Canada expands dog treat recall: Puppy Love and Puppy World products linked to salmonella outbreak — What pet owners need to know

The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) has issued an expanded recall of Puppy Love and Puppy World dog treats, warning pet owners in Ontario, British Columbia, Alberta, and the Northwest Territories to immediately stop using the affected products following a growing salmonella outbreak.

The recall now covers multiple provinces after two confirmed cases of infection in Ontario were reported. In total, 32 people across Canada have fallen ill, including eight hospitalizations, with health authorities linking the outbreak to contaminated pet treats and food.

Officials urge consumers to dispose of all recalled items immediately by placing them in household garbage — not recycling or compost — to avoid potential contamination.

Details of the Recall

The recall, voluntarily initiated by Puppy Love Pet Products Inc., includes several treat varieties sold between February and November 2025 across Canada.

Recalled products include:

• Puppy Love Beef Chew (4 pack)

• Puppy Love Chicken Breast (120g, 300g)

  
  
  

• Puppy Love Chicken Wing Tips (120g)

• Puppy Love “Jr Ribbon” Beef Treats (5 pack)

• Puppy Love Canadian Beef Curly Treats (5 pack)

• Puppy World Lamb Lung (150g, 340g, 454g)

According to Health Canada, about 22,300 units of these products were distributed nationwide. The packaging is described as black and red for Puppy Love and black and green for Puppy World.

Health Risks and Transmission

The salmonella bacteria can spread easily from animals to humans, particularly when handling contaminated pet food or treats. Even if pets appear healthy, they can carry and transmit the infection through contact or waste.

Health Canada warns that humans may develop symptoms such as:

• Nausea and vomiting

• Abdominal cramps

  
  
  

• Diarrhea

• Fever

In more severe cases, infection can lead to arterial infections, endocarditis, arthritis, urinary tract issues, or eye irritation.

“People showing these symptoms after contact with the affected products or pets should contact their healthcare provider,” the agency advised.

Similarly, dogs exposed to contaminated treats may show symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, fever, or loss of appetite. Pet owners are urged to seek veterinary attention immediately if these symptoms appear.

How to Stay Safe

Health authorities recommend that pet owners:

1. Avoid feeding the recalled treats to pets under any circumstances.

2. Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water after handling pet food or treats.

3. Clean and disinfect surfaces, containers, and feeding areas that may have come into contact with the recalled items.

4. Dispose of products safely in sealed household garbage.

While the company has cooperated with authorities and initiated a voluntary recall, the salmonella outbreak investigation remains ongoing to ensure contaminated products are fully removed from circulation.

FAQs

1. Which products are affected by the recall?
Six products from the Puppy Love and Puppy World brands, including beef, chicken, and lamb-based treats sold between February and November 2025.

2. Why are these products being recalled?
They may be contaminated with salmonella, which can infect both humans and pets.

3. Can I still handle the treats with gloves?
No. Authorities recommend immediate disposal — handling contaminated treats poses a health risk even with gloves.

4. What should I do if my pet has eaten these treats?
Monitor for symptoms such as vomiting, fever, or loss of appetite and contact your veterinarian immediately.

5. How many people have been affected so far?
As of this week, 32 people have fallen ill and 8 have been hospitalized in connection with the outbreak.