If you grabbed a bag of kibble off the shelf this week, you probably assumed someone, somewhere, had signed off on its safety. It is a fair assumption — and in Australia, it is not quite true. Pet food here is largely self-policed, and a run of overseas recalls in 2026 has put the question back on the kitchen table: how do you actually know the food in your pet’s bowl is safe?
Here is a practical, no-panic guide for Aussie dog and cat owners on how pet food is regulated, what the warning signs look like, and the simple habits that lower your risk.
Australia’s pet food rules are mostly voluntary
Unlike the food we eat ourselves, pet food in Australia is not governed by a single mandatory safety law. The main reference point is the Australian Standard for the manufacture and marketing of pet food (AS 5812), but compliance with it is voluntary. Many reputable manufacturers choose to follow it; there is no blanket legal requirement forcing every producer to, and limited power to compel a recall if a product is found wanting.
This gap is not a fringe complaint. The RSPCA, the Australian Veterinary Association and the Pet Food Industry Association of Australia have all publicly called for mandatory, enforceable pet food standards. A 2018 Senate inquiry reached a similar conclusion. The shorthand: the experts who work with sick animals want stronger rules than the ones currently on the books.
Why it matters: a couple of hard lessons
Australia has already seen what happens when something slips through. Between 2017 and 2018, more than 100 dogs developed megaesophagus — a serious condition affecting the food pipe — in cases linked to a single dry dog food, with some animals unable to be saved. In a separate Victorian incident, a batch of unsafe pet food was connected to liver failure and a number of dog deaths.
More recently, 2026 has brought a string of overseas recalls of raw and dried pet foods over Salmonella and Listeria contamination. A sobering detail from those recalls: a pet can shed harmful bacteria and still look perfectly well, which is why contaminated food is a household hygiene issue, not just an animal one. None of this means most pet food is dangerous — the vast majority is fine — but it does explain why a bit of owner vigilance is worth it.
How to check your pet’s food is safe
You do not need to become a food scientist. A handful of habits cover most of the risk:
- Look for a complete and balanced statement. Quality foods state they are nutritionally complete for your pet’s life stage (puppy, adult, senior). If a label only says “complementary” or “for intermittent feeding,” it is not meant to be the whole diet.
- Check that the maker follows AS 5812. Reputable Australian brands often note compliance with the Australian Standard or PFIAA membership on the pack or their website. It is a useful, if voluntary, marker.
- Find the batch number and use-by date. Note them down when you open a new bag or carton. If a recall is announced, you will be able to check in seconds rather than guessing.
- Buy from sources you can trace. A clear manufacturer name, an Australian contact address and a customer line all make it easier to get answers if something goes wrong.
- Inspect each new bag. Off smells, mould, moisture, insects or split packaging are reasons to stop and return it.
Storing and handling food the safe way
How food is kept at home matters as much as how it was made. To keep it fresh and lower the chance of contamination:
- Store dry food in its original bag (the batch details and barrier lining live there), and if you decant, drop the whole bag into the container rather than tipping kibble straight in.
- Keep food sealed, cool and dry; heat and humidity speed up spoilage, which is worth remembering through a humid Aussie summer.
- Refrigerate opened wet food and discard leftovers in the bowl after a couple of hours.
- If you feed raw, treat it like raw meat for people: separate utensils and boards, wash hands and surfaces, and keep it away from young children and anyone unwell.
- Wash food and water bowls daily — a slimy bowl is a bacteria nursery.
What to do if you suspect a problem
If your dog or cat develops vomiting, diarrhoea, unusual drooling, regurgitation, low energy or loss of appetite after a new food or batch, stop feeding it and contact your vet. Bring the packaging, including the batch number and use-by date, as it can help with diagnosis and any reporting. Keep a sealed sample of the food if you can.
You can also report a suspected pet food problem to the PetFAST scheme (run jointly by the Australian Veterinary Association and the pet food industry), which collects vet-reported cases to flag emerging issues. Reporting helps the wider community, not just your own pet.
This article is general information only. For diagnosis or treatment specific to your pet, consult a licensed veterinarian.
Frequently asked questions
Is pet food regulated in Australia?
Only partly. There is an Australian Standard (AS 5812) for making and marketing pet food, but following it is voluntary rather than legally mandatory, and there is no single regulator with blanket power to force recalls. Major welfare and veterinary bodies have called for stronger, enforceable rules.
How do I find out if my pet’s food has been recalled?
Check the manufacturer’s website and social channels, and the ACCC Product Safety recalls list, then match the batch number and use-by date on your pack. Noting those details when you open a new bag makes this quick.
Is raw feeding safe for my dog or cat?
Raw diets can carry a higher risk of bacterial contamination such as Salmonella, both for pets and the people handling the food. If you choose to feed raw, strict hygiene and a balanced recipe are essential — and it is worth discussing with your vet first, especially in homes with young children, elderly or immune-compromised members.
What are the warning signs of a bad batch of food?
On the food: off or rancid smells, mould, moisture, insects or damaged packaging. In your pet: vomiting, diarrhoea, drooling, regurgitation, lethargy or a sudden refusal to eat after starting a new product. When in doubt, stop feeding it and ring your vet.
Key takeaways
- Australian pet food largely runs on a voluntary standard (AS 5812), and leading vet and welfare groups want mandatory rules.
- Past local incidents and 2026’s overseas recalls are a reminder to stay alert, not to panic — most food is safe.
- Note the batch number and use-by date of every new bag so you can check recalls fast.
- Store food properly, wash bowls daily, and handle raw food with people-grade hygiene.
- If food might be making your pet unwell, stop feeding it, keep the packaging, and see your vet — and consider reporting via PetFAST.
