FDA Warns Pet Owners: Do Not Feed Certain Darwin's Raw Cat and Dog Food Lots

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is telling pet owners to stop feeding certain lots of Darwin's Natural Selections raw cat and dog food after lab tests turned up dangerous bacteria.

According to the agency, five FDA samples of Darwin's Natural Pet Products, made by Arrow Reliance, Inc., tested positive for Salmonella. A sixth sample came back positive for both Salmonella and Listeria monocytogenes, often shortened to L. mono. The affected products are sold in frozen 2-pound packages, and the warning applies only to specific lots, so owners should check the lot information listed in the FDA advisory against what is in their freezer.

Both bacteria matter for people as well as animals. Raw pet food can spread germs around a home even when the pet eating it never looks sick. Contamination can linger on bowls, countertops, hands and the pet's own mouth and fur, which is why households with young children, older adults, pregnant people or anyone with a weakened immune system face extra risk.

Pets that do get sick from Salmonella or Listeria may show vomiting, diarrhea (sometimes bloody), fever, lethargy, decreased appetite or abdominal pain. Some animals carry the bacteria without symptoms and can still pass them on. Anyone who has handled the food or cared for an affected pet and feels unwell should contact their own doctor. Pet owners who notice symptoms in a dog or cat that ate the product should call their veterinarian.

If you have any of the listed lots, the FDA's guidance is to stop feeding them right away. Dispose of the food in a way that keeps other animals and people from reaching it. Then clean and disinfect anything the food touched, including storage containers, feeding bowls, utensils, countertops and freezer surfaces. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water after handling the product or cleaning up.

Because this is an advisory tied to specific lots, not a blanket warning about every Darwin's product, the details matter. Check the packaging for lot codes, compare them with the FDA notice, and contact the company or your retailer if you are unsure about what you bought.

The episode is another reminder of the trade-offs in feeding raw diets. Whatever you choose to feed, safe handling is not optional: keep raw food separate from other groceries, thaw it in the refrigerator, and clean up promptly after every meal.