Dog food linked to B.C. salmonella outbreak recalled

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C.  — Dog treats which have been linked to an outbreak of salmonella around B.C., including one patient in the Northern Health region, have been recalled. 

Although no single brand has been identified as the sole source of infections, the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) has linked some Puppy Love Pet Products to salmonella poisoning cases.

On Tuesday, October 28th, the company voluntarily recalled some of its Puppy Love and Puppy World items, sold between February and October this year:

• Puppy Love beef chew (four pack)
• Puppy Love chicken breast (120g, 300g)
• Puppy Love chicken wing tips (120g)
• Puppy World lamb lung (150g, 340g, 454g)

There are 15 confirmed patients in B.C. That is the largest outbreak in any one province, and one more case since the latest update two weeks ago, reported in the Fraser Health region.

Additionally, three patients have been treated by Interior Health, three by Island Health, two by Vancouver Coastal Health and one by Northern Health. 

The number of cases has been steadily rising since September, when the BC Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC) reported 12 infections between February and August 2025.

Although there have only been 32 cases confirmed by a laboratory across the nation, PHAC says the actual number is likely much higher because most infected people don’t go to the doctor. For each case reported to public health, PHAC says it expects around 26 unrecorded cases.

This means the number of cases in B.C. could be nearing 400, with 26 in Northern Health’s region.

PHAC has urged people to always practice “good hand hygiene” – including frequent washing – after contact with dogs or their food.

It also encourages dog owners to thoroughly wash containers and bowls, use dedicated dishes and utensils when serving dog food and follow storage instructions on packets so the products do not spoil. 

Symptoms of salmonella, which usually start within 72 hours of infection, include chills, fever, nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, stomach cramps and sudden headache. 

While salmonella often clears up on its own in a week or less, it can be a serious illness needing hospitalization. This is especially for older people, young children, pregnant women and those with weakened immune systems. 

In this recent outbreak, there have been eight hospitalizations and no reported deaths in Canada.

PHAC says anyone who has the recalled dog treats should throw them away. For more information, visit the government’s recalls page here.