An investigation in Canada identified raw meat diets for dogs as a source of antibiotic-resistant Salmonella from 2021 to 2023. Public health and food safety officials analyzed genomic surveillance data in Quebec covering human clinical, animal health and food inspection samples from 2021 to 2023. The investigators identified the type of Salmonella involved, called 4,[5],12:i:-, as a strain that has evolved to survive treatments that would normally stop the infection or kill the bacteria on surfaces. In total, 20 people became ill during this outbreak from 2021 to 2023, half of them babies or toddlers under the age of two. The majority of these young children had contact with dogs that were fed raw meat, and many of those dogs appeared healthy. However, the dogs may have been silently carrying and shedding the bacteria.
The bacteria were found not just in humans, but in several sources linked to animals and food. Investigators detected the same strain in veal calves from multiple farms, in dogs, in raw pet food made from beef and chicken, and even in one moose and a piglet. Most of the calves were from farms where the animals had died despite being treated with antibiotics, showing how resistant this strain had become.
Dog owners who prepared or served raw meat diets, including beef, veal or chicken, were more likely to report illness in their households. In one home, both an infant and the family dog tested positive for the same strain, clearly linking the pet’s food to the child’s infection. In many of the cases studied, children were exposed by playing near pet food bowls, coming into contact with saliva or feces from dogs, or simply being in a home where raw meat-based pet diets were handled without careful sanitation.
The investigators performed antimicrobial susceptibility testing, whole‑genome sequencing, phylogenetic and comparative genomic analyses to identify the strain. The investigation included regional public health exposure questionnaires. The study was published in the journal Nature: Communications Medicine.
Why this strain is a concern to the pet food industry
This particular strain of Salmonella is what scientists call “extensively drug-resistant,” meaning it can withstand treatment from nearly all antibiotics typically used for foodborne illness. In one case, an infant had to be treated with a last-resort intravenous antibiotic reserved for the most serious infections.
What makes this strain even more alarming is that the bacteria have picked up special genes that allow them to resist not just antibiotics, but also metals and disinfectants used in cleaning meat-processing equipment. This may allow them to survive and spread in farms, factories and even homes, despite efforts to keep surfaces clean.
People most at risk include infants, pregnant women, older adults and anyone with a weakened immune system.
31 sick, 7 hospitalized in Canada from Salmonella-contaminated dog treats in 2025
In 2025, another Salmonella outbreak occurred in Canada. A public health notice issued October 16 warned of an ongoing Salmonella outbreak linked to dog food and treats in Canada, according to the Public Health Agency (PHAC) of Canada.
The outbreak has sickened 31 people across four provinces and territories, with seven requiring hospitalization. No deaths have been reported. Cases have been identified in Alberta (14), British Columbia (14), Ontario (2) and Northwest Territories (1).
No recall issued
PHAC identified exposure to certain Puppy Love and Puppy World brand dog treats as a likely source for some illnesses. Salmonella was detected in samples of 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, four pieces) and Puppy Love "Twisty Jr." beef treats (value pack, five pieces).
No recall has been issued.
According to the PHAC, people became sick between mid-February and late-September 2025. Many reported handling dog food and treats before falling sick. A single common supplier has not been identified as the outbreak source.
More recent illnesses may continue to be reported in the outbreak because there is a period between when a person becomes ill and when the illness is reported to public health officials. For this outbreak, the illness reporting period 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. 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.
The investigation remains active, and officials said additional outbreak sources may be identified. The public health notice will be updated as the investigation progresses.
