Short answer: On October 5, 2026, the FDA cautioned pet owners that six lots of Darwin’s Natural Selections raw pet food tested positive for Salmonella, with Listeria found in one sample as well. The maker has not recalled the lots, so they may still be on sale. If you feed raw pet food, check your freezer — and know that small-batch, homemade treats made with simple, safe ingredients are a lower-risk way to spoil your pup.
As a shop that’s been making treats and gifts for spoiled pups and kitties since 2004, we take this stuff personally. Here’s what happened, what to do, and how we do things differently.
What Happened with Darwin’s?
According to the FDA warning shared on October 5, 2026:
Product: Darwin’s Natural Selections raw pet food — Antibiotic & Grain-Free Chicken Recipe for cats and dogs, sold in frozen 2-lb packages
- Issue: Six lots tested positive for Salmonella, with Listeria monocytogenes found in one of those samples
- Status: The FDA asked the maker, Arrow Reliance, to recall the lots — but the company has not done so, meaning the food could still be available for purchase
Separately, the U.S. Department of Justice filed a civil complaint in August 2026 seeking to stop Darwin’s manufacturing, alleging repeated pathogen findings over nearly a decade.
Note: This is an FDA caution based on the agency’s testing, not a recall initiated by the company. Details may develop — check the FDA’s site for the latest.
Why Salmonella and Listeria Matter — For Pets AND People
These bacteria aren’t just a pet problem. They matter for the whole household:
For pets: Salmonella and Listeria can cause vomiting, diarrhea, fever, and lethargy in dogs and cats. Some pets show few symptoms but can still shed bacteria.
- For people: Handling contaminated raw pet food — or getting a face full of kisses right after your pup eats it — can spread illness to you, kids, and anyone with a weaker immune system.
Raw pet food carries inherently higher risk than baked treats, because there’s no kill-step (like baking) to destroy pathogens. That’s why safe handling and sourcing matter so much.
What To Do If You Bought Darwin’s
Check your freezer. Look for Darwin’s Natural Selections Antibiotic & Grain-Free Chicken Recipe in 2-lb frozen packages. Compare lot numbers against the FDA’s warning.
- Don’t feed it if it matches the flagged lots. When in doubt, throw it out — it’s not worth the risk.
- Clean thoroughly. Wash bowls, scoops, and surfaces with hot soapy water. Wash your hands after handling any raw pet food.
- Watch for symptoms in your pet (vomiting, diarrhea, fever, low energy) and in yourself, and call your vet or doctor if you’re concerned.
How Pampered Paw Gifts Does It Differently
This is exactly why we do things the way we do.
Every treat we sell is homemade in small batches with only good, safe ingredients — made by caring hands, not a massive factory line. No mystery sourcing. No cutting corners.
Here’s what that means for your pup:
Simple, recognizable ingredients — the kind you’d be comfortable with in your own kitchen
- Baked treats, not raw — baking is a natural kill-step that reduces pathogen risk
- Small-batch care — we can keep a close eye on quality in a way giant operations can’t
- Made by people who love animals — we’ve partnered with mom-and-pop makers who share our passion since 2004
When you shop with us, you’re not just avoiding the risks of mass-produced raw food — you’re supporting small businesses that put safety and love into every bite.
5 Tips for Choosing Safe Treats and Food
Whether you shop with us or elsewhere, here’s how to keep your furry family safe:
Read the ingredient list. Shorter and recognizable is better.
- Know the maker. Buy from companies that are transparent about where and how food is made.
- Prefer baked over raw if you want lower pathogen risk without extra handling precautions.
- Store and handle safely. Follow storage instructions, wash hands and bowls, and don’t leave treats out too long.
- Watch for FDA warnings. A quick check when news breaks can save you a scare.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Darwin’s dog food recalled?
As of the FDA’s October 5, 2026 warning, the agency asked maker Arrow Reliance to recall six lots of Darwin’s Natural Selections raw pet food, but the company had not done so. The FDA instead issued a public caution. Check the FDA’s website for the most current status.
Can Salmonella in dog food make humans sick?
Yes. People can get sick from handling contaminated pet food or from contact with a pet that ate it. Wash hands thoroughly after handling raw pet food, and keep food prep areas clean.
Are homemade dog treats safer than commercial raw food?
Homemade, baked treats made with simple ingredients and good food-safety practices are generally lower-risk than raw commercial diets, because baking kills many pathogens and small batches allow closer quality control. No food is zero-risk, but sourcing and preparation make a big difference.
What should I do with treats I already bought?
Check lot numbers against the FDA warning. If they match — or if you’re unsure — don’t feed them. Discard the product and sanitize bowls and surfaces.
Spoil Them Safely
You should never have to wonder what’s really in your dog’s treats.
Browse our homemade, small-batch treats — made with only good, safe ingredients by people who love animals as much as you do.
Shop Safe, Homemade Treats →
Since 2004, Pampered Paw Gifts has spoiled dogs, cats, and horses like they’re our own — with unique, carefully made items from mom-and-pop makers across the U.S.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and summarizes the FDA’s public warning as reported on October 5, 2026. It is not veterinary or medical advice. For the latest status, see the FDA’s website and consult your veterinarian with any health concerns.