Current Dog Food Recalls in 2025: What Pet Owners Need to Know
Keeping your pets safe means staying informed about the latest dog food recalls. In 2025, several brands and products have been recalled due to concerns ranging from Salmonella contamination to the presence of foreign substances. Here's a thorough breakdown of which brands are currently affected and what pet owners should do to protect their animals.
Recent Recalls in 2025
As of October 2025, the following products have been recalled:
- October 10, 2025: Raw Bistro Pet Fare recalled due to potential Salmonella contamination.
- October 9, 2025: Foodynamics issued a recall of its Raw Dog Barkery, BellePepper Cats, and Kanu Pets freeze-dried pet treats due to Salmonella risk.
- October 7, 2025: Buy Bones, Inc. recalled Nature’s Own Pet Chews Bully Bites for confirmed Salmonella contamination.
- September 24, 2025: The FDA advised discontinuation of two lots of Darwin’s BioLogics dog food after finding pathogenic microbes.
- August 25, 2025: Viva Raw voluntarily recalled select lots due to contamination with Salmonella and Listeria monocytogenes.
Major Causes Behind the Recalls
Recently, the most common reasons for recalls have included:
- Salmonella and Listeria monocytogenes contamination
- Aflatoxin presence, particularly in dry kibble
- Foreign material contamination, such as metal shards or plastic
- Elevated or mislabeled ingredients, such as excessive Vitamin D
- Pathogenic outbreaks, like Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI)
Health Risks to Pets and Humans
Contaminated pet food doesn't only pose a danger to pets. Handling these products may expose humans to dangerous bacteria. Associated pet symptoms include:
- Lethargy
- Vomiting or diarrhea (sometimes bloody)
- Fever
- Loss of appetite
Veterinary and FDA Recommendations
The FDA works closely with manufacturers to issue timely recalls and safety guidance. They recommend:
- Stop feeding recalled products immediately
- Dispose of affected items safely
- Clean all pet food bowls and storage containers thoroughly
- Consult a veterinarian if your pet displays illness symptoms
Pet Food Linked to Heart Disease
The FDA is also investigating a possible link between certain grain-free diets (rich in peas, lentils, and potatoes) and canine dilated cardiomyopathy. They have identified 16 specific dog food brands involved in reported cases. Consult your vet before making any dietary changes for your dog, especially if you are feeding them a grain-free food.
Top Recalled Brands in 2024–2025
Understanding which brands have faced repeated recalls can guide safer purchasing choices:
- Viva Raw
- Blue Ridge Beef
- Answers Pet Food
- Darwin’s Natural Selections
- TDBBS (Green Tripe)
- Mars Petcare
- Carolina Prime Pet
- Gaines Pet Treats
- Mid America Pet Food
Staying Informed and Safe
Recurring recalls highlight the importance of robust food safety practices and consumer vigilance. Here's what you can do:
- Follow FDA recall alerts — Check the FDA’s website or subscribe to newsletter updates.
- Monitor your pet’s health — Any appetite changes, digestive issues, or behaviors should be reported to a vet.
- Buy from reputable brands — Stick to companies with rigorous testing and safety protocols.
- Store food properly — Always seal and refrigerate per storage instructions to prevent microbial growth.
- Report issues — Notify the FDA or the pet food company if your animal becomes ill.
Conclusion
Being proactive about understanding current dog food recalls and how to safeguard your pets is essential. Stay alert to FDA updates, watch out for symptoms in your pets, and don't hesitate to involve your vet when in doubt. By maintaining high awareness, you can protect your four-legged friends from potential health risks and contribute to demand for higher safety standards in the pet food industry.
