Viva Raw dog, cat food recalled for Salmonella, Listeria contamination

• Two lots of Viva Raw pet food have been recalled due to potential Salmonella and Listeria contamination.
• The recalled products were sold nationwide and in select stores in 7 states, including Florida.
• No illnesses have been reported, but the FDA recommends discarding the recalled food and sanitizing any contacted surfaces.

It isn’t just people food that can be contaminated. Two lots of dog and cat food sold across the country have been recalled for contamination with Salmonella and Listeria monocytogenes, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration said Aug. 25 in a release.

Viva Raw LLC of Charlotte, North Carolina, which markets raw pet food, is voluntarily recalling certain lots of 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 sold between July 2, 2025, and Aug. 21, 2025.

The products are frozen 1-pound bricks of meat in clear packaging, distributed directly to customers nationwide and to a small number of select retailers in seven states, including Florida. According to Viva Raw’s website, their products are sold in Florida at Pet Wants in Neptune Beach and Marlin’s Raw Superfood in Sarasota.

The potential for contamination was discovered through routine testing by the North Carolina Department of Agriculture, the FDA said. No illnesses in dogs, cats or humans have been reported.

“Salmonella and Listeria can affect animals eating the products and there is risk to humans from handling contaminated pet products,” the FDA said, “especially if they have not thoroughly washed their hands after having contact with the products or any surfaces exposed to these products.”

Which pet food products were recalled for Salmonella and Listeria?

The Viva Raw products were distributed between July 2, 2025, and August 21, 2025, directly to consumers nationwide and to a small number of select retailers, the FDA said. The lot number is printed on top of the packaging.

• Lot 21495:
  • Viva Ground Beef for Dogs
  • Viva Beef & Turkey for Puppies
• Lot 21975
  • Viva Ground Chicken for Dogs
  • Viva Chunked Chicken for Dogs
  • Viva Chicken for Cats
  • Viva Pure Chicken

In which states were the recalled Viva Raw pet food products sold?

A small number of retailers received the items in:

• Arizona
• California
• Florida
• Illinois
• Kansas
• New York
• South Carolina

What are the symptoms of Salmonella or Listeria infections?

“Pets with Salmonella or Listeria infections may be lethargic and have diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever, and vomiting,” the FDA said, although some pets will have only decreased appetite, fever, and abdominal pain.

Infected but otherwise healthy pets still can be carriers and infect other animals or humans. If your pet has consumed the recalled product and has these symptoms, please contact your veterinarian.

Humans can get infected by handling the food, the FDA said. Healthy people should monitor themselves for some or all of the following symptoms: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramping and fever.

In rare cases, Salmonella and Listeria can result in more serious ailments, including arterial infections, endocarditis, arthritis, muscle pain, eye irritation, and urinary tract symptoms. Consumers exhibiting these signs after having contact with this product should contact their healthcare providers.

Pregnant women are especially susceptible to Listeria infection, which can result in miscarriage, the FDA said. The young, the elderly, and people with weak immune systems also are more vulnerable to infection.

What should I do if I bought the recalled Viva Raw pet food?

Consumers with the recalled products should contact Viva Raw at info@vivarawpets.com for a refund on any remaining product.

“You should then dispose of the food in a way that children, pets, and wildlife cannot access,” the FDA said. “Do not sell or donate the recalled products. 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.”

If you have questions, you can contact the company at info@vivarawpets.com or by calling/texting (919) 371-8882 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday.