Canada identifies likely source in ongoing Salmonella outbreak

Canada’s federal health agency has released an updated public health notice identifying a likely source in an ongoing Salmonella oranienburg outbreak in the country linked to contaminated dog food and treats. The agency found Salmonella in samples of a Puppy World dog treat product and various Puppy Love products, manufactured by Puppy Love Pet Products. The investigation is still ongoing.¹

In its most prior announcement, the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) had confirmed 27 cases of Salmonella infection in people.² As of October 16, 2025, federal health officials have confirmed an additional 4 cases, bringing the total number of illnesses to 31. Fourteen cases have been found in Alberta, 14 in British Columbia, 2 in Ontario, and 1 in the Northwest Territories. To date, 7 people have required hospitalization. Affected individuals are between the ages of 0 to 87, with 58% being female.

Health officials found the bacteria in the following samples, some of which are freeze-dried raw¹:

• Puppy World Lamb Lung treats (150 gram, 340 gram, and 454 gram bags)
• Puppy Love Chicken Wing Tip treats (120 gram bags)
• Puppy Love Chicken Breast treats (120 gram and 300 gram bags)
• Puppy Love Beef Chew 6-inch treats (Value pack, 4 pieces)
• Puppy Love "Twisty Jr." beef treats (Value pack, 5 pieces)

“Additional sources of the outbreak may be identified,” said PHAC in its announcement, adding that it will provide updates as the investigation evolves.

According to the agency, affected individuals fell ill between mid-February and late-September 2025. PHAC said more recent cases may continue to be reported during the outbreak, as the reporting period for when a person becomes ill and when the illness is reported to public health officials for the current outbreak is between 15 and 101 days.

“This notice only includes laboratory-confirmed cases. The actual number of sick people in Canada is likely much higher,” PHAC said.¹ “Many people have mild symptoms and don't go to the doctor, so they aren't tested. Researchers estimate that for each case of Salmonella reported to public health, there are 26 more cases that are not reported.”

Officials have not identified a single common supplier of dog food or treats responsible for the illnesses reported in the outbreak, but say the aforementioned Puppy Love and Puppy World brand dog treats have been found as a likely source for some of the illnesses reported in the outbreak.

To minimize likelihood of infection from contact with a dog, their food, or treats, PHAC advises caregivers to¹:

• Always wash their hands immediately after handling any type of dog food or treat.
• Educating children to thoroughly wash their hands every time after touching dogs, their food or treats.
• Washing and sanitizing containers, utensils and surfaces that have come into contact with dog food or treats before using them again, including bowls, countertops, microwaves, and refrigerators.
• Using dedicated bowls and utensils for their dog and washing them separately from other dishes and utensils.
• Storing all dog food and treats away from where human food is stored or prepared and out of reach from young children.
• Picking up food and treats containers when the pet is finished.
• Follow dog food and treat storage instructions according to the packaging.
• Reading the labels on the food to learn if when the product expires and if the food is cooked or raw. Raw pet food and treats may be fresh, frozen, dehydrated or freeze-dried.
• Washing hands after handling dog waste.

References

1. Public health notice: outbreak of Salmonella infections linked to dog food and treats. News release. Public Health Agency of Canada. October 16, 2025. Accessed October 17, 2025. https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/public-health-notices/2025/outbreak-salmonella-infections-dog-food-treats.html
2. Bautista-Alejandre A. Canada faces Salmonella outbreak linked to dog food and treats. dvm360. September 17, 2025. Accessed October 17, 2025. https://www.dvm360.com/view/canada-faces-salmonella-outbreak-linked-to-dog-food-and-treats