recalls Raw Pet Food Products Over Potential Salmonella and Listeria Contaminationhttps://t.co/MJvOiRuYs8
— becca (@patentlyme) September 1, 2026
Shoppers who buy raw diets should add one more habit: record lot codes at the time of purchase. A photo of the bag front and the lot panel can save time during a recall. Store raw pet food below ready-to-eat foods in your freezer to prevent drips. Thaw in a closed container on the lowest shelf.
Use a dedicated cutting board and scoop. Never rinse raw pet food in the sink, since splashes can spread bacteria. Replace kitchen sponges often and use paper towels for cleanup.
What This Signals About Risk, Responsibility, And Choice
Families want freedom to choose how to feed their pets, and that choice comes with duty. Raw diets can work for some owners who treat the product like raw meat and keep tight hygiene. But the numbers show that raw formats carry a higher recall risk than cooked kibble or canned food.
Sources:
foxbusiness.com, fda.gov, nw-naturals.net, kibblelab.com
