32 Canadians sick, 8 hospitalized in growing salmonella outbreak linked to recalled dog food, treats
The latest salmonella outbreak being investigated in Canada is linked to dog food and treats. Dreamstime
Canada is seeing a rise in salmonella cases tied to dog food and treats, with the number of reported illnesses climbing to 32. Cases have been confirmed in Ontario, Alberta, British Columbia, and the Northwest Territories.
Eight people have been hospitalized so far. Public health officials say the actual number of Canadians affected is likely much higher. “Many people have mild symptoms and don’t see a doctor, so they aren’t tested,” the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) noted. Research suggests that for every reported case of salmonella, about 26 others go unreported.
Cases by Province
The latest figures, updated Nov. 5, show 15 cases in B.C., 14 in Alberta, two in Ontario, and one in the Northwest Territories. Illnesses occurred between mid-February and late September. Since the previous update on Oct. 22, one more person in B.C. has been confirmed sick, and another was hospitalized.
Among those sick, 59% are female. No deaths have been reported.
Connection to Dog Food and Treats
PHAC reports that many of those who fell ill had handled dog food or treats—including kibble, dehydrated, and freeze-dried products—before becoming sick. Dogs can carry salmonella without showing symptoms, and people can become infected through contact with their pets or pet products.
“Dog food and treats can be contaminated with bacteria, including salmonella, which can make both people and dogs sick,” PHAC stated.
Recalled Products
Certain Puppy Love and Puppy World brand dog treats have been linked to the outbreak. While a single supplier has not been identified as the source, Puppy Love Pet Products Inc. has voluntarily recalled several items sold between February and November 2025:
Puppy Love Beef Chew (4-pack)
Puppy Love Chicken Breast (120g, 300g)
Puppy Love Chicken Wing Tips (120g)
Puppy World Lamb Lung (150g, 340g, 454g)
Puppy Love “Jr Ribbon” Beef Treats (5-pack)
Puppy Love Canadian Beef Curly Treats (5-pack)
Public health officials warn that more illnesses may be reported, as symptoms can take 15 to 101 days to appear.
Another Outbreak Under Investigation
Canada is also investigating a separate salmonella outbreak linked to pistachios and products containing pistachios.
Symptoms and Risks
Most people recover from salmonella within a few days without treatment, but severe illness can occur, particularly in young children, older adults, pregnant individuals, and people with weakened immune systems.
Symptoms typically appear 6–72 hours after exposure and may include:
Chills
Fever
Nausea
Diarrhea
Vomiting
Stomach cramps
Sudden headache
While many recover fully, some cases require hospitalization or may lead to long-term health effects.
Reducing Your Risk
PHAC recommends the following precautions to prevent infection:
Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water after handling dog food, treats, or dogs.
Teach children proper handwashing after touching pets or pet products.
Sanitize containers, bowls, utensils, and surfaces that come into contact with dog food or treats.
Use separate dishes and utensils for pets and wash them separately.
Store dog food and treats away from human food and out of children’s reach.
Follow storage instructions on packaging, including refrigeration or freezing if required.
Check labels for ingredients, expiry dates, and whether the product is raw or cooked.
Wash hands after handling dogs or their waste.
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