Updated August 12, 2026
As a result of an ongoing regulatory disagreement, Darwin’s is now responding to legal action by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Together with our legal counsel we will defend our manufacturing practices and continue making high-quality, safe raw pet food, while complying with applicable laws.
We are sharing this information because, in addition to supporting the health and wellbeing of the pets we serve, we are committed to transparent communication with the Darwin’s community.
Below are answers to potential questions you may have about this situation. If you need further information, please don't hesitate to contact us.
What is happening?
On Friday, August 7, 2026, the FDA filed a complaint against Darwin’s asking the court to limit Darwin’s ability to make and distribute our raw pet food. We strongly disagree with the FDA’s allegations and will vigorously defend the case.
Over decades, Darwin’s has maintained a focus and belief in the benefits of raw pet food while navigating an FDA regulatory environment that is designed for humans, not for pets. Predictably, this has been a source of friction between us and the agency, even though we have always followed rigorous quality and safety procedures.
What are the allegations the FDA is making about Darwin’s?
The complaint consists of allegations made over the past several years, which Darwin’s has addressed from an operational perspective or otherwise disputes, and communicated to our customers and community members.
We encourage customers to continue following good hygiene practices by thoroughly washing hands, food prep surfaces, and your pet’s feeding bowl after each meal — the same standard of hygiene you'd use to prepare raw meats for yourself.
How is Darwin’s complying with FDA requirements?
In June 2026, Darwin’s commissioned an outside food safety consultant to review our Environmental Program, Food Safety Plan, Good Manufacturing Practices, PAA Program, Sanitation Program, and Supply Chain Program.
Based on its review and evaluation, the consultant found that Darwin’s Food Safety Plan and documents are “consistent with the requirements” of the FDA’s Current Good Manufacturing Practices Hazard Analysis, and Risk Based Preventive Controls for Food for Animals.
What does this mean for the safety of Darwin’s products?
We have always taken compliance with FDA’s food safety requirements very seriously and have significant manufacturing controls in place to ensure the quality of our products.
A third-party independent review has validated our rigorous methodology to ensure the safety and quality of our food. You can read more about our safety standards here: https://www.darwinspet.com/pages/safety
As always, for humans we encourage safe food handling practices in the households we serve, including washing hands after handling any raw meats intended for pets or humans.
Will Darwin’s be changing anything about its meal preparation?
At Darwin’s, continuous improvement is part of our DNA—we’re always exploring new ways to deliver raw food that our customers can feel good about feeding their pets for a lifetime.
With that in mind, we will continue working to meet stringent regulatory requirements without compromising our values or affecting your choice to continue feeding raw food to your pets.
What are Darwin’s existing safety and quality practices?
Darwin’s is confident our meals are safe. Our rigorous sourcing and manufacturing protocols protect product quality while preserving the beneficial bacteria essential to pets’ gut and immune health. We use only high‑quality ingredients, sourcing all proteins from facilities that meet or exceed USDA standards.
Along with a strict vendor approval program, all products receive an antimicrobial treatment before production to reduce pathogens. We have also been evaluating additional pathogen‑control methods that could further enhance our process, while maintaining the nutritional integrity of our ingredients.
A third-party independent review has validated our rigorous methodology to ensure the safety and quality of our food, which you can read more about here: https://www.darwinspet.com/pages/safety
As always, for humans we encourage safe food handling practices in the households we serve, including washing hands after handling any raw meats intended for pets or humans.
What will happen next?
Together with our legal counsel, we are preparing to respond to the FDA’s complaint while continuing to manufacture nutritious, high-quality true raw pet food.
We will communicate transparently with the Darwin’s community throughout this process, and we will update this page with new developments, when appropriate.
Are Darwin’s meals safe to feed my pet?
Yes. Darwin’s is confident that our meals are safe (although occasional digestive issues may occur with any pet food). Our rigorous sourcing and manufacturing protocols protect product quality while preserving the beneficial bacteria essential to pets’ gut and immune health. We use only high‑quality ingredients, sourcing all proteins from facilities that meet or exceed USDA standards.
A third-party independent review has validated our rigorous methodology to ensure the safety and quality of our food. You can read more about our safety standards here: https://www.darwinspet.com/pages/safety
Is Darwin’s being shut down?
No. Darwin’s continues to provide safe, healthy meals to thousands of pet owners. We are prepared to defend Darwin’s against any claims that question the underlying safety of our pet food.
Is Darwin’s food being recalled?
No. Darwin’s continues to provide our safe, healthy meals to thousands of pet owners around the country.
Should I cook Darwin’s food?
Darwin’s is confident that our meals are safe (although occasional digestive issues may occur with any pet food). If you have been feeding Darwin’s raw food to your pet, you should feel safe to continue doing so.
Our rigorous sourcing and manufacturing protocols protect product quality while preserving the beneficial bacteria essential to pets’ gut and immune health. We use only high-quality ingredients, sourcing all proteins from facilities that meet or exceed USDA standards.
We encourage customers to continue following good hygiene practices by thoroughly washing hands, food prep surfaces, and your pet’s feeding bowl after each meal — the same standard of hygiene you'd use to prepare raw meats for yourself.
Are Darwin’s products still being sold?
Yes. Darwin’s will continue providing safe, healthy meals to thousands of customers. Our products are available for purchase online at darwinspet.com
If I purchased Darwin’s products prior to the FDA complaint, are they still safe for my pet to consume?
Yes. Darwin’s is confident that our meals are — and always have been — safe for pets to consume. As always, please continue to follow Darwin’s hygiene guidelines and keep food frozen and sanitize all items used in preparation.
