Don’t feed your dog or cat this recalled raw pet food. It might be contaminated with Listeria or Salmonella

Charlotte-based pet food brand Viva Raw has voluntarily recalled two lots of raw pet food due to a risk of contamination with Salmonella and Listeria monocytogenes. 

Animals that eat the contaminated products can become ill and pet owners who handle contaminated pet products are also at risk.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) published a notice of a voluntary recall on Monday.

According to the notice, the North Carolina Department of Agriculture identified the potential contamination during routine testing. Samples tested positive for Salmonella and Listeria monocytogenes. 

To date, no illnesses in dogs, cats, or humans have been reported. 

Which products are affected?

Viva Raw recalled the following products:

• Viva Ground Beef for Dogs (Lot 21495)
• Viva Beef & Turkey for Puppies (Lot 21495)
• Viva Ground Chicken for Dogs (Lot 21975)
• Viva Chunked Chicken for Dogs (Lot 21975)
• Viva Chicken for Cats (Lot 21975)
• Viva Pure Chicken (Lot 21975)

Only products from these lots are at risk of contamination, according to the company. You can find full product images on the FDA website.

Per the FDA, the products were distributed between July 2 and August 21, 2025, directly to consumers nationwide and also to a “small number of select retailers” in the following states: 

• New York
• Illinois
• South Carolina
• Florida
• Kansas
• California
• Arizona 

The products come as frozen one-pound bricks in clear vacuum packaging. Each product has a lot number printed on the packaging.  

According to an FAQ page published by Viva Raw, customers who received affected products were emailed direct notices. Although the brand is largely direct to consumer (DTC), its products are also available at a number of retail outlets around the country, according to Viva’s store locator.

Fast Company reached out to Viva Raw for more details about which retailers might have carried the impacted product.

What should I do if I have this pet food?

If you have these products, dispose of them. You should also wash and sanitize pet food bowls, cups, and storage containers and wash your hands after handling the recalled products.

For refunds or if you have additional questions about the recall, you can contact Viva Raw by email at [email protected] or phone at (919) 371-8882 between 9:00 am and 5:00 pm EST Monday to Friday. 

People and pets can become sick

Dogs and cats can become infected after eating products contaminated with Salmonella and Listeria. Pet owners can also become infected by an animal that shows no symptoms. 

People who haven’t washed their hands thoroughly after coming into contact with surfaces that have been exposed to these pet food products are especially at risk.  

Young people, pregnant women, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems are most vulnerable to infection.

According to the Mayo Clinic, people infected with Salmonella or Listeria may experience the following symptoms: 

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Abdominal cramping
• Fever

If you have symptoms lasting more than a few days or have a high fever, bloody stools, or other complications after coming into contact with the affected products, consult a medical provider. 

While rare, Salmonella and Listeria can cause more serious health ailments, including: 

• Arterial infections
• Endocarditis
• Arthritis
• Muscle pain
• Eye irritation
• Urinary tract symptoms 

The FDA notice notes that pets infected with Salmonella or Listeria may become lethargic and exhibit symptoms such as diarrhea, bloody diarrhea, fever, and vomiting. Some pets may experience only decreased appetite, fever, and abdominal pain.

However, healthy pets can be carriers and infect humans and other animals. If your pet has consumed the recalled products and has symptoms, contact your veterinarian.