Viva Raw Recall, Explained: What Cat Owners Need to Do Right Now

❤ By Pawfect Cat Care Editorial Team • Updated: August 2025

⇒ About this guide: Written by the Pawfect Cat Care editorial team and fact-checked with reputable veterinary sources. Educational only—not a substitute for professional veterinary advice.

If raw food is part of your cat’s routine, you’ve probably seen the headlines about a late-August 2025 Viva Raw recall. This guide keeps things calm and practical: what’s affected, how to confirm your own packages, real risks for cats and people, and what to do next. You’ll also find safe interim feeding options and hygiene habits that actually help at home. By the end, you’ll feel informed—not overwhelmed.

Table of Contents

1. What’s Being Recalled (and Why)
2. How to Check Your Product & Lot Codes
3. Real Risks for Cats & People
4. Symptoms to Watch in Cats
5. Do This Now: A Safe, Simple Plan
6. Safer Feeding Alternatives (While Things Settle)
7. Raw-Handling Hygiene That Actually Works
8. FAQ: Your Common Questions, Answered

1) What’s Being Recalled (and Why)

In late August 2025, Viva Raw issued a voluntary recall covering specific lots of select chicken and beef products after routine testing flagged potential contamination with Salmonella and Listeria monocytogenes. Recalls like this are batch-specific, which means not all items from the brand are affected. The goal is to remove potentially contaminated products quickly while informing pet parents how to check their own food safely.

It helps to put this into context: raw pet foods—across many brands—are occasionally recalled because they’re minimally processed. That doesn’t make raw “bad” by definition, but it does mean handling matters and that lot codes are your best friend. When a recall happens, companies and regulators publish exact product names, package sizes, lot codes, and best-by dates so you can make a clear, fast decision for your household.

2) How to Check Your Product & Lot Codes

• Find the code: Look on the outer wrap or label for a lot/lot# plus a best-by date. Keep the packaging handy—your vet or the company may ask for a photo.
• Match the details: Compare your exact product name, protein, size, and lot code to the current recall bulletin and any brand updates.
• If it matches: Stop feeding immediately. Seal the food in a bag or rigid container away from other foods, then follow the disposal or refund instructions in the bulletin.
• If it doesn’t match: Your item isn’t part of the recall. You can continue feeding, but double-down on hygiene to protect your family (see Section 7).
• Still unsure? Contact the company’s customer support with photos of the label and lot code, or ask your veterinarian to review.

3) Real Risks for Cats & People

The two main concerns in raw recalls are Salmonella and Listeria monocytogenes. Cats exposed may develop gastrointestinal signs like vomiting, diarrhea, or low energy—some show no symptoms, which is why careful hygiene matters. Humans can be exposed while handling food, bowls, prepping areas, or even litter. Extra caution is wise in homes with children, older adults, pregnant people, or anyone immunocompromised.

Most healthy cats recover well with supportive care if they get sick, but early recognition helps. If you notice GI signs after your cat ate an affected lot, call your vet and mention the exact product and lot code. For background reading that keeps a level tone, your readers can also explore balanced pieces on this site comparing feeding styles: Raw vs. Ready-to-Eat: Evidence and Raw Food Diet: Pros & Cons.

4) Symptoms to Watch in Cats

• Vomiting or diarrhea (sometimes with mucus or blood)
• Lethargy, fever, hiding, or unusual sleepiness
• Reduced appetite, dehydration (tacky gums, less urine, sunken eyes)
• Sudden litter-box changes—very loose stool, strong odor, or much more frequent trips

If you see any of the above, call your veterinarian and say your cat may have eaten a recalled raw product. While you wait for guidance, keep your cat hydrated and stress-free. These companion guides on your site can help: Cat Urinary Health & Hydration and Cat Not Eating or Drinking? A Calm 48-Hour Plan.

5) Do This Now: A Safe, Simple Plan

1. Stop feeding affected lots immediately and keep them sealed and separate from human food.
2. Document labels and lot codes with clear photos; check the recall bulletin for disposal/refund instructions.
3. Disinfect bowls, scoops, mats, cutting boards, and fridge/freezer shelves: hot, soapy water first, then a pet-safe disinfectant.
4. Wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds after handling pet food, dishes, or litter.
5. Monitor your cat closely for 10–14 days. If symptoms appear or persist, call your vet promptly.

Need a temporary diet while things get sorted out? See Wet vs. Dry: Smart Mix and How Much Should My Cat Eat? for practical, low-stress choices that keep your cat nourished with fewer handling risks.

6) Safer Feeding Alternatives (While Things Settle)

You don’t have to abandon your nutrition philosophy to manage risk. Here are lower-risk ways to feed while a recall is active:

• Complete & balanced canned foods with named proteins and AAFCO compliance for your cat’s life stage.
• Lightly cooked fresh diets from brands that publish pathogen-testing protocols and batch results.
• Freeze-dried raw—reconstituted properly—handled like raw in the kitchen (dedicated tools, separate prep space, handwashing).

For more context on 2025 public-health topics and raw feeding, your readers can dive into: Raw Feeding & H5N1 Safety (2025) and The Truth About Raw Diets.

7) Raw-Handling Hygiene That Actually Works

• Thaw raw in the refrigerator inside a covered container—never on the counter. Keep it away from produce drawers.
• Use dedicated utensils and cutting boards for pet food; avoid cross-contamination with human meals.
• Store raw on the lowest fridge shelf to prevent drips; wipe shelves and handles regularly.
• Wash and dry bowls after every meal; sanitize silicone mats or run them through the dishwasher if safe.
• Clean litter boxes with gloves; wash hands afterward. Some pathogens can move from food to feces.

8) FAQ: Your Common Questions, Answered

Is all Viva Raw unsafe now?

No. Recalls are narrow by design and usually apply to specific lots with documented issues. If your lot code isn’t listed in the bulletin, it isn’t part of this recall. Keep practicing excellent hygiene either way.

Can I cook the recalled raw food to make it safe?

Don’t try to “fix” recalled food at home. Follow the official instructions for disposal or return, and switch to a safe alternative for now.

My cat ate the recalled product but seems okay. What should I do?

Monitor for GI signs, ensure hydration, and call your veterinarian if anything changes. For calm, step-by-step support, see Common Cat Health Problems and the hydration guide linked above.

⇛Related on Pawfect Cat Care: Wet vs Dry Cat Food • How Much Should My Cat Eat? • Raw vs Ready-to-Eat • Raw Feeding & H5N1 (2025) • Raw Diet Pros & Cons

This article is informational and not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. If you suspect illness, contact your veterinarian.

---

References

• FDA: Recalls & Withdrawals (Pet Food) — official recall listings and guidance.
• CDC: Salmonella & Pets — exposure, symptoms, and prevention.
• CDC: Listeria (Listeriosis) — risks, vulnerable groups, and hygiene tips.
• AVMA: Pet Food Safety — handling raw and cooked diets safely.
• Manufacturer communications and customer service notices related to the August 2025 recall (check packaging for lot codes and contact details).