Utah pet food company recalls freeze-dried cat food over low vitamin B1 levels
By lauraharris // 2026-02-20
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  • Go Raw LLC recalled one lot of its freeze-dried Quest Cat Food after discovering it may contain low levels of thiamine (Vitamin B1), according to a notice published by the FDA.
  • The recall affects 10-ounce bags (lot code C25288, Best Buy Oct. 15, 2027) distributed in 10 states; one cat illness was reported and the animal has recovered.
  • Thiamine deficiency can cause gastrointestinal and neurological symptoms in cats, including appetite loss, vomiting, weight loss, weakness and seizures, but is typically reversible with prompt treatment.
  • The Schwarzman Animal Medical Center says deficiency may result from poor diet, kidney disease or consuming raw fish containing thiaminase, an enzyme that destroys thiamine.
  • A 2013 study in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association found that diet composition and canned food processing, which can reduce thiamine by more than 50%, may also increase the risk.
A Utah pet food manufacturer has recalled one lot of its freeze-dried cat food after discovering the product may contain low levels of Vitamin B1. Go Raw LLC announced that it is voluntarily recalling a single lot of its Quest Cat Food Chicken Recipe Freeze Dried Nugget product due to potentially insufficient levels of thiamine, also known as Vitamin B1. The recall notice was published Feb. 17 by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The recall applies to 10-ounce bags marked with lot code C25288 and a "Best Buy" date of Oct. 15, 2027. The product was distributed through retail stores in Colorado, Utah, Washington, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Michigan, California, Texas and Illinois. Thiamine is an essential nutrient for cats. According to the company, prolonged consumption of food deficient in Vitamin B1 can lead to gastrointestinal and neurological symptoms. Early signs of deficiency may include decreased appetite, excessive salivation, vomiting, weight loss and failure to grow. In more advanced cases, cats may experience neurological issues such as neck weakness, mental dullness, vision problems, unsteady walking, circling, falling or seizures. Go Raw advised pet owners to stop feeding the recalled product immediately and return it to the place of purchase for a full refund. The company also urged customers to contact a veterinarian right away if their cat shows symptoms, noting that thiamine deficiency is typically reversible when treated promptly. The company reported receiving one confirmed illness linked to the affected lot. The cat was treated by a veterinarian and has since recovered. Testing conducted on the product submitted by the treating veterinarian indicated thiamine levels below the required amounts for a feline diet. Subsequent company testing confirmed the lot may not meet nutritional standards. Go Raw said it has implemented corrective measures to prevent the issue from recurring.

Experts warn diet, raw fish and canned food processing can trigger thiamine deficiency in cats

Veterinary experts say thiamine deficiency in cats can develop for several reasons, including inadequate dietary intake. In a March 2013 post, the Schwarzman Animal Medical Center explained that thiamine is essential to feline health and must be supplied through diet. A deficiency can occur when cats do not consume enough of the vitamin, as in cases where pet food contains insufficient levels. Because thiamine is water-soluble, excess amounts are excreted in urine. Cats with kidney disease may lose more thiamine than normal, increasing their risk of deficiency, the center noted. Dietary choices can also play a role. Cats fed raw fish or shellfish may ingest thiaminase, an enzyme that breaks down thiamine in the body and can deplete natural stores of the vitamin. Additional risk factors were outlined in a 2013 study published in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association. Researchers found that diet composition can influence thiamine requirements. Cats fed high-protein, high-fat diets may have lower thiamine needs, while those consuming carbohydrate-rich diets may require higher levels of the vitamin. The study also examined the impact of canned food processing. Canned food production involves grinding, mixing, sealing and sterilizing the product. While sterilization is necessary to eliminate harmful bacteria, thiamine is sensitive to heat. Losses of more than 50% of thiamine content can occur during processing, researchers said. Additionally, some canned diets contain alkalinizing gelling agents that can alter pH levels and affect thiamine availability. Overall, BrightU.AI's Enoch suggests that cat owners must ensure their pets receive a balanced diet that meets established nutritional standards. Cat owners must also consult a veterinarian if signs of deficiency appear. Watch this video to learn what your pets should eat. This video is from The Reality of Health channel on Brighteon.com. Sources include: TheEpochTimes.com Newsweek.com BrightU.ai Brighteon.com
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