Viva raw dog food recalled three products after the FDA tested and found Salmonella and Listeria monocytogenes. The company announced that the items affected were three pet food products from its duck recipes, including Viva Duck for Dogs (ground), Viva Duck for Dogs (chunked) and Viva Pure Duck (for cats and dogs). The company said the recalled products were last shipped on December 6, 2023, to over 1,500 customers.
The FDA obtained and tested samples of Viva Duck for Dogs (Chunked) Lot 22853 after the consumer complaint and found the samples were positive for Salmonella, Listeria monocytogenes. Salmonella and Listeria monocytogenes can affect animals eating the products. There is also risk to humans from handling contaminated pet products, especially if they have not thoroughly washed their hands after having contact with the products or any surfaces exposed to these products. Pets with Salmonella and Listeria infections may be lethargic and have diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever and vomiting. Some pets will have only decreased appetite, fever and abdominal pain. Infected but otherwise healthy pets can be carriers and infect other animals or humans.
In a statement that the company shared they stated, “We want to be as open and candid as we can with all of you, but there’s a lot of information that we cannot share, and there’s a lot that we are working to understand ourselves.” A lot of information we can’t share? I think at this point what we need to know has been shared.
I field questions from consumers on a weekly basis in regards to the ins and outs of feeding a ‘raw’ diet to their dog. The one key point that I caution pet owners on is that the risk of bacteria is ever present when feeding raw. Salmonella, E. coli and trichinosis are just a few of these bacteria that can be easily spread and become a serious issue to your pets’ health literally overnight. All of our Canine Health Forward kibbled food products are tested not only in house at the time of manufacturing but independently to ensure a “food safe” product for your pet right out of the bag. No guessing, taking no chances. Because at Canine Health Forward, their health and nutrition is our obsession.