Viva Raw Voluntarily Recalls Beef & Chicken Recipes Over Salmonella, Listeria Risks

If you’re committed to feeding your dog or cat a fresh, whole food diet, there’s a good chance you’ve heard of Viva Raw. Known for their transparency and lofty mission to set new standards in the raw pet food industry, the company has built a following among discerning pet parents. But every now and then, even the most careful brands hit a bump in the road. That’s exactly what happened with Viva Raw’s recent recall, an event that serves as a sobering reminder of the challenges in keeping raw pet food both wholesome and safe. Here’s everything you need to know — including what to do if you’ve got affected food in your freezer.

Viva Raw Recalls Two Lots Over Salmonella & Listeria Concerns

On August 25, 2025, Viva Raw LLC took the initiative to voluntarily recall two specific lots of their frozen ground beef and chicken recipes after the North Carolina Department of Agriculture picked up on potential contamination with Salmonella and Listeria monocytogenes. While no illnesses in pets or humans have been reported at the time of the announcement, these pathogens carry real risks — not just for four-legged family members, but for anyone in your household who handles the food or comes into contact with contaminated surfaces.

Which Viva Raw Products Are Affected?

The recall is specific to products from these two lots:

Lot 21495

Viva Ground Beef for Dogs, Viva Beef & Turkey for Puppies

Lot 21975

Viva Ground Chicken for Dogs, Viva Chunked Chicken for Dogs, Viva Chicken for Cats, Viva Pure Chicken

Double-check the lot numbers on the top of any Viva Raw packaging in your freezer. If you see 21495 or 21975, it’s time to take action.

A Company That Set Out to Do Better

It’s worth understanding why this recall feels especially significant within the raw feeding community. Viva Raw hasn’t been shy about its efforts to lift the industry’s safety game. Following a recall in 2024, they invested heavily in robust food safety testing, overhauled cleaning and sanitation systems, and made pathogen control a central pillar of their operations. Through social channels and direct communication, Viva has been unusually open about both successes and setbacks, sharing the nuts and bolts of their processes with customers in hopes of building trust.

Yet, despite those precautions, the latest round of state-level testing turned up unwelcome results. In response, Viva Raw is pulling the affected lots as a strictly precautionary measure and continuing to investigate. Their proactive communication signals just how seriously they take food safety — and how committed they remain to their founding mission.

What Pet Parents Should Do Right Now

If you currently stock Viva Raw in your home, don’t take any chances. Carefully inspect each package in your freezer, paying special attention to the lot number printed on top. If you have food from lot 21495 or 21975, discontinue use immediately. The next step is safe disposal — this means ensuring no pets, children, or even wildlife can access the recalled food. After handling, thoroughly wash and sanitize all bowls, scoops, knives, and countertops that may have come in contact with the product.

For refund processing, contact Viva Raw directly via email (info@vivarawpets.com) or phone ((919) 371-8882). The company is coordinating quick responses for all affected customers, reinforcing their transparent approach even in difficult circumstances.

Know the Symptoms — For Pets and People

Both Salmonella and Listeria infections can be non-specific in pets, showing up as vomiting, diarrhea (sometimes with blood), fever, or lethargy. Cats, in particular, may become subtle and hide symptoms until illness is advanced. If you suspect your pet has been exposed, don’t hesitate to call your veterinarian for prompt advice. In humans, especially young children, seniors, and those with compromised immune systems, these pathogens can cause nausea, diarrhea, and in rare cases, more severe complications like sepsis. If anyone in your household starts to feel unwell after potential exposure, seek medical attention right away.

Tips to Stay Safe With Raw Pet Food Moving Forward

This recall is a powerful reminder: No matter the brand or reputation, there will always be a measure of risk with minimally processed, raw foods. Smart raw feeders cover their bases by double-checking lot numbers at time of purchase and before feeding. Always wash your hands thoroughly after handling raw food and keep your pet’s meal prep completely separate from your own family’s kitchen routines. These small, repeatable habits can go a long way to preventing trouble, especially during times when contamination is more likely.

Viva Raw has emphasized that they remain deeply committed to ongoing safety improvements and will continue to update customers as their investigation unfolds. Through all of this, their focus on accountability and education sets a higher benchmark for the industry at large.

To read more, check official updates at: FDA Announcement and the Viva Raw Recall Page.

In a Nutshell

• Viva Raw has voluntarily recalled two lots (21495 and 21975) of frozen beef and chicken recipes due to possible Salmonella and Listeria contamination, with no reported illnesses so far.
• Pet parents with affected products should stop feeding them immediately, safely dispose, sanitize surfaces, and contact Viva Raw for a refund.
• The recall illustrates the importance of careful handling, transparent communication from brands, and extra vigilance when feeding raw diets to pets.