In recent weeks, a major raw diet pet food recall has raised serious concerns among pet owners and veterinarians across the country. As supporters of safe, science-backed nutrition, Urbana Veterinary Clinic wants to help you understand what this recall means, how to protect your pet, and what to watch for if you’ve been feeding a raw diet.

The recall involves several raw and frozen pet food products that have tested positive for harmful bacteria such as Salmonella and Listeria monocytogenes. These pathogens can pose serious health risks not only to pets, but also to the people handling their food or waste. Pets may carry the bacteria in their system without showing immediate signs of illness, but they can still shed it and spread it through their saliva or stool—putting other animals and humans at risk.

Some of the recalled products include specific batches of raw meat blends for dogs and cats, often marketed as grain-free, natural, or biologically appropriate. While raw feeding is a growing trend among pet owners who want to mimic a more "natural" diet, it comes with significant food safety risks, especially when proper handling and storage guidelines are not strictly followed.

Symptoms of Salmonella or Listeria infection in pets may include vomiting, diarrhea (sometimes with blood), loss of appetite, fever, lethargy, and abdominal discomfort. In some cases, infections can lead to more severe complications, especially in young, elderly, or immunocompromised pets.

If you’ve recently purchased a raw diet pet food, we strongly recommend checking the lot number and manufacturer details on the FDA website or contacting Urbana Veterinary Clinic directly. If your product is part of the recall, stop feeding it to your pet immediately and dispose of it safely, using gloves and thorough cleaning of any surfaces it touched.

Even if your pet seems healthy, they may still be affected. Contact our clinic if you have concerns about symptoms, exposure, or testing. We can help determine if a diagnostic screening or supportive treatment is necessary.

This incident also opens the door for a larger conversation about diet choices. While raw diets may appeal to owners who want to avoid processed ingredients or add variety to their pet’s meals, there are safer alternatives that still meet your pet’s nutritional needs. We offer dietary consultations to help you build a feeding plan that supports your pet’s health, lifestyle, and any underlying medical conditions.

At Urbana Veterinary Clinic, we believe in partnering with pet owners to make informed, safe choices. If you have questions about the raw diet recall, or if you’d like to schedule a nutrition consultation, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at (937) 653-7326 or visit us at 985 Norwood Ave, Urbana, OH 43078. Your pet’s health and safety are our top priority—and when the food supply becomes a concern, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.