If you’ve been seeing “FDA advisory” + “dog food bacteria” posts flying around your feed, don’t panic-scroll. Do the boring-but-powerful thing: check the date code, stop feeding anything impacted, clean properly, and watch for symptoms.
This week, multiple outlets reported on an FDA advisory involving Raaw Energy frozen dog food, after testing found pathogenic bacteria in unopened samples. (More below.) The goal of this post is not doom. It’s a simple checklist you can use in 5 minutes.
TL;DR (do this first)
- Check your dog food packaging for the product + size + date code.
- If it matches an affected lot/date code: stop feeding immediately. Don’t donate it.
- Dispose of it securely (so wildlife/other animals can’t access it).
- Wash hands; clean & disinfect bowls, scoops, counters, and any surfaces that touched the food.
- If your dog has vomiting/diarrhea/lethargy/fever or seems “off”: call your vet.
What the reports say (and why it matters)
LiveNOW from FOX reports that the FDA issued an advisory after state departments collected and tested eight unopened samples of Raaw Energy dog food; the samples tested positive for pathogenic bacteria including Listeria monocytogenes, Salmonella, and Campylobacter jejuni, and one sample also tested positive for E. coli. The report says the FDA recommended a recall of the affected lots, and also includes a list of product/date codes to check. (Source)
Food Safety News similarly summarizes the advisory and notes the products are sold frozen and identified by date codes. (Source)
Affected products & date codes (quick table)
Always confirm directly on your packaging. This table is compiled from the above reporting for convenience.
| Product | Size | Date code(s) |
|---|---|---|
| Chicken Medley | 2-lb tubes | 7.17.25 |
| Chicken Medley | 5-lb tubes | 11.22.25 |
| Chicken Medley | 5-lb tubes | 12.12.25 |
| Salmon | 5-lb tubes | 12.5.25; 12.12.25 |
| Beef Chicken Medley | 5-lb tubes | 12.16.25 |
| Beef Turkey Medley | 5-lb tubes | 12.18.25 |
| Beef Chicken Tripe Medley | 5-lb tubes | 12.23.25 |
The calm checklist: what to do if you have it
1) Stop feeding + secure disposal
- Stop feeding the product to your pets.
- Dispose of it in a secure container so other animals (including wildlife) can’t access it.
- Do not donate it (even if it looks fine).
2) Clean & disinfect the boring stuff (this is the part that prevents spread)
- Wash your hands after handling the food or packaging.
- Clean and disinfect: bowls, scoops, storage containers, prep surfaces, and any floor areas the food touched.
- Wash pet bedding that may have been contaminated (hot water if possible).
3) Watch for symptoms (and call your vet if you see them)
Symptoms vary, and some dogs may not show obvious signs. If your dog has vomiting, diarrhea (especially bloody), fever, loss of appetite, or unusual lethargy, call your veterinarian. LiveNOW’s report also notes the general risk and encourages contacting a vet if you suspect illness. (Source)
4) Report it (this helps catch patterns faster)
If you believe your pet got sick from a product, consider filing a report through the FDA’s Safety Reporting Portal. (Link provided in Food Safety News’ coverage: Safety Reporting Portal.)
One thing to remember: “advisory” ≠ “everything is unsafe”
Most dog food is fine. Stories like this go viral because they’re alarming—but your best move is the same every time: verify your specific product/date code, follow the hygiene steps, and call your vet if your dog seems unwell.
Dog park / outdoors add-on (small habit, big payoff)
If you feed or treat your dog on the go (parks, car rides, hikes): keep a tiny “food safety kit” in your bag—zip bag, wipes, and a dedicated scoop. It sounds extra until you’ve had to rinse a bowl at a dog park spigot and realize you just touched 10 surfaces.
Also: if you’re switching foods or tossing a bag, this is a good moment to refresh your go-to park list and routines: Find dog parks near you.
Quick question
Do you keep a “pet food label photo” on your phone (so you can check lot/date codes fast)? If not, it’s a tiny habit that saves a lot of stress. If you do—teach the group in the comments what you track.
Sources: LiveNOW from FOX; Food Safety News; FDA Safety Reporting Portal.
