Pet owners across the country are being urged to check their freezers immediately after a shocking nationwide recall was announced for a popular brand of frozen dog food — linked to a dual salmonella outbreak affecting both humans and animals.
According to federal health officials, the recall involves multiple batches of frozen pet food products sold under various brands, following reports of severe gastrointestinal illness in pets and at least eight confirmed human infections. The contamination, traced to a single manufacturing facility, has sparked panic among dog owners who regularly feed their pets raw or minimally processed frozen meals.
The alert was issued after several pet owners reported unexplained vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy in their dogs, with some cases requiring emergency veterinary treatment. In at least two instances, the bacteria were also transmitted to humans through handling contaminated pet food or contact with infected pets.
“This is a very serious situation,” said Dr. Elaine Morgan, a veterinary epidemiologist. “Salmonella doesn’t just make dogs sick — it can spread to people through touch, contaminated surfaces, or even through saliva. If your pet eats this food, wash your hands thoroughly after every feeding.”
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) confirmed that the strain of salmonella found in the recalled products can survive freezing temperatures, meaning it could still pose a risk even when stored correctly. The affected products were primarily distributed online and through boutique pet stores across the U.S. and Canada.
Symptoms in dogs may include vomiting, bloody stool, fever, and loss of appetite. In humans, salmonella infection can cause fever, stomach cramps, and severe diarrhea — and in rare cases, it can lead to hospitalization or long-term health complications.
The company behind the recalled products released a public statement expressing concern and urging customers to dispose of the food immediately.
“We are deeply sorry to all pet owners affected by this incident,” the company said. “We are working closely with health officials to identify the source of contamination and ensure this never happens again.”
Public health experts are now emphasizing how pet owners can protect themselves and their furry companions. Officials recommend disinfecting any area where the food was stored or prepared, avoiding cross-contamination with human food, and monitoring pets for any unusual symptoms over the next several days.
A spokesperson for the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warned that cases of salmonella linked to raw pet food have been steadily increasing over the past few years, partly due to the rise in popularity of raw feeding diets.
“These products may appear fresh and natural,” the FDA representative said, “but without proper sterilization, they can become a dangerous breeding ground for bacteria.”
For now, consumers are advised to stop feeding their pets any of the recalled frozen food brands immediately and to report any illnesses to their local health department. A full list of the recalled products and batch codes has been posted on the FDA website.
This latest outbreak serves as a chilling reminder that even products designed for our pets can carry deadly risks — and that a simple mealtime routine can quickly turn into a public health emergency.
👉 If your dog has recently eaten frozen food, don’t wait — check the label, contact your vet, and stay alert for symptoms.
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