FDA Issues Urgent Warning After Popular Natural Dog Food Tests Positive for Salmonella

Devan McGuinness
·4-min read

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued an urgent warning after a popular natural dog and cat food brand tested positive for Salmonella.

On September 20, 2024, the agency issued a warning to pet parents with a stern warning. Here's what you need to know.

The FDA notice cautions pet parents that after five products from Darwin's Natural Pet Products raw dog and cat food made by Arrow Reliance, Inc., they tested positive for Salmonella. In addition, a sixth product also tested positive for Salmonella and Listeria monocytogenes.

Related: FDA Expands Major Recall of Popular Animal Food

According to the advisory notice, the affected products include specific lots of Darwin’s Natural Selections Antibiotic & Grain-Free Chicken Recipe for Cats and Dogs.

"The lot codes are printed on the front of the lower left unit of the package," the FDA explains. The affected varieties and lot codes included in the recall are:

  • Darwin’s Natural Selections Antibiotic & Grain-Free Chicken Recipe for Cats

    • Lot No: 10832 MFG. Date: Jul 25, 2024

  • Darwin’s Natural Selections Antibiotic & Grain-Free Chicken Recipe for Cats

    • Lot No: 10856 MFG. Date: Aug 04, 2024

  • Darwin’s Natural Selections Antibiotic & Grain-Free Chicken Recipe for Cats

    • Lot No: 10890 MFG. Date: Aug 13, 2024

  • Darwin’s Natural Selections Antibiotic & Grain-Free Chicken Recipe for Dogs

    • Lot No: 10828 MFG. Date: Jul 24, 2024

  • Darwin’s Natural Selections Antibiotic & Grain-Free Chicken Recipe for Dogs

    • Lot No: 10844 MFG. Date: Jul 30, 2024

  • Darwin’s Natural Selections Antibiotic & Grain-Free Chicken Recipe for Dogs

    • Lot No: 10887 MFG. Date: Aug 12, 2024

The products haven't officially been recalled despite the FDA recommending to Arrow Reliance Inc. that all six products listed be recalled.

"To date, the firm has not recalled the affected products and could continue to distribute them. Therefore, FDA advises consumers to keep checking Darwin’s Natural Selection Antibiotic & Grain-Free products for the affected lot numbers prior to feeding to pets," the FDA's warning states.

What Should I Do If I Have the Products Included in the FDA Warning?

If you have any of the dog or cat food products listed above with the lot numbers, the FDA has issued a strong warning not to use the product.

The notice states, "They are advised to throw it away in a secure container. Do not feed it to your pets. Do not donate the food. "

In addition to not feeding your dog or cat the food, the FDA suggests taking additional cleaning steps to ensure there's been no contamination.

"Consumers who have had the products listed above in their homes should clean and disinfect all pet supplies, including all storage containers, bowls, utensils, food prep surfaces, pet bedding, litter boxes, toys, floors, and any other surfaces that the food or pet may have had contact with, including your refrigerator or freezer," they write.

"Clean up the pet’s feces in places where people or other animals may become exposed. Consumers should thoroughly wash their hands after handling the product or cleaning up potentially contaminated items and surfaces."

What Signs or Symptoms Might Indicate Salmonella Infection?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Salmonella doesn't always have signs or symptoms in pets, but some may show vomiting, fever loss of appetite, diarrhea (which may be bloody), and decreased activity levels.

"If your pet has these symptoms, consult a veterinarian promptly. You should also be aware that infected pets can shed the bacteria in their feces without showing signs of being sick," the FDA shares.

Salmonella is a bacteria that can be dangerous for humans, too, "especially those who are very young, very old, or have weak immune systems," according to the FDA notice. Symptoms in people may include diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps.

What Are the Symptoms of L. mono Infection?

"L. mono infections are uncommon in pets, but they are possible," the FDA shares. "Symptoms may include mild to severe diarrhea; anorexia; fever; nervous, muscular and respiratory signs; pregnancy loss; depression; shock; and death."

However, pets don't have to show any symptoms to pass L. mono to humans, which can "can cause a variety of symptoms, depending on the person and the part of the body affected. Symptoms can include headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, and convulsions in addition to fever and muscle aches."

If you're concerned about the potential of your dog or cat coming into contact with the listed products or may be showing signs of Salmonella or L. mono infection, please contact a veterinarian. If you're showing signs yourself, get in touch with your doctor.

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