Dog food recalled nationwide has prompted urgent warnings to pet owners as federal regulators announced contamination concerns affecting multiple product lots. The recall involves serious bacterial contamination that poses health risks to both pets and their human families.
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Immediate Action Required for Pet Owners
Pet food manufacturer Viva Raw has issued a voluntary recall affecting two specific lots of their dog and cat food products due to contamination with salmonella and listeria monocytogenes. These dangerous bacteria can cause severe illness in animals and potentially spread to humans through contact.
The recalled products include various meat-based formulations that were distributed nationwide between July and August 2025. Pet owners should immediately check their freezers and refrigerators for affected products.
Which Products Are Affected?
The recall specifically targets Lot 21495, which includes Viva Ground Beef for Dogs and Viva Beef & Turkey for Puppies, along with Lot 21975 containing Viva Ground Chicken for Dogs, Viva Chunked Chicken for Dogs, Viva Chicken for Cats, and Viva Pure Chicken.
These raw pet food products were sold through various retail channels and direct-to-consumer sales. The contaminated lots reached customers across multiple states, making this a significant nationwide concern.
Recalled Product Details:
- Lot 21495: Ground beef and beef/turkey puppy formulas
- Lot 21975: Various chicken-based products for dogs and cats
- Distribution period: July 2 – August 21, 2025
- Sales channels: Retail stores and online direct sales
Health Risks and Warning Signs
Salmonella and listeria contamination affects animals consuming these products and creates risk for humans who handle the contaminated food. Pet owners should monitor their animals closely for symptoms of bacterial infection.
Dogs and cats experiencing salmonella or listeria poisoning may show decreased appetite, fever, diarrhea, vomiting, and lethargy. Some animals may appear healthy while still carrying and spreading these harmful bacteria.
Human exposure typically occurs through handling contaminated pet food, food bowls, or contact with infected pets. Proper hand hygiene becomes critical when dealing with potentially contaminated products.
Immediate Steps Pet Owners Must Take
Stop feeding any recalled products immediately and dispose of them safely. Do not simply throw them in regular trash where other animals might access them.
Contact your veterinarian if your pet has consumed recalled products, especially if showing any illness symptoms. Early intervention can prevent more serious complications from bacterial infections.
Clean and disinfect all food bowls, storage containers, and surfaces that may have contacted the recalled products. Use bleach-based cleaners to effectively eliminate bacterial contamination.
Company Response and Consumer Support
The manufacturer has cooperated fully with federal regulators to identify and remove contaminated products from the market. They’re working directly with distributors and retailers to ensure complete product removal.
Customers who purchased affected products should contact the company directly for full refunds or product exchanges. Many retailers are also accepting returns of recalled items with or without receipts.
The company has enhanced their testing protocols and quality control measures to prevent similar contamination issues in the future.
Prevention and Food Safety Moving Forward
This recall highlights the importance of proper raw pet food handling and storage. Pet owners choosing raw diets should always follow strict food safety protocols to minimize contamination risks.
Regular veterinary checkups help detect potential health issues early, especially for pets consuming raw or minimally processed foods. Discuss dietary choices with your veterinarian to ensure optimal nutrition and safety.
Stay informed about pet food recalls by monitoring official regulatory announcements and signing up for manufacturer safety alerts.
Key Safety Reminders:
- Always wash hands after handling pet food
- Store raw pet food properly according to manufacturer instructions
- Clean feeding areas regularly with appropriate disinfectants
- Monitor pets for any changes in appetite or behavior
This dog food recalled nationwide situation demonstrates the critical importance of robust quality control in pet food manufacturing. Pet owners should remain vigilant about product safety and maintain open communication with their veterinarians about dietary concerns.
We’d love to hear about your experiences with pet food safety—share your thoughts in the comments below and stay tuned for updates on this developing story.
Key Takeaways
- Viva Raw voluntarily recalled two lots of dog and cat food due to salmonella and listeria contamination
- Recalled products were distributed nationwide between July 2 and August 21, 2025
- Both pets and humans face health risks from contaminated products
- Pet owners should immediately stop feeding recalled products and contact veterinarians if pets show illness symptoms
- Proper food safety protocols are essential when handling raw pet foods
- Company is providing full refunds and working with regulators to prevent future issues