Raw feeding has loyal fans and loud critics, and the 2026 recalls gave the critics fresh ammunition. If you feed raw or are thinking about it, here is what actually happened and how to think about the risks clearly.
What Happened in 2026
In August 2026, Northwest Naturals recalled roughly 2,000 pounds of frozen raw dog and cat food after testing found salmonella and listeria contamination. The recall covered specific lots sold through pet retailers, and the company published the lot codes for owners to check.
Then in September 2026, the FDA issued warning letters to several raw pet food makers over food safety violations found during inspections. Details are in the recall coverage from Great Pet Care if you want the specifics.
These were not the first raw food recalls, and they will not be the last. Raw meat carries bacteria. That is the central fact of this whole debate.
Why Raw Carries More Risk Than Kibble
Kibble and canned food go through a kill step. High heat during processing destroys most pathogens. Raw food skips that step by definition, so whatever bacteria is in the meat at the plant stays in the meat in the bag.
That does not mean every raw meal makes a dog sick. Many dogs eat raw for years without issue. But the risk is real and measurable: studies have repeatedly found higher rates of salmonella in raw pet food than in cooked products, and the 2026 recalls are a reminder of why.
There is also a household risk. Dogs that eat contaminated raw food can shed bacteria in their stool and saliva without looking sick, which matters if you have small children, elderly family members, or anyone with a weakened immune system at home.
Who Should Be Most Careful
Raw feeding is riskiest for:
- Puppies, whose immune systems are still developing
- Senior dogs, who handle infections less well
- Dogs on immune-suppressing medication
- Households with young children or immunocompromised people, because of the shedding risk
If any of these describe your situation, talk to your vet before starting or continuing raw.
What to Check on a Raw Food Label
Not all raw products are equal. If you buy commercial raw, look for:
- Lot codes and transparent sourcing. A company that publishes lot numbers and names its meat suppliers is easier to trust, and it makes recalls actionable.
- High-pressure processing (HPP). Some raw brands use HPP, which reduces pathogens without heat. It is not sterilization, but it lowers risk.
- Complete and balanced statement. Look for an AAFCO nutritional adequacy statement, the same standard that applies to kibble.
- Clear handling instructions. Reputable brands tell you to thaw in the fridge, wash hands and surfaces, and discard uneaten portions. If the package says none of this, that is a red flag.
Avoid raw products from sellers who cannot tell you where the meat comes from or how it is tested.
Safer Alternatives Worth Considering
If the recalls have you rethinking raw, you have middle-ground options:
- Gently cooked fresh food, commercial or homemade with vet guidance, gives you ingredient control with a heat kill step.
- Freeze-dried raw goes through more processing than frozen raw, though it is still not sterile.
- High-quality kibble or canned food from makers with strong safety records remains the lowest-risk choice.
Whatever you feed, the basics from our essential dog supplies guide still apply: a quality dog food matched to your dog’s age and size, served in clean stainless-steel bowls.
Affiliate Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Talk to Your Vet
Diet debates get heated online, but your vet knows your individual dog: its age, health, and risk factors. Bring the actual product labels to the appointment. A fifteen-minute conversation beats a hundred forum threads.
Raw feeding is a choice with real tradeoffs. The 2026 recalls do not prove every raw diet is dangerous, but they do prove the risk is not theoretical. Go in with open eyes.
Got a question about your pet? Bring it to our Facebook group, Pet Supplies Where, where dog, cat, and small pet owners share practical, no-nonsense advice: https://www.facebook.com/groups/petsupplieswhere