Salmonella doesn’t only affect people; it can affect animals too. While otherwise healthy children and adults may only experience mild symptoms from salmonella, it can be a deadly infection for animals. Recently a voluntary recall was issued due to a potential salmonella contamination in dog food. The product recall was for Freshpet Select Fresh From the Kitchen Home Cooked Chicken Recipe (4.5 lb. bag) with a sell by date of October 29, 2022 and UPC code of 627975011673. Because the all-natural dog food is fresh, it can also mean a heightened risk for foodborne illness. Dogs with salmonella may be lethargic, or have diarrhea, abdominal pain, a decreased appetite, fever and/or vomiting.
Otherwise healthy dogs can be carriers of salmonella and infect other animals or humans. And while healthy children and adults may have a low risk, young children, the elderly and those immunocompromised are at a much higher risk.
Food contaminated with salmonella does not usually look, smell or even taste spoiled. Keep tabs on recalls and make sure if you or your pet has used or handled recalled products and developed any symptoms of infection you seek medical attention. Exposure to salmonella should be mentioned as the symptoms often mimic other illnesses and could lead to a misdiagnosis otherwise. If you suspect your dog may be infected don’t hesitate to contact your veterinarian. Some people get infected without getting sick or showing symptoms and can still spread the infection. If you suspect you may be infected contact your health care provider.
Salmonella is one of the main pathogens of foodborne illness throughout the world. There are many opportunities for food contamination to take place in the complex food supply chain. Which is why our pathogen test kits were developed, so that processors and suppliers can help make sure all products are contamination free and outbreaks stop happening.