Federal testing flagged raw pet food for Salmonella and Listeria, and nearly a ton is now off the market.
Story Snapshot
- Northwest Naturals recalled 1,956 pounds of raw cat and dog food after federal tests found pathogens.
- Two chicken-based frozen products are involved; the recall is voluntary, nationwide.
- Raw diets account for a large share of pathogen recalls despite their small market share.
- Owners should check lot codes, stop feeding, and follow safe handling steps now.
What Was Recalled, Why It Matters, And Who Is Affected
The Food and Drug Administration reported that Northwest Naturals of Portland recalled two frozen raw chicken products after tests detected Salmonella and Listeria monocytogenes.
The action covers 53 cases, or 1,272 pounds, of a frozen chicken recipe for cats and 19 cases, or 684 pounds, of a frozen chicken recipe for dogs, for a total of 1,956 pounds.
The company said it acted to protect pets and people from exposure to illness. Distribution reached stores across the United States, so owners should check their freezers now.
Salmonella can sicken pets and people. Listeria monocytogenes can cause serious illness in vulnerable people and animals. Handling raw pet food increases the chance of spreading germs on counters, bowls, and hands.
The Food and Drug Administration advises anyone with the recalled food to stop using it, bag it, and return or discard it in a way that prevents other animals from reaching it.
Wash hands, bowls, and surfaces with hot, soapy water. Call a veterinarian if a pet shows vomiting, diarrhea, or fever after eating the product.
Raw Pet Food Carries Higher Pathogen Risk Than Kibble
Food and Drug Administration data and peer-reviewed research show a pattern: raw pet foods face far more pathogen recalls than cooked products.
A review found 859 Salmonella-linked recalls of pet food from 2003 to 2022, accounting for almost a quarter of all pet food recalls and the vast majority of bacterial recalls.
Industry analysis of federal data reports that raw diets, a smaller market slice, account for most pathogen recalls in recent years. The recall at hand fits that risk profile.
Federal advisories also track recurring contamination episodes tied to raw pet food produced by several firms, not just one brand. That context helps owners assess risk, choose safe handling practices, and weigh diet benefits and trade-offs.
The takeaway aligns with kitchen safety we already accept for raw meat. If you feed raw, treat it like raw chicken for people: keep it cold, avoid cross-contact, clean fast and well, and watch for recall notices.
What Responsible Owners Should Do This Week
Pet owners should confirm whether they have the listed Northwest Naturals frozen chicken items and the matching lot details, and then follow the Food and Drug Administration’s disposal steps if there is a match.
Homes with kids, older adults, or anyone with a weak immune system should be extra careful. Do not rinse raw pet food in the sink. That spreads germs. Clean with hot, soapy water, then disinfect. Keep pet bowls and prep tools separate from family dishes. Call your vet with any pet symptoms.
Northwest Naturals recalled nearly 2,000 pounds of pet food after an FDA inspection found salmonella and listeria contamination, the recall said. https://t.co/Tv5lAyZJMX
— CBS 8 San Diego (@CBS8) August 30, 2026
Stores and groomers should pull affected lots and post clear signs. Shelves should not trust “it looks fine.” The Food and Drug Administration’s notice details the lots that failed testing; that should drive the sort, not guesswork.
Processors and retailers that move fast protect customers and their own brand. That is not red tape. It is respect for buyers who expect safe goods and straight answers when something goes wrong, a standard that aligns with values of duty and accountability.
How To Shop Safer Going Forward
Shoppers who like raw diets can lower risk without giving up choice. Pick brands that publish test-and-hold programs and lot-level results. Look for clear kill-step methods that reduce pathogens while keeping nutrition. Ask your store how they handle cold-chain breaks.
Sign up for recall alerts from the Food and Drug Administration so you hear early, not from a neighbor days later. Owners who prefer cooked diets can still keep bowls clean and store bags sealed and dry to stop mold and pests.
Sources:
foxbusiness.com, fda.gov, nw-naturals.net, kibblelab.com
