A popular brand of dog treats sold across several Midwestern states has been recalled after federal health officials found potential salmonella contamination that could endanger both pets and their owners. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a public warning this week, urging consumers to stop using and immediately discard the affected products.
Best Buy Bones Inc., an all-natural pet treat manufacturer based in Mount Morris, Michigan, voluntarily recalled four lots of its Nature’s Own Pet Chews Bully Bites. According to the FDA’s statement released on October 3, the recall involves one-pound packages of the treats distributed through Minnesota and sold in retail stores throughout Wisconsin and nearby regions. The products were packaged in 16-ounce bags and carried an expiration date of September 2027.
The contamination was discovered during a routine inspection on September 11, when FDA samples of the product tested positive for salmonella. Following the confirmation of contamination, the company immediately halted production and distribution of the affected items. Health authorities are continuing to investigate the source of the contamination and to verify whether other batches may have been exposed to similar risks.
Officials warned that salmonella bacteria can cause serious health problems in both animals and humans. Dogs consuming contaminated treats may develop lethargy, vomiting, fever, and diarrhea, which can sometimes contain blood. In certain cases, infected dogs may show only mild symptoms such as a lack of appetite or abdominal discomfort but can still spread the bacteria to other animals and people.
Humans can also be infected through direct contact with the contaminated products, especially if they fail to wash their hands properly after handling the treats or touching surfaces exposed to them. The FDA emphasized that people with weakened immune systems, young children, and the elderly face a higher risk of severe infection. Symptoms in humans may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and fever. In rare cases, salmonella can lead to serious complications such as arterial infections, endocarditis, or arthritis.
The FDA urged anyone who purchased the recalled products after September 23 to return them to the place of purchase or safely dispose of them to ensure that children, pets, and wildlife cannot access them. Consumers were also advised not to sell or donate the recalled products. “Do not feed the recalled product to pets or any other animals,” the agency cautioned. “Wash and sanitize pet food bowls, measuring cups, and storage containers, and always ensure your hands and any utensils or surfaces exposed to the product are thoroughly cleaned.”
Best Buy Bones stated it is cooperating fully with the FDA and local health officials. The company has ceased production of the specific lot numbers involved and is conducting an internal review of its quality control processes. The firm has also committed to enhancing safety testing protocols to prevent future contamination incidents.
As of now, there have been no reported illnesses in dogs or humans linked to the recalled batches. However, the FDA has continued to monitor the situation as part of its ongoing investigation. Veterinary experts recommend that pet owners who suspect their animals may have consumed the affected treats seek immediate medical advice. Early intervention, they said, can prevent complications and stop further spread of the infection.
Salmonella contamination in pet food products has been a recurring concern for health authorities, as it poses a dual threat to animal welfare and human health. The FDA continues to stress the importance of maintaining strict hygiene practices when handling pet food, treats, or any related products. Consumers are encouraged to stay alert for future recall notices and to report any adverse reactions in pets to the FDA’s consumer complaint system.
The Nature’s Own Pet Chews Bully Bites recall serves as another reminder of the ongoing vigilance required in pet food safety. With pet ownership continuing to rise across the United States, ensuring the integrity of animal products remains a key responsibility shared by manufacturers, regulators, and consumers alike.
