Before you feed your dogs, check to be sure they’re not eating something that could potentially make them ill. The FDA has tested samples of Answers Pet Food and Darwin’s Natural Pet Products and found salmonella and listeria. Answers voluntarily withdrew contaminated foods.
1. What’s Wrong With the Pet Food?
Certain lots of Answers dog food and Darwin’s Natural Pet Products, which includes dog and cat food, have been recalled after the FDA tested samples of the brand’s pet food, which tested positive for salmonella and listeria. So far, no illnesses related to the recall have been reported, according to the FDA’s press release.
2. Which Foods Are Being Recalled?
Answers’ Detailed Beef Formula for Dogs, Straight Beef Formula for Dogs and Straight Chicken Formula for Dogs were recalled.
Salmonella was discovered in six samples of Darwin’s Natural Pet Products’s raw dog food and listeria was found in one. Only about 3% of Darwin’s Natural customers are likely to be affected, according to the release. So far, no illnesses related to the recall have been reported, according to the FDA’s press release.
3. How Do I Know If I Have Tainted Food?
The Answers Pet Food products being recalled are 4-pound half-gallon cartons:
- Answers Beef Formula for Dogs, Best Buy May 6, 2026 and Lot Code BUBD May 06, 2026
- Answers Beef Formula for Dogs, Best Buy Jan 31, 2025 and Lot Code BUBD Jan 31, 2026
- Chicken Formula, Best Buy Jan 02, 2026 and Mar 11, 2026, Lot Codes BUBD Jan 02, 2026 and Mar 11, 2026
Darwin’s Natural Selections Antibiotic & Grain-Free Chicken Recipe for Dogs
- Lot number: 10828 MFG. Date: Jul 24, 2024
- Lot number: 10844 MFG. Date: Jul 30, 2024
- Lot number: 10887 MFG. Date: Aug 12, 2024
Darwin’s Natural Selections Antibiotic & Grain-Free Chicken Recipe for Cats
- Lot number: 10832 MFG. Date: Jul 25, 2024
- Lot number: 10856 MFG. Date: Aug 04, 2024
- Lot number: 10890 MFG. Date: Aug 13, 2024
4. Can My Pet Get Sick?
According to the FDA, “Listeria monocytogenes rarely causes illness in dogs, but it is possible. Dogs can have mild symptoms such as diarrhea and vomiting.” In more severe — though rare — cases, listeria can cause muscle pain, fever, breathing problems, and even death.
It’s important to keep in mind that even if a pet doesn’t show any symptoms, it can still be a carrier of the bacteria and spread it to humans. Symptoms in humans may include headache, fever, headache, nausea, muscle aches, stiff neck, abdominal pain, diarrhea, confusion, loss of balance, and convulsions. Young children, elderly people, pregnant women, and those with weakened immune systems are also particularly vulnerable.
Salmonella, however, has a higher chance of making your pet sick, particularly if they are very young or have a weakened immune system. “Pets with Salmonella infections may be lethargic and have diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever, and vomiting,” according to the FDA. “Some pets may only exhibit decreased appetite, fever, and abdominal pain.” Similar to listeria, pets that don’t exhibit symptoms can still be carries and infect humans and other animals.
5. Should I Take My Pet to the Vet?
If your dog or cat has eaten potentially tainted food, call your vet to ask. If your pet is older or has other health complications, it may be a good idea to go in.
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