PORTLAND, Ore. — Pet owners across the country are being urged to check their freezers after Northwest Naturals announced a recall involving nearly 2,000 pounds of raw cat and dog food over concerns about salmonella and listeria contamination.
The Portland-based company is voluntarily recalling 53 cases, totaling 1,272 pounds, of Northwest Naturals Frozen Chicken Recipe and 19 cases, totaling 684 pounds, of Northwest Naturals Frozen Raw Diet for Dogs Chicken Recipe.
Together, the recalled products account for 1,956 pounds of pet food that was distributed to retail stores nationwide.
The contamination was discovered after samples of the products were collected and tested by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
Two Frozen Chicken Products Are Included
The recall affects two specific raw pet food products, and pet owners should carefully check the packaging before feeding them to their animals.
The recalled 2-pound Frozen Chicken Recipe is marketed as cat food and as a protein topper for dogs. The product tested positive for salmonella.
The affected product carries lot number B-5, a best-by date of Jan. 26, 2028, and UPC 087316384956.
The second recalled item is the 6-pound Frozen Raw Diet for Dogs Chicken Recipe. Testing found both salmonella and listeria monocytogenes in that product.
It carries lot number B-19, a best-by date of Jan. 25, 2028, and UPC 087316380392.
Both products were distributed through retail stores nationwide, meaning pet owners in different parts of the country could potentially have purchased affected packages.
Salmonella and Listeria Can Make Pets Sick
The bacteria involved in the recall can pose health risks to animals that consume contaminated food.
Pets infected with salmonella or listeria may develop symptoms including lethargy, diarrhea, bloody diarrhea, fever, vomiting, decreased appetite and abdominal pain.
However, the concern does not stop with the animals eating the food.
According to the recall notice, infected pets can potentially carry the bacteria and spread them to other animals or people. People handling contaminated raw pet food can also come into contact with the bacteria through the food itself or contaminated surfaces.
That makes proper handling and cleanup especially important for households that use raw pet food.
No Illnesses Reported So Far
Despite the contamination findings, Northwest Naturals said no illnesses had been reported in connection with the recalled products as of Aug. 28.
The company is asking consumers who purchased the affected products to immediately stop feeding them to their pets.
Pet owners should check their packages for the specific lot numbers, UPC codes and best-by dates listed in the recall notice. If a product matches the recalled information, consumers should not feed it to their animals.
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What Pet Owners Should Do Now
Consumers who have one of the recalled products are advised to return the unused food to the place of purchase for a full refund.
Pet owners should also take precautions when handling raw pet food, particularly if they have already opened a potentially affected package.
Northwest Naturals recommends thoroughly washing hands after handling the products. Consumers should also clean and sanitize pet bowls, utensils, countertops, storage areas and other surfaces that may have come into contact with the recalled food.
These precautions can help reduce the possibility of bacteria spreading around the household.
Recall Raises Fresh Concerns for Raw Pet Food
The nationwide recall is a reminder that raw pet food requires careful handling because contaminated products can expose both animals and people to harmful bacteria.
For now, pet owners should check their freezers and storage areas for the affected Northwest Naturals chicken products and avoid feeding them to pets.
Anyone who believes their pet may have become sick after eating a recalled product should contact a veterinarian for guidance.
Do you have raw pet food at home? Check your packages and share this recall information with other pet owners in the comments.