Northwest Naturals has recalled 1,956 pounds of frozen raw chicken pet food distributed to stores nationwide. FDA testing found salmonella in both affected products and listeria monocytogenes in the 6-pound dog-food recipe, creating an exposure risk for pets and people.
Owners should check the package size, lot number, best-by date and UPC rather than relying on the product name alone. The FDA recall announcement, dated Aug. 28, 2026, identifies two specific lots:
- Northwest Naturals Frozen Chicken Recipe: 2-pound package, lot B-5, best by Jan. 26, 2028, UPC 087316384956. This product is marketed as cat food and as a protein topper for dogs. It tested positive for salmonella.
- Northwest Naturals Frozen Raw Diet for Dogs Chicken Recipe: 6-pound package, lot B-19, best by Jan. 25, 2028, UPC 087316380392. It tested positive for salmonella and listeria monocytogenes.
The Portland, Oregon, company voluntarily recalled 53 cases, totaling 1,272 pounds, of the 2-pound recipe. It also recalled 19 cases, or 684 pounds, of the 6-pound dog food. Together, the recall covers 72 cases. The contamination was identified after the FDA collected and tested product samples. No illnesses associated with either product had been reported as of Aug. 28.
What owners should do with affected food
Stop feeding either recalled lot immediately. Consumers were directed to return any unused portion to the place of purchase for a full refund. Until it can be returned, keeping the food contained and separated from human food can limit additional contact. The CDC’s pet-food safety guidance advises storing raw pet food in a sealed container in the freezer or refrigerator and washing hands with soap and water before and after handling it.
Clean and sanitize every bowl, utensil, surface and storage area that touched the recalled food. That includes feeding equipment and any freezer or refrigerator space exposed to the package or its contents. Handwashing remains important after handling the food, contaminated items or an animal that may be infected.
Raw pet food can spread germs around a home, according to the CDC. Freezing reduces some germs but does not kill all of them, so a frozen package should not be treated as free of bacterial risk.
Symptoms that warrant professional guidance
Pets infected with salmonella or listeria monocytogenes may develop lethargy, diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever, vomiting, decreased appetite or abdominal pain. An infected animal may also carry the bacteria and potentially expose people or other animals, even when the pet otherwise appears healthy.
If a pet ate food from an affected lot and develops these signs, the FDA announcement advises contacting a veterinarian. Cornell’s canine health guidance also recommends telling the veterinarian about dietary changes and whether a raw product was fed.
People exposed to contaminated products should watch for possible illness as well. Salmonella symptoms can include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramps and fever. Possible listeria symptoms include headache, fever, muscle aches, lethargy, nausea, diarrhea, confusion, loss of balance and convulsions.
Anyone developing symptoms after contact with the recalled food should contact a healthcare provider. Pregnant people, newborns, adults 65 and older, and people with weakened immune systems face a higher risk of serious listeria illness, according to the FDA announcement.
The lack of reported illnesses as of Aug. 28 does not change the recall instructions. Checking identifying information promptly, stopping use and sanitizing exposed items can reduce further contact among pets, people and other animals. What would you do if your dog were in this situation? Share your thoughts in the comments.
By Sarah Mitchell — 8 years as a local-news reporter covering animal welfare, shelters, neighborhood disputes, and public-safety pet stories.
