There has been a high-profile recall of several pet food brands, Raw Bistro foods featuring in the headlines due to a very high risk of bacterial contamination. Pet owners all over the country are being urged not to feed their pets some batches of Raw Bistro dog food owing to concerns over Salmonella exposure. While other brands and treats have also been recalled recently, this latest warning is noteworthy in terms of the breadth of the alert and the speed of the FDA’s action.
Why was Raw Bistro Dog Food recalled?
Raw Bistro Pet Fare, a Minneapolis firm that produces frozen raw dog food, voluntarily recalled two of its beef entrée products. The reason for the recall was a positive Salmonella result found in a sample collected by the FDA from a distributor. Although human and pet illness has not yet been reported in connection with these items, Salmonella has the potential to cause serious health risks for pets and humans if food and contact surfaces are not properly disinfected after contact. Animal symptoms may be vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, loss of appetite, and fever. Nausea, cramps in the stomach, diarrhea, and, in rare cases, arterial infection and joint ache are possible in humans following contact through contact with infected surfaces or contact through consumption of contaminated food.
Which Raw Bistro batches should you never feed your pets?
The recall is for the following Raw Bistro beef entrée products only:
- Raw Bistro Dog Fare Grass-Fed Beef Entrée, Frozen – 3 lb cases (UPC 858833002247), Lot 239, Best By 08/27/2026
- Raw Bistro Dog Fare Grass-Fed Beef Entrée, Bulk, Frozen – 18 lb cases (UPC 858833002629), Lot 239, Best By 08/27/2026
These lots were shipped from September 1 through September 17, 2025, to California, Colorado, Illinois, and Minnesota consumers and retailers. The best-by date and lot number can be found on the packaging near the bottom on the back side of each bag or case. Consumers are asked to check for these codes and not feed the recalled product to any animals.
What to do if you have recalled Raw Bistro Pet Food
Buyers of the recalled batches need to take the following step immediately:
- Do not provide the product to pets, other animals, or wildlife
- Do not sell, donate, or pass along further the recalled food
- Throw it away in a manner where animals, children, or wildlife cannot access it
- Sanitize and wash any bowls, scoops, utensils, surfaces, and containers that could have come into contact with the product
- Wash your hands carefully with soap and water after touching the food
If you possess Raw Bistro product from the recalled lot, you may return it to the purchase store for refund. The company may also be contacted directly for support through email at [email protected] or call/text at (507) 291-3153, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. CST.
Other recent pet food recalls and risks
Raw Bistro is not the first pet brand recalled. Raw and freeze-dried items, including treats, have seen the same types of contamination issues in recent months:
- Darwin’s Natural Pet Products: Hazard for E. coli and Salmonella in beef canine food, July 2025
- Viva Raw LLC: Risk of Salmonella and Listeria in ground beef and chicken for cats and dogs, August 2025
In September, cat food was specially recalled for H5N1 avian flu, reminiscent of the larger risks of raw animal foods. Public health agencies and the FDA advise that raw diets, which are gaining popularity through perceived health benefits, are especially prone to bacterial contamination. Even freeze-dried foods and treats are risks, as certain bacteria can be resistant to processing.
What ways can pet owners protect their pets and families?
Pet owners must always consult the official FDA and store recall lists before purchase or serving of food. Basic hygiene habits are a must:
- Hand wash after pet food or bowls handling
- Sterilize any utensils, surface, or container handled when coming into contact with pet food
- Keep children and weak adults away from pet food or animal feces
- Isolate pet food from human food
If pets become even remotely ill with vomiting, diarrhea (especially bloody), fever, or lethargy, visit a vet right away. Such early action can protect both pets and the home from deadly bacterial infection.
