What Happened to Northwest Naturals Pet Food Recalls?
Northwest Naturals has faced multiple product recalls over the years, most recently in August 2026 for potential Salmonella and Listeria contamination in chicken-based raw pet foods, and a significant recall in late 2024 for H5N1 Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza in feline turkey recipe, which was later terminated after an FDA audit found no HPAI in their facility. The company continues to operate, emphasizing its commitment to safety and quality despite recent price increases.
Quick Answer
Northwest Naturals recently initiated a voluntary recall on August 28, 2026, for specific lots of its Frozen Chicken Recipe cat food and Frozen Raw Diet for Dogs Chicken Recipe due to potential contamination with Salmonella and/or Listeria monocytogenes. This follows a major recall in late 2024 for H5N1 Avian Influenza, which was terminated in February 2025 after an FDA audit found no HPAI in their facility. The company remains operational, focusing on safety protocols, and has implemented price increases in June 2026.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline11 events
Listeria Recall of Chicken and Salmon Chubs
Northwest Naturals voluntarily recalled 5lb frozen Chicken and Salmon pet food chubs due to potential contamination with Listeria monocytogenes. The recall was completed without reported illnesses.
HPAI Recall Initiated for Feline Turkey Recipe
Northwest Naturals voluntarily recalled 2lb Feline Turkey Recipe raw frozen pet food after a domestic cat died from H5N1 Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) linked to the product.
FDA Audit Begins at Co-Manufacturer's Facility
Following the HPAI recall, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) commenced a comprehensive audit of Northwest Naturals' co-manufacturer's facility.
FDA Directs Manufacturers to Update H5N1 Safety Plans
The FDA issued a directive requiring pet food manufacturers to reanalyze their food safety plans to address H5N1 as a known or reasonably foreseeable hazard.
FDA Audit Concludes with No H5N1 Findings
The FDA's audit of the co-manufacturer's facility concluded, finding no H5N1 or HPAI contamination and not identifying the source of the alleged contamination in the initial product sample.
HPAI Recall Terminated by Northwest Naturals
Upon completion of the FDA audit, Northwest Naturals updated the status of its voluntary HPAI recall with the ODA to 'closed' and officially terminated it.
Company Reaffirms Safety and Quality Standards
Northwest Naturals issued a statement reiterating its commitment to high safety and quality standards, including human-grade ingredients, SSOP, GMP, and HACCP programs.
Reports of Substantial Price Increases Emerge
Reports from retailers indicated that Northwest Naturals announced significant price increases across its product lines, effective June 2026, citing rising operational costs.
Price Increases Implemented
Northwest Naturals officially implemented significant price increases for its products, attributing the necessity to rising costs of protein, freight, labor, packaging, and utilities.
Salmonella & Listeria Recall of Chicken Pet Foods
Northwest Naturals voluntarily recalled specific lots of its Frozen Chicken Recipe (cat food) and Frozen Raw Diet for Dogs Chicken Recipe due to potential contamination with Salmonella and/or Listeria monocytogenes, identified by FDA testing.
News Outlets Report on Latest Recall
Various news outlets, including KGW and The Sun Times News, reported on the August 28, 2026, recall, providing details on affected products and advice for consumers.
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🔍Deep Dive Analysis
Northwest Naturals, a Portland, Oregon-based producer of raw pet food, has experienced several product recalls, highlighting the ongoing challenges and scrutiny within the raw pet food industry. The most recent incident occurred on August 28, 2026, when the company voluntarily recalled 53 cases of its Frozen Chicken Recipe (cat food) and 19 cases of its Frozen Raw Diet for Dogs Chicken Recipe due to potential contamination with Salmonella and/or Listeria monocytogenes. This contamination was identified through product samples collected and tested by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). No illnesses in pets or humans have been reported in connection with this specific recall to date.
A more extensive and high-profile recall took place starting December 24, 2024, involving Northwest Naturals' 2lb Feline Turkey Recipe raw frozen pet food. This recall was initiated after a domestic cat in Washington County, Oregon, tragically died on December 24, 2024, and subsequent PCR testing and whole genome sequencing confirmed H5N1 Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) linked to the consumed raw pet food. The affected products carried 'Best if used by' dates of May 21, 2026, and June 23, 2026. This event spurred significant concern regarding the potential for avian influenza to spread through pet food. In response, the FDA, on January 17, 2025, directed pet food manufacturers subject to the FSMA Preventive Controls for Animal Food rule to reanalyze their food safety plans to address H5N1 as a known or reasonably foreseeable hazard.
Following the HPAI recall, the FDA conducted a comprehensive audit of Northwest Naturals' co-manufacturer's facility from late December 2024 to February 7, 2025. Crucially, the FDA's audit did not find any evidence related to H5N1 or HPAI within the facility, nor did it identify the source of the alleged contamination found in the opened bag of the product. Consequently, Northwest Naturals updated the status of its voluntary recall with the Oregon Department of Agriculture (ODA) to 'closed' and officially terminated the recall on February 17, 2025. The company affirmed its commitment to strict hygiene, quality control, and safety regulations, and updated its food safety plan to address H5N1 risks.
Prior to these events, Northwest Naturals also conducted a recall in February 2018 for 5lb frozen Chicken and Salmon pet food chubs due to potential Listeria monocytogenes contamination. This recall was also completed without reported illnesses. These recurring incidents underscore the inherent risks associated with raw pet food products and the continuous need for stringent safety protocols and regulatory oversight. Northwest Naturals maintains that its products are manufactured in USDA- and FDA-regulated facilities, adhering to high safety and quality standards, including the use of human-grade ingredients and comprehensive hazard analysis programs.
As of August 31, 2026, Northwest Naturals continues to operate, managing the recent Salmonella and Listeria recall. The company announced significant price increases starting in June 2026, citing rising costs across protein, freight, labor, packaging, and utilities, which they had absorbed for two years. Despite market rumors about the business's stability following these price adjustments, Northwest Naturals emphasizes its family-owned status and unwavering commitment to product quality and safety.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if Northwest Naturals Pet Food Recalls made different choices?