A massive wave of pet food recalls has gripped the industry in 2025 and 2026, with the most serious involving a raw dog food brand that expanded its recall from 8 contaminated lots to more than 180 after additional testing detected dangerous bacteria. Pet owners across multiple states are being urged to check their pet food supplies as federal regulators warn of potential health risks to both animals and humans.
How the Raaw Energy Recall Unfolded: From 8 Lots to 180+
The most significant recall in recent months involves Raaw Energy, a raw-diet company that sells frozen dog food. What began as an FDA advisory in January 2026 — after agriculture officials in Connecticut and New Jersey tested 8 unopened samples of Raaw Energy frozen dog food following a consumer complaint about a sick dog — has snowballed into one of the largest raw pet food recalls in recent history.
Every one of those initial samples tested positive for Listeria monocytogenes, according to the FDA. Several also tested positive for Salmonella and Campylobacter jejuni. The FDA recommended Raaw Energy initiate a recall at the time, but the agency said the company did not take what it considered adequate action.
Then on May 22, 2026, after the New Jersey Department of Agriculture tested 4 additional samples from the same production period — all of which tested positive for L. monocytogenes — Raaw Energy issued a voluntary recall of all products manufactured between July 17, 2025, and December 23, 2025, along with one additional lot of Beef and Turkey Medley bearing the date code 3.31.26. The recall now covers more than 180 lots.
"Some products produced during this time frame were not tested, and bacterial presence was identified during the same period," the company wrote in its announcement. "As a result, products manufactured within these dates could possibly be affected."
Timeline: How the Pet Food Recall Crisis Developed
January 2025 — Cat deaths in Oregon are linked to bird flu-contaminated raw pet food, sparking the first major recall of the year. Blue Ridge Beef also recalls products due to Salmonella contamination.
February-March 2025 — Wild Coast Raw voluntarily recalls its Boneless Free Range Chicken Formula for cats after H5N1 (avian influenza) is detected. Cats in two states test positive after eating the contaminated food.
April 2025 — Petdine recalls eight Zesty Paws Soft Chew supplements due to potential Salmonella contamination, affecting a wide range of pet owners nationwide.
October-December 2025 — Several smaller recalls hit the market, including Fromm Family Foods due to foreign material, Raw Bistro Pet Fare for Salmonella, and Country Vet Biscuits.
January 23, 2026 — The FDA issues an advisory warning pet owners not to feed eight lots of Raaw Energy dog food after samples test positive for Listeria, Salmonella, and Campylobacter.
May 7, 2026 — Albright's Raw Pet Food voluntarily recalls one lot of its Chicken Recipe for Dogs (1 lb bricks, Lot #C001730) due to potential Salmonella contamination.
May 22, 2026 — Raaw Energy expands its recall to all products manufactured over a five-month period, covering more than 180 lots. The company halts all production.
Why This Matters: Expert Analysis on the Impact
The scope of these recalls has raised serious questions about safety standards in the raw pet food industry. According to data compiled by pet food watchdog sites, 2025 saw 13 pet food recalls involving a total of 166,071 pounds of pet food and treats. Salmonella accounted for 157,227 pounds of recalled products, making it the leading contaminant by a wide margin.
The FDA has warned that infected pets may shed Listeria, Salmonella, and Campylobacter in their saliva and feces even when they appear clinically normal, creating ongoing exposure risks for people and other animals in the household. The highest-risk groups include young children, older adults, pregnant individuals, and those who are immunocompromised.
In humans, Listeria infections can trigger nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, and muscle aches. Severe cases may spread to the nervous system and cause meningitis, pregnancy complications, or death. "Severe infections can result in meningitis, abortion, and death. Pets exposed to contaminated food can be infected without showing symptoms," the FDA warned in its advisory.
The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) continues to monitor these recalls closely, with veterinary professionals advising pet owners to be vigilant about checking product labels and batch numbers.
Where Things Stand Now: Latest Updates on Pet Food Recalls
As of June 2026, the Raaw Energy recall remains active and expanded. The company shut down all production on May 21, 2026, one day before announcing the expanded recall. In its public statement, Raaw Energy said the move was needed to "carefully evaluate current issues, address them properly, and take appropriate corrective actions."
The company plans to resurface and sanitize production areas, clean drains and sewer lines, and purchase a pathogen detection system to test every batch going forward. "We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. As a small business, we are committed to doing the right thing," the company stated.
Affected Raaw Energy products were distributed to customers in Connecticut, Delaware, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, and Virginia. The Albright's Raw Pet Food recall, meanwhile, affects products distributed nationwide through retail and online channels.
Pet owners who have purchased any of these products are advised to immediately discard them in secure containers that other animals — including wildlife — cannot access. Donating the food is not recommended.
What Happens Next: The Road Ahead for Pet Food Safety
The FDA has indicated it will continue to monitor the situation with Raaw Energy and other pet food manufacturers. The agency has received additional consumer complaints involving animals that became ill after eating the recalled food since its January advisory, suggesting the problem may be more widespread than initially thought.
Industry experts predict that the string of high-profile recalls could lead to more stringent regulations for raw pet food manufacturers, particularly regarding pathogen testing protocols. The fact that freezing does not eliminate Listeria, Salmonella, or Campylobacter contamination underscores the importance of rigorous quality control from the start.
For pet owners considering raw food diets, veterinarians recommend researching brands thoroughly, checking recall histories, and maintaining strict hygiene practices when handling raw pet food products.
Key Takeaways: Everything You Need to Know
- Check your pet food labels — Look for Raaw Energy products with manufacturing dates between July 17, 2025 and December 23, 2025, and Albright's Chicken Recipe Lot #C001730
- Know the symptoms — Pets exposed to contaminated food may develop vomiting, fever, lethargy, decreased appetite, or diarrhea (including hemorrhagic diarrhea). Asymptomatic infection is also possible
- Disinfect thoroughly — Clean all surfaces, bowls, and utensils that may have come into contact with recalled products
- Report illnesses — Contact the FDA Safety Reporting Portal or call Raaw Energy at 732-414-1446 if your pet becomes ill
- Stay informed — Bookmark the FDA's recalls page and the Petful recall tracker for the most up-to-date information
