Blue Ridge Dog Food Recalled Due to Salmonella Risk – What You Need to Know & Safe Alternatives
Blue Ridge Beef has recalled 5,700 pounds of its Natural Mix dog food due to potential salmonella contamination, according to a notice from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The affected product was distributed in retail stores across eight states between January 3 and January 24, 2025.
Both pets and humans are at risk from exposure to the contaminated food, making this recall an important issue for dog owners.
What Dog Food Is Being Recalled?
The recall applies specifically to Blue Ridge Beef 2-pound log Natural Mix, which is packaged in clear plastic. If you have purchased this product, check for the following details:
Lot Number: N25/12/31 (stamped on the clips at the ends of the bag)
UPC Code: 854298001054
States Where It Was Sold: Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Massachusetts, New York, Tennessee, and Rhode Island
This is the second recall from Blue Ridge Beef in recent months. In December, the company recalled its Puppy Mix product, also sold in 2-pound logs, due to safety concerns.
Why Is This Recall Concerning?
Salmonella is a bacteria that can cause serious illness in both dogs and humans. Dogs that consume contaminated food may experience symptoms such as:
Diarrhea (sometimes with blood)
Vomiting
Lethargy
Fever
Loss of appetite
Abdominal pain
Not all dogs will show obvious signs of illness, but they can still carry and spread the bacteria, putting other animals and humans in the household at risk.
For humans, salmonella infection typically causes:
Fever
Diarrhea
Nausea and vomiting
Stomach cramps
In more severe cases, the infection can spread beyond the digestive system and require hospitalization. Young children, elderly individuals, and people with weakened immune systems are at greater risk of complications.
What Should Pet Owners Do?
If you have this product in your home, the FDA advises that you:
Stop feeding it to your dog immediately and dispose of it in a sealed plastic bag.
Thoroughly wash and disinfect pet bowls, food storage containers, and any surfaces that may have come into contact with the food.
Wash your hands with soap and water after handling the product.
Monitor your pet for any signs of illness and contact a veterinarian if symptoms appear.
Consumers who purchased the recalled food can return it to the place of purchase or dispose of it safely. For questions, Blue Ridge Beef can be reached at blueridgebeefnc@yahoo.com or 704-873-2072.
Safe Alternatives to Consider
If you're looking for a safer alternative to Blue Ridge Beef products, here are some widely available, well-trusted brands:
Fresh or Frozen Dog Food:
The Farmer’s Dog – Vet-developed fresh meals delivered to your door.
JustFoodForDogs – Fresh, whole-food meals with USDA-certified ingredients.
Ollie – High-quality, customizable fresh dog food.
Nom Nom – Personalized fresh meals with premium ingredients.
Raw Dog Food (With Strict Safety Standards):
Instinct Raw – Raw frozen and freeze-dried meals with rigorous safety testing.
Stella & Chewy’s – Freeze-dried raw meals and raw-coated kibble.
Primal Pet Foods – High-quality raw options with strict pathogen control.
High-Quality Kibble and Canned Food:
Purina Pro Plan – Vet-recommended kibble with real meat as the first ingredient.
Hill’s Science Diet – Popular vet-formulated kibble for all life stages.
Royal Canin – Breed-specific and veterinary diet formulas with strict quality control.
Blue Buffalo – Natural kibble with high-quality ingredients and no artificial additives.
When selecting a new dog food, always check for past recalls, research the brand’s safety protocols, and transition your dog’s diet gradually to prevent digestive issues.
Consumers who purchased the recalled food can return it to the place of purchase or dispose of it safely. For questions, Blue Ridge Beef can be reached at blueridgebeefnc@yahoo.com or 704-873-2072.
Pet food recalls serve as a reminder of the importance of checking product labels and staying updated on potential health risks. Regularly reviewing recall notices can help pet owners ensure their dog’s food is safe and free from harmful contaminants.
