Northwest Naturals Recalls Raw Pet Food Over Salmonella and Listeria

PORTLAND, Ore. (August 28, 2026): The U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced that Northwest Naturals is recalling two raw chicken pet food products over Salmonella and Listeria monocytogenes contamination.

Specifically, FDA testing detected Salmonella in the company’s Frozen Chicken Recipe for cats and dogs. Meanwhile, the Frozen Raw Diet for Dogs Chicken Recipe tested positive for both Salmonella and Listeria monocytogenes. So far, no illnesses have been reported in connection with the recall.

Northwest Naturals recall: quick summary

Overall, the recall covers 72 cases, or 1,956 pounds, of raw chicken pet food distributed to retail stores nationwide. The affected products include a 2-pound cat food and protein topper and a 6-pound raw dog food.

Following the FDA findings, consumers should stop feeding products from the affected lots to their pets. Additionally, they should return any unused portions to the place of purchase for a full refund.

What happened?

According to the FDA notice, Northwest Naturals voluntarily recalled two lots of raw chicken pet food after federal testing detected bacterial contamination.

Specifically, FDA samples of Northwest Naturals Frozen Chicken Recipe tested positive for Salmonella. Meanwhile, the Frozen Raw Diet for Dogs Chicken Recipe tested positive for both Listeria monocytogenes and Salmonella.

Following those findings, the recall was issued for 53 cases, totaling 1,272 pounds, of the 2-pound Frozen Chicken Recipe. Additionally, 19 cases, totaling 684 pounds, of the 6-pound Frozen Raw Diet for Dogs Chicken Recipe are included.

So far, no illnesses in people or pets have been reported in connection with the affected products.

Affected products

Product	Size	Lot	Best By	UPC	Contaminant detected
Northwest Naturals Frozen Chicken Recipe, cat food and protein topper for dogs	2 lbs.	B-5	01/26/2028	087316384956	Salmonella
Northwest Naturals Frozen Raw Diet for Dogs Chicken Recipe	6 lbs.	B-19	01/25/2028	087316380392	Salmonella and Listeria monocytogenes

What caused the issue?

Although FDA testing identified Salmonella and Listeria monocytogenes in the affected products, the recall notice does not explain how the bacteria entered the food.

Importantly, both pathogens can affect pets that consume contaminated products and may also pose a risk to people handling them. Exposure can occur through contact with contaminated pet food, surfaces, utensils, bowls, or infected animals, particularly without proper handwashing.

According to the recall notice, Salmonella infection in people can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramping, and fever. In more severe cases, the infection can spread beyond the intestinal tract and lead to additional complications.

Meanwhile, Listeria monocytogenes can also cause illness in people and animals. In particular, pregnant people, newborns, adults 65 and older, and people with weakened immune systems face a higher risk of serious illness.

Food Safety insight

“Raw pet food pathogen controls have to account for both sides of the exposure risk: the animal consuming the product and the people handling it,” said Krizella Pascua, Food Safety Specialist at Source86.

“Environmental monitoring, finished-product testing, sanitation verification, and clear lot traceability can help teams identify contamination and isolate affected inventory before it moves further through distribution.”

Here’s what you should do

Consumers who purchased the recalled Northwest Naturals products should:

• Stop feeding the affected food to pets immediately.
• Check the package size, UPC, lot number, and Best By date against the recall information.
• Return any unused affected product to the place of purchase for a full refund.
• Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water after handling raw pet food.
• Clean and sanitize bowls, utensils, surfaces, and storage areas that came into contact with the product.
• Keep raw pet food separate from human food and store it frozen or refrigerated until use.
• Contact a veterinarian if a pet consumed the recalled product and develops symptoms.
• Contact a healthcare provider if you develop concerning symptoms after handling the recalled products.
• Call Northwest Naturals at 1-866-637-1872, Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. PT, with recall questions.

Behind the brand

Northwest Naturals is a Portland, Oregon-based raw pet food brand founded by the Morasch family in 2004. However, the family’s meat processing experience dates back to 1956, serving restaurants, grocery stores, independent retailers, and the pet industry.

Today, the brand offers raw frozen and freeze-dried foods for dogs and cats, along with treats, toppers, and other pet products. According to Northwest Naturals, its products are manufactured in Portland, Oregon.

Other relevant recalls

• Revival Animal Health Recalls Feline Milk Replacers Over Nutrient Deficiencies
• Everything Sprouts Recalls Alfalfa Sprouts Over E. Coli and Salmonella Risk
• Kettle Cuisine Recalls Marketside Tomato Bisque Soup Kit Over Possible Listeria Contamination
• Hardie’s Fresh Foods Recalls Jalapeños Over Possible Salmonella Contamination

Regulatory context

Beyond the immediate recall, the incident highlights the broader food safety challenges associated with raw pet products. Because these foods can expose both pets and people to harmful bacteria, manufacturers need controls that address risks throughout production and handling.

For manufacturers and Co-Manufacturers, this means maintaining effective pathogen controls, sanitation programs, and lot traceability. In particular, strong traceability can help companies quickly identify affected inventory and determine the appropriate scope of a recall.

Additionally, accurate distribution records help manufacturers, suppliers, and retailers locate affected lots and communicate clear information to consumers when a food safety issue occurs.

Ensuring safe eats

Ultimately, the Northwest Naturals recall reinforces the importance of strong food safety practices throughout raw pet food production and distribution. Effective controls and clear traceability can help companies respond quickly when contamination is detected.

For now, consumers should check their Northwest Naturals products against the recalled lot information and stop feeding any affected food to their pets.

Meanwhile, Source86 supports food companies with supplier management, FSQA oversight, Private Label production, ingredient sourcing, and supply chain management to help build safer and more transparent operations. Contact us if you need more information.

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