A nationwide recall has been issued for a popular dog treat due to potential contamination with *Salmonella*, a bacterium that can cause serious illness in both pets and their owners. The recall announced by Best Buy Bones, Inc. covers its Nature’s Own Pet Chews Bully Bites Treats. This action, dated October 3, 2025, underscores a persistent challenge in the pet food industry, where pathogens can pose a significant cross-contamination risk to households.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has publicized the voluntary recall, highlighting the potential for widespread distribution of the affected product. *Salmonella* contamination in pet products is a serious public health concern because the bacteria can easily spread from the food to pets, and then to people who handle the food or interact with the animal. This recall is part of a larger pattern of similar events in the pet food industry, where manufacturers, in cooperation with regulatory bodies, act to remove potentially harmful products from the market to prevent outbreaks of foodborne illness.
Details of the Nationwide Recall
The recall initiated by Best Buy Bones, Inc. specifically targets the company’s Nature’s Own Pet Chews Bully Bites Treats. The action was taken in response to the potential for the treats to be contaminated with *Salmonella*. While the full scope of the distribution has not been detailed, such recalls are often national in scale, affecting products sold through various retail channels and online stores. Consumers who have purchased this product are strongly advised to cease feeding it to their pets immediately.
The FDA lists this as a “Potential Foodborne illness” recall, a category that triggers specific protocols for consumer notification and product removal. Companies typically issue guidance on how to identify affected lots, often through date codes or other packaging identifiers. Pet owners are encouraged to check the packaging of any Nature’s Own Pet Chews Bully Bites Treats they may have and dispose of them safely if they match the recall description.
Understanding the Salmonella Threat
Salmonella is a genus of bacteria that is a common cause of foodborne illness, often referred to as salmonellosis. It can contaminate a wide range of food products, including raw meats and pet foods. The bacteria can survive for extended periods on dry surfaces, making contaminated dry pet foods and treats a persistent source of infection within a home. The primary route of transmission is through ingestion of contaminated material.
Risks to Canine Companions
Dogs infected with *Salmonella* may not always appear sick, but they can still carry and shed the bacteria, posing a risk to other animals and humans in the household. When symptoms do appear, they can include lethargy, diarrhea (which may be bloody), fever, and vomiting. In more severe cases, pets can experience loss of appetite, abdominal pain, and other more serious complications. Pet owners who notice these symptoms after their dog has consumed a recalled product should contact their veterinarian for guidance and treatment.
Human Health Implications
The risk to humans from contaminated pet food is significant and often underestimated. People can become infected by handling the contaminated pet food or treats and then touching their mouths or food. They can also get sick from contact with an infected pet or its feces. Symptoms of salmonellosis in people include diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps. While most people recover without specific treatment, the infection can be more severe in young children, the elderly, and individuals with weakened immune systems. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has previously investigated outbreaks of human *Salmonella* infections linked to contaminated pet food.
Official Public Health Recommendations
In response to recalls of this nature, the FDA provides clear instructions for consumers to mitigate the risk of infection. The primary recommendation is to immediately stop feeding the recalled product to pets and to dispose of it in a secure container that prevents other animals from accessing it. It is also crucial to thoroughly wash hands with soap and water after handling any recalled pet food products.
Furthermore, any surfaces that the pet food may have come into contact with, including bowls, utensils, and storage containers, should be cleaned and disinfected. This helps to prevent cross-contamination to other foods and surfaces within the home. If a pet has consumed the recalled product, owners should monitor both their pet and their family members for any signs of illness and seek medical or veterinary care as appropriate.
Broader Context of Pet Food Safety
This recall is one of many that have occurred in the pet food industry over the years, highlighting ongoing challenges in ensuring the safety of pet food products. The FDA regulates pet food and can issue recalls, though many are initiated voluntarily by the manufacturing firms themselves. These recalls can be triggered by a variety of issues, including bacterial contamination, the presence of foreign objects, or incorrect levels of nutrients.
Past incidents have involved other major brands and types of pet food, from dry kibble to raw food diets. For instance, in late 2023, Mid America Pet Food recalled multiple brands of dog and cat food due to a *Salmonella* contamination that was linked to human illnesses. Similarly, Viva Raw issued a recall in August 2025 for some of its raw pet food products due to potential contamination with both *Salmonella* and *Listeria monocytogenes*. These events underscore the importance of robust quality control and testing measures throughout the pet food production process to protect both animal and human health.