Federal health officials have announced a multi-state pet food recall involving several popular dog and cat food product lines from manufacturer Heartland Pet Provisions due to potential Salmonella contamination. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued an alert late Tuesday, warning that the affected products present a significant health risk to both animals that consume the food and the humans who handle it.
The recall was initiated after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) identified a cluster of Salmonella infections in both pets and people across at least 12 states, which was then traced back to specific lots of Heartland’s “Naturals Grain-Free” formulas.
Widespread Pet Food Recall
| Key Fact | Detail/Statistic |
| Recalled Products | “Heartland Naturals Grain-Free” Chicken & Sweet Potato Recipe (Dog), Turkey & Pea Recipe (Dog), and Salmon & Chickpea Recipe (Cat). |
| Affected States | At least 12 states, including California, Texas, Florida, New York, and Illinois. An updated list is available on the FDA website. |
| Reported Illnesses | Over 60 reported cases of pet illness and 15 confirmed human cases linked to handling the product. |
| Consumer Action | Immediately stop feeding the recalled products and dispose of them safely. Seek medical or veterinary care if symptoms appear. |
Sweeping Pet Food Recall Issued Over Salmonella Contamination
The voluntary recall by Ankeny, Iowa-based Heartland Pet Provisions covers specific lots of its premium grain-free pet food manufactured between May 1 and July 15, 2025. In a statement, the FDA urged consumers to check the lot codes on their pet food bags against the list published on the agency’s official website. “We are treating this situation with the utmost seriousness,” said FDA Deputy Commissioner for Food Policy and Response, Dr. Janet Woodcock, in a press briefing. “The link between the contaminated pet food and the infections in both pets and their owners is clear. This pet food recall is crucial to prevent further illness.”
The investigation began two weeks ago when state health departments noticed an unusual uptick in a specific strain of Salmonella Typhimurium. Epidemiological work by the CDC connected the dots between sick pets and their owners, with many households reporting they had recently purchased Heartland Naturals products.
The Dual Threat: A Risk to Pets and People
Salmonella contamination in pet products poses a two-pronged danger, affecting the health of animals and creating a pathway for human infection. This recall highlights the ongoing challenge of pet food safety in an interconnected food supply chain.
Symptoms of Salmonella in Pets
Veterinarians warn that pets infected with Salmonella may not always appear sick but can still carry and spread the bacteria. When symptoms do occur, they often include lethargy, diarrhea (which may be bloody), fever, and vomiting.
“A pet suffering from salmonellosis can become severely dehydrated and may require immediate veterinary intervention,” explained Dr. Elena Vance, a board-certified veterinary nutritionist at the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine. “Pet owners who have used these products should monitor their animals closely for any signs of gastrointestinal distress or unusual behavior.”
Cross-Contamination and the FDA Warning for Humans
The FDA stressed that humans are at risk of infection simply by handling the contaminated pet food or touching surfaces that have come into contact with it. The bacteria can be transferred from the food to hands and then to the mouth, or from a pet’s food bowl to kitchen counters.
Human symptoms of salmonellosis typically include diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and fever within 12 to 72 hours of exposure. While most people recover without treatment, the infection can be severe for young children, the elderly, and individuals with weakened immune systems.
“Thorough handwashing after handling any pet food or treats is a critical public health practice,” the FDA warning stated. “We also advise consumers to clean and disinfect all pet bowls, utensils, and storage containers that may have held the recalled product.”
Company Response and Broader Pet Food Safety Concerns
Heartland Pet Provisions has ceased production of the affected product lines and launched an internal investigation to identify the source of the Salmonella contamination. The company is cooperating fully with the FDA’s investigation.
In a press release, Heartland CEO Michael Thompson issued an apology. “We are devastated to learn that our products may have caused harm to the pets and people we are dedicated to serving,” Thompson said. “We are taking immediate and decisive action to rectify this issue and ensure the safety and integrity of our products moving forward.” The incident renews focus on manufacturing protocols within the multi-billion dollar pet food industry. Food safety advocates argue that regulations, while strengthened by the Food Safety Modernization Act, still require rigorous enforcement and proactive testing by manufacturers to prevent such outbreaks.
The FDA has confirmed it will be conducting inspections at the Heartland manufacturing facility involved. Officials have not yet commented on whether the contamination occurred via a raw ingredient supplier or within the plant itself. The ongoing investigation is expected to determine the root cause in the coming weeks.
Over 1 million AuraBeauty Hair Dryers Recalled Amid Serious Electric Shock Risk