Dog Food Recall: What Pet Parents Need to Know in 2025
Protect every meal from hidden hazards to ensure a happier, healthier companion.
Dog Food Recalls: An Essential Guide for Pet Parents in 2025
Dog food recalls can be alarming for both new and experienced pet families. With evolving standards and frequent changes in the pet food market, staying informed about recallsâlike the recent Viva Raw LLC voluntary recallâis essential for keeping your four-legged family safe. This comprehensive article explains the latest recall events, the dangers of contamination, how recalls happen, what pet parents should do if affected, and tips for preventing risks in your home.
Understanding Dog Food Recalls
Dog food recalls are formal requests by manufacturers to remove potentially unsafe products from the market due to contamination, mislabeling, or other risks. A recall is issued to protect pets and their people from health hazards. In 2025, recalls continue to arise for reasons such as bacterial contamination, undeclared ingredients, and even accidental exposure to substances harmful to pets.
- Contamination (bacteria, mold, toxins)
- Mislabeling (missing allergen warnings, inaccurate nutritional labeling)
- Foreign material (plastic, metal shavings, foreign substances)
Some recalls are voluntary, when manufacturers self-report issues. Others are mandated by agencies like the FDA or state agricultural departments.
Recent Recall Spotlight: Viva Raw LLC
On August 25, 2025, Viva Raw LLC issued a voluntary recall for two lots of dog and cat food products after routine testing by the North Carolina Department of Agriculture discovered contamination with Salmonella and Listeria monocytogenes.
| Product Name | Lot Number | Source of Contamination |
|---|---|---|
| Ground Beef for Dogs | 21495 | Listeria monocytogenes |
| Beef & Turkey Recipe for Puppies | 21495 | Listeria monocytogenes |
| Ground Chicken for Dog | 21975 | Salmonella |
| Chunked Chicken for Dogs | 21975 | Salmonella |
| Chicken for Cats | 21975 | Salmonella |
| Pure Chicken | 21975 | Salmonella |
If you subscribe to Viva Raw LLC foods and received an email notice, check your fridge or freezer for these products. Any affected product should be disposed of safely so no child, pet, or wildlife can consume it.
Why Do Dog Food Recalls Happen?
Recalls occur for several reasons. The most common include:
- Bacterial contamination (e.g., Salmonella, Listeria, E. coli)âcan cause illness in pets and humans.
- Incorrect labeling or misrepresentationâingredients may not be declared properly, putting allergic pets at risk.
- Foreign material contaminationâplastic, metal, or other non-food items may enter the food during processing.
- Unapproved additives or ingredientsâcompounds not tested or regulated for pet consumption.
Government agencies routinely inspect pet food manufacturers. When a risk is identified, products are immediately recalled, often starting with retailer notifications and direct communication with subscribers (as in the case of Viva Raw LLC).
Understanding Salmonella & Listeria Risks
What others are reading
Both Salmonella and Listeria monocytogenes are bacteria that can cause severe gastrointestinal illness in dogs and humans. In pets, symptoms may range from diarrhea to more serious conditions requiring veterinary care.
- Salmonella symptoms:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Lethargy
- Fever
- Dehydration
- Listeria monocytogenes symptoms:
- Loss of coordination
- Muscle tremors
- Severe diarrhea
- Fever
- Abdominal pain
For humans, these bacteria can also be dangerous, particularly for pregnant women, children, elderly individuals, and immunocompromised people. Handling contaminated pet food without proper hygiene can lead to accidental exposure.
How to Check If Your Dog Food Is Recalled
If you suspect your dog food may have been recalled, follow these steps:
- Verify the brand and lot number: Recall notices provide this critical information.
- Consult the manufacturer or retailer’s website: Most will publish recall updates.
- Check national databases: Agencies like the FDA and Dog Food Advisor regularly update lists of affected brands and products.
- Look for direct notifications: Subscription services (such as Viva Raw LLC) may email or message affected customers.
If you identify recalled products in your possession, the safest course is to dispose of them immediatelyâpreferably in a way that ensures children, pets, or wildlife cannot ingest them.
What to Do If Your Dog Ate Recalled Food
If your dog or cat consumed recalled food, monitor for signs of illness and contact your veterinarian promptly. Signs of salmonella or listeria infection may include gastrointestinal distress, fever, loss of appetite, vomiting, or lethargy.
- Observe for symptoms: Diarrhea, vomiting, excessive drooling, fever, or any unusual behavior.
- Contact your vet: Bring the product label or recall notice with you.
- Report any illness: Inform the manufacturer and your local regulatory agency.
Safe Disposal of Recalled Pet Food
To prevent accidental poisoning, dispose of recalled pet food safely:
- Seal the food in a sturdy bag.
- Place it in a secure outdoor trash container.
- Ensure that local wildlife, pets, or children cannot access the waste.
- Disinfect any surfaces or containers that came into contact with the contaminated food using soap and hot water or recommended cleaning products.
How to Avoid Dog Food Dangers
- Keep current with recall alerts: Subscribe to recall notification services and regularly check FDA updates.
- Practice good hygiene: Always wash hands, bowls, and food storage containers after handling pet food.
- Store food properly: Use airtight containers and refrigerate per instructions, especially with raw or fresh foods.
- Buy from reputable sources: Choose brands with transparent safety and sourcing practices.
- Inspect packaging before use: Check for tears, spoilage, off smells, or any visible signs of contamination.
What Should I Feed My Pet After a Recall?
If your usual food has been recalled, switch to a safe, alternative brand with similar nutritional content. Consult your veterinarian regarding appropriate transition plans or if your pet has specific dietary needs. If raw, fresh, or specialty diets are part of your regimen, ask the vet for recommendations on trusted suppliers.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: How do I know if my dog food is affected by a recall?
A: Check the product name, brand, and lot number against published recall notices. Consult official manufacturer and FDA databases regularly.
Q: What should I do if I find recalled dog food in my home?
A: Dispose of the food safely, making sure children, pets, and wildlife cannot access it. Clean all areas and containers that the food contacted.
Q: Can humans get sick from handling contaminated dog food?
A: Yes. Contact with Salmonella or Listeria can cause human illness, especially if proper hygiene is not practiced. Always wash hands and disinfect surfaces after handling pet food.
Q: Should I switch pet food brands after a recall?
A: Temporarily switching to a different brand is advisable until the original brand resolves the issue. Always consult your veterinarian for guidance if your pet has specific dietary requirements.
Q: How can I stay updated on recalls?
A: Sign up for recall notifications from the FDA, major pet food retailers, and consumer watchdog sites like Dog Food Advisor.
Best Practices for Pet Food Safety
- Always read labels and product updates.
- Register pet foods online when possible to receive direct recall notifications from brands.
- Maintain cleanliness: Regularly wash pet food bowls, storage containers, and feeding areas.
- Store food away from moisture and contaminants.
- Report any suspected problems to authorities: FDA, local agricultural departments, or consumer advocate organizations.
Resources for Staying Informed
| Resource | Type | How It Helps |
|---|---|---|
| FDA Pet Food Recalls Page | Government Database | Up-to-date nationwide recall alerts |
| Dog Food Advisor Recalls | Consumer Watchdog Website | Comprehensive recall summaries, consumer tips |
| Manufacturer Emails/Texts | Direct Notification | Immediate alerts for affected subscriptions (e.g., Viva Raw LLC) |
| Local State Agriculture Departments | State Agencies | State-specific alerts and recommendations |
Preparing for the Unexpected: Creating a Safe Pet Feeding Routine
As dog food recalls can happen at any time, proactive safety habits at home protect everyone:
- Put recall alerts on your calendar for regular review.
- Keep a backup stash of trusted food, rotated every few months to prevent spoilage.
- Teach children proper handwashing after feeding pets.
- Practice good food storage hygiene: airtight containers, refrigerated raw foods, and separate animal foods from human foods.
Common Myths About Dog Food Recalls
- Myth: Only budget brands are recalled.
Fact: Premium, boutique, and subscription brands have faced recalls, including Viva Raw LLC. - Myth: Recalls mean all products from a brand are unsafe.
Fact: Not all lots or recipes are affected, but caution and communication are critical. - Myth: Pets can always handle slight contamination.
Fact: Even healthy pets can be seriously affected; risk is greater for seniors, puppies, and immunocompromised animals.
Takeaway for Pet Parents
Staying alert, informed, and proactive is the key to protecting your dog or cat from the real risks of dog food recalls. Understanding why recalls happen, what symptoms to watch for, and how to act keeps your pet healthy and safe. Always consult with your veterinarian for nutrition and health guidance and use trusted sources to stay updated on the latest recalls and food safety recommendations.
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