Why 4 beloved pet food brands issued urgent recalls

Pet owners across three states are being urged to check their pantries after a Wisconsin-based company voluntarily recalled multiple brands of popular dog and cat treats due to potential salmonella contamination that could sicken both animals and their human families.

Foodynamics, the manufacturer behind several well-known pet treat brands, issued the recall after discovering possible salmonella contamination in specific lots of freeze-dried products. The recall affects four distinct brands that have been distributed to pet stores and retailers in Wisconsin, New York and Florida, putting countless beloved family pets at risk.

Four brands affected by contamination

The recall encompasses products from 1) Raw Dog Barkery, 2) BellePepper Cats, 3) Kanu Pets, and 4) What’s In the Bowl, all specializing in freeze-dried pet treats that many pet owners consider premium nutrition options for their furry companions.

The Food and Drug Administration confirmed that the recalled products were shipped via UPS from Wisconsin facilities to various retail locations across the three affected states. While only eight packages were distributed directly to consumers, the products may have reached additional pet owners through retail channels.

Raw Dog Barkery’s 16-ounce packages of freeze-dried whole chicken hearts carry lot number 030527, while What’s In the Bowl brand products share the same specifications and lot number. BellePepper Cats products include 3-ounce packages of freeze-dried chicken heart slices with lot number 031627, plus unpackaged sample treats containing lot numbers 121426 and 011526.

Kanu Pets freeze-dried chicken heart raw treats, packaged in 3-ounce containers, also carry lot number 031627 and fall under the recall notice.

Health risks for pets and families

Salmonella contamination poses serious health threats to both pets and their human companions, with symptoms varying in severity depending on the individual animal’s immune system and overall health condition. Infected pets may experience lethargy, diarrhea that can become bloody, elevated body temperature, and persistent vomiting that requires veterinary attention.

Some animals may display subtler symptoms including decreased appetite, abdominal discomfort, and mild fever that pet owners might initially dismiss as minor digestive upset. However, even pets appearing perfectly healthy can become silent carriers of the dangerous bacteria, potentially spreading infection to other household animals or family members without obvious warning signs.

The contamination risk extends beyond the pets consuming the treats, as humans handling the affected products face infection possibilities if proper hygiene protocols aren’t followed. Pet owners who touch contaminated treats and fail to wash their hands thoroughly afterward may develop salmonella poisoning themselves.

Human infection concerns

Human salmonella infections typically manifest through uncomfortable gastrointestinal symptoms including persistent nausea, repeated vomiting episodes, severe diarrhea that may contain blood, intense abdominal cramping, and fever that can last several days. Young children, elderly family members, and individuals with compromised immune systems face heightened risks for severe complications requiring medical intervention.

The bacteria can survive on surfaces and pet bowls for extended periods, creating ongoing contamination risks within households even after the recalled products are removed. Pet owners should thoroughly disinfect any surfaces, bowls, or utensils that may have contacted the recalled treats using bleach solutions or other appropriate sanitizing agents.

Safe disposal and next steps

Consumers who have purchased any of the recalled products should immediately stop feeding them to their pets and dispose of the treats safely to prevent accidental consumption by children, pets, or wildlife. The products should be double-bagged and placed in secure garbage containers rather than composted or left accessible to animals.

Pet owners can return purchased products to their original place of purchase for full refunds without requiring receipts, as most retailers are cooperating with the recall effort. Those seeking additional information or having specific concerns about potential exposure can contact Teresa Perry at Foodynamics through email at [email protected] or by calling 262-421-5339 during regular business hours from Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Central Standard Time.

Veterinarians recommend monitoring pets who may have consumed the recalled products for any unusual symptoms over the coming weeks. Pet owners should seek immediate veterinary care if their animals develop persistent diarrhea, vomiting, lethargy, or other concerning symptoms that could indicate salmonella infection.

This recall serves as a reminder for pet owners to carefully examine product packaging, lot numbers, and expiration dates before feeding treats to their beloved companions, ensuring their safety and well-being.

Source: Food and Drug Administration