Pet food maker Viva Raw is issuing a voluntary recall of multiple varieties of its raw dog and cat food products due to possible salmonella and listeria contamination, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced Aug. 25.
The company, based in Charlotte, North Carolina, issued the recall for two lots of products that were sold by a “small number of retailers” across multiple states between July 2, 2025 and Aug. 21, 2025.
The recalled products include Viva Ground Beef for Dogs; Viva Beef & Turkey for Puppies; Viva Ground Chicken for Dogs; Viva Chunked Chicken for Dogs; Viva Chicken for Cats and Viva Pure Chicken.
The potential for contamination was “identified after routine testing was conducted by the North Carolina Department of Agriculture,” the FDA said in its report.
So far, no illnesses in dogs, cats or humans related to the products have been reported.
Salmonella and listeria can affect both the animals eating the products and the humans who handle them, especially if the humans have not thoroughly washed their hands afterward, said the FDA.
Infected pets who are otherwise healthy can be carriers and infect other animals or humans, the FDA warns.
Here’s what to know about Viva Raw’s recall.
Which Viva Raw Pet Food Products Are Being Recalled?
Viva Raw issued a recall for two lots of pet food products, Lot 21495 and Lot 21975. The products were sold by a “small number of retailers” across multiple states between July 2, 2025 and Aug. 21, 2025, the FDA said.
The products were sold in frozen 1 lb. “bricks” in clear vacuum packaging. Their lot numbers were printed on the top of the packaging.
Lot 21495 contained:
- Viva Ground Beef for Dogs
- Viva Beef & Turkey for Puppies
Lot 21975 contained:
- Viva Ground Chicken for Dogs
- Viva Chunked Chicken for Dogs
- Viva Chicken for Cats
- Viva Pure Chicken.
Where were the products sold?
The products were sold in the following states: New York, Illinois, South Carolina, Florida, Kansas, California and Arizona.
Why Are the Products Being Recalled?
The products are being recalled due to possible contamination with salmonella and listeria, which could affect both animals and humans.
So far, there have been no reports of any pets or humans made sick by the products.
What are salmonella and listeria?
Listeria is a bacteria found in water, soil and animal feces, according to Mayo Clinic. The bacteria can contaminate different types of foods. It can also survive refrigeration.
Salmonella is a bacterial food-borne illness that can cause gastrointestinal symptoms and a fever, the Mayo Clinic says.
Healthy people infected with salmonella or listeria should monitor themselves for some or all of the following symptoms:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea or bloody diarrhea
On rare occasions, salmonella and listeria can cause more serious ailments, including arterial infections, endocarditis, arthritis, muscle pain, eye irritation, and urinary tract symptoms.
Anyone exhibiting these symptoms after handling the products should contact their healthcare providers.
Pregnant women, older people and those with weak immune systems are more vulnerable to infection. Pregnant women are especially susceptible to listeria infection, which can result in a miscarriage.
What should consumers do?
Consumers who purchased the recalled products are urged to dispose of them “in a way that children, pets, and wildlife cannot access,” said the FDA.
“Do not feed the recalled product to pets or any other animals. Wash and sanitize pet food bowls, cups, and storage containers. Always ensure you wash and sanitize your hands after handling recalled food or any utensils that come in contact with recalled food,” the agency added.
Consumers can also reach out to Viva Raw at [email protected] for a refund.
Those with questions should email Viva Raw at [email protected] or call or text the company at (919) 371-8882 between 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET Monday to Friday.
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