FDA Recalls Darwin's Chicken Cat Food Over Salmonella
Subscribers should check their freezers for two specific lots of Darwin's chicken recipe that may contain Salmonella.
Updated on Oct. 27, 2026 in Cats
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The FDA issued an advisory for two lots of Darwin's Natural Pet Products Natural Selections Chicken Recipe for Cats after testing confirmed the presence of Salmonella. Two cats reportedly fell ill from consuming the food, with one requiring hospitalization.
Why it matters
Salmonella contamination in pet food poses a significant health risk to both pets and their owners, as bacteria can easily spread from bowls to household surfaces. Identifying these specific lots is essential to preventing further gastrointestinal illness in pets.
The advisory covers lot 12493, manufactured April 2, 2026, and lot 12731, manufactured July 8, 2026. The affected items are sold exclusively through an online subscription service.
The players
FDA
The federal agency responsible for protecting public health by ensuring the safety of human and animal food supplies.
Darwin's Natural Pet Products
An online-based manufacturer specializing in raw and natural diet formulations for domestic cats and dogs.
The details
The contamination was identified by the FDA following a complaint from a pet owner whose animal suffered gastrointestinal distress. The bacteria can cause illness in pets and may also affect humans who handle the food or come into contact with contaminated surfaces in the home. Owners can find the lot codes printed on the front of the lower left unit of the packaging to confirm if they have a recalled batch.
Timeline
April 02, 2026: Manufacturing date for affected lot 12493.
July 08, 2026: Manufacturing date for affected lot 12731.
The Home Front
This advisory underscores the ongoing regulatory focus on bacterial safety in the direct-to-consumer raw pet food market. It highlights the importance of standardized quality control protocols in an industry where products are delivered directly to home freezers.
Check your freezer for cat food packages matching lot numbers 12493 or 12731 immediately. If you possess this product, discard it securely and clean all feeding bowls and preparation areas with hot, soapy water.
The takeaway
Pet owners should proactively check lot codes on subscription pet food to ensure household safety from potential pathogens. If your cat shows signs of gastrointestinal illness, stop feeding the current lot and contact your veterinarian immediately.
Further reading
Find more guidance on keeping your pet healthy and managing supplies in our section on Cats.
Source note: This article includes information reported by FOX 32 Chicago.
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