1,956 Lbs. of Northwest Naturals Raw Pet Food Recalled Over Salmonella Risk

Nearly 2,000 pounds of raw pet food are being pulled from store shelves nationwide after testing turned up two dangerous pathogens. Northwest Naturals, based in Portland, Oregon, is voluntarily recalling 53 cases (1,272 lbs.) of its Frozen Chicken Recipe cat food and 19 cases (684 lbs.) of its Frozen Raw Diet for Dogs Chicken Recipe after samples tested positive for Salmonella and/or Listeria monocytogenes.

The company says the contamination was uncovered when the U.S. Food and Drug Administration collected and tested product samples. The Frozen Chicken Recipe cat food came back positive for Salmonella, while the Frozen Raw Diet for Dogs Chicken Recipe tested positive for both Listeria monocytogenes and Salmonella. No illnesses in pets or people have been reported so far in connection with the recall.

Recalled Products at a Glance

Two specific lots are affected. Consumers should check their freezers against the following details:

• Northwest Naturals Frozen Chicken Recipe (cat food and protein topper for dogs), 2 lbs. bag, 12 bags per case – Lot B-5 – Best By 01/26/2028 – UPC 087316384956
• Northwest Naturals Frozen Raw Diet for Dogs Chicken Recipe, 6 lbs. bag, 6 bags per case – Lot B-19 – Best By 01/25/2028 – UPC 087316380392

Why Was This Recall Issued?

Both Salmonella and Listeria monocytogenes can sicken animals that eat contaminated food, and people can become infected simply from handling the product or touching surfaces, bowls or utensils it has contacted – especially if hands aren’t washed thoroughly afterward.

In people, Salmonella infection can bring on nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramping and fever. Most cases resolve without treatment, but severe diarrhea can require hospitalization, and in rare instances the infection spreads beyond the intestines into the bloodstream, leading to complications such as arterial infections, endocarditis, arthritis and eye irritation.

Listeria monocytogenes is rarer but more dangerous. Symptoms can include confusion, loss of balance and convulsions alongside headache, fever, muscle aches and nausea. Pregnant women, newborns, adults 65 and older, and anyone with a weakened immune system face a higher risk of severe illness – infection during pregnancy can lead to miscarriage, stillbirth, premature delivery or a life-threatening infection in the newborn.

Pets that pick up either pathogen may become lethargic, develop diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, run a fever or vomit. Some animals show only mild signs, like decreased appetite or abdominal discomfort, yet can still carry and spread the bacteria to other pets or people in the household.

Where Were These Products Sold?

Northwest Naturals says the recalled products were distributed to retail stores across the country, not to any single region or state chain. Anyone who feeds raw pet food purchased recently should check their supply regardless of where in the U.S. they live.

What Should You Do?

If you have either product from the affected lots, stop feeding it to your pet immediately. Return any unused portion to the store where it was purchased for a full refund.

Pet owners whose animals have eaten the recalled food and are showing symptoms like lethargy, vomiting or diarrhea should contact a veterinarian right away. People who develop symptoms after handling the product should reach out to their healthcare provider.

Because this is raw pet food, the company is also reminding owners of standard safe-handling practices: wash hands thoroughly with soap and water after any contact with the product, clean and sanitize bowls, utensils and surfaces it touches, keep it separate from human food, and store it frozen or refrigerated until use.

From the Agency

The FDA posted the recall as a company announcement, noting that the agency does not endorse the product or the company but shares such notices as a public service. Consumers with questions can reach Northwest Naturals at 1-866-637-1872, Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Pacific Time, or by email at recallinfo@nw-naturals.net.