Tainted treats and pet food may harm more than your favorite four-legged friend, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration cautions.

Pet foods contaminated with bacteria can harm people, the agency said. Salmonella is one particular threat from tainted pet food.

“We hope to help minimize the incidence of food-borne illness associated with pet foods and treats,” said Renate Reimschuessel, head of the FDA’s Veterinary Laboratory Investigation and Response Network.

The FDA’s findings are the result of a study conducted with help from 11 veterinary labs nationwide. More than 3,000 dogs and cats were tested, with less than 100 testing positive for salmonella. However, half the dogs with salmonella showed no symptoms.

The FDA offers the following recommendations to decrease your chances of buying contaminated pet food

-Feed pets in routinely cleaned and sanitized spaces

-Wash your hands immediately after handling pet foods

-Use only specific utensils for pet foods

-Wash surfaces that come into contact with pet foods

-Keep dry pet foods in a sealed container in a cool, dry place

-Never buy pet food in dented cans or damaged packaging