If you feed your pets certain varieties of Darwin’s Natural Pet Products, please be advised that certain lots have tested positive for Salmonella. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is cautioning pet owners not to feed their animals the following lots made by Darwin’s Natural Pet Products raw dog food:
- Darwin’s Natural Pet Products Natural Selections Chicken Recipe with Organic Vegetables for Dogs: 5309(11)181019, manufactured on October 19, 2018
- Darwin’s Natural Pet Products Natural Selections Chicken Recipe with Organic Vegetables for Dogs: 5375(11)181106, manufactured on November 6, 2018
- Darwin’s Natural Pet Products Natural Selections Turkey Recipe with Organic Vegetables for Dogs: 5339(11)181026, manufactured on October 26, 2018
Salmonella is a bacterium that affects both humans and animals alike. It can cause illness and death, and those who are very young, old, or have weak immune systems are especially vulnerable.
Salmonella Symptoms
Despite not displaying any symptoms, your pet may still be infected with Salmonella. Be on guard if your animal exhibits vomiting, diarrhea (which may be bloody), fever, loss of appetite, and decreased activity level. You know your pet better than anyone else, so if you suspect any unusual behaviors or sense that your dog may have consumed this food, consult with your veterinarian immediately.
With or without symptoms, an animal infected with Salmonella can still pass the bacteria onto humans he shares his home with. If you have diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps there’s a possibility that you have been exposed to the bacteria and should contact your health care provider.
Since Salmonella gets established in the animal’s gastrointestinal tract, your pet can shed bacteria when they have bowel movements, and the contamination can continue to spread. Because of this, it is imperative to clean up after your dog — especially in yards or public places where other animals and people can be exposed to the bacteria.
Steps to Take
If you have Darwin’s Natural Pet Products Natural Selections in the recipe formulas being named in the specific lots above, immediately discontinue feeding it to your pet and throw it away in a secure container so that other animals (including wildlife) cannot consume it. Then, clean and disinfect all bowls, utensils, food prep surfaces, pet bedding, toys, floors, or any other surfaces that the food may have touched. Make sure to also thoroughly wash your hands after handling the product(s) in question.
Do you have a pet food product you have concerns about? The FDA encourages you to report complaints through the Safety Reporting Portal or by calling your state’s FDA Consumer Complaint Coordinators. Your veterinarian may also use the Vet-LIRN Network to test pets from a household with a person infected with Salmonella.