Key Takeaways
- Quest Cat Food expanded its thiamine deficiency recall from freeze-dried to include frozen products after initial February recall.
- Elite Treats recalled chicken chips for dogs due to possible Salmonella contamination in 6-bag packaging.
- Young Again Core Health Dog Food voluntarily recalled two SKUs after presumptive positive Salmonella test results.
- FDA issued advisory against feeding Raaw Energy Dog Food after testing found Salmonella, Listeria, E. coli, and Campylobacter.
- Gold Star Distribution recalled all FDA-regulated products including pet food due to rodent and bird contamination at storage facility.
Multiple pet food manufacturers have issued recalls or faced FDA advisories in recent months, highlighting ongoing contamination risks in both dog and cat food products across freeze-dried, frozen, and raw food categories.
The most significant expansion involves Go Raw LLC’s Quest Cat Food, which broadened its voluntary recall beyond the initial February 17 freeze-dried products to include frozen varieties due to potentially dangerous thiamine (Vitamin B1) deficiency levels.
Quest Cat Food Thiamine Crisis
Go Raw LLC initially recalled one lot of Quest Cat Food Chicken Recipe freeze-dried nuggets (lot #C25288) on February 17, 2026. The company expanded the recall on February 26 to include specific lots of frozen Chicken Recipe products, including lots MCD25350 and MCC25321.
Thiamine deficiency poses serious risks to cats, which cannot produce adequate B1 levels independently. Even short-term deficiency can cause severe neurological problems, loss of appetite, and coordination issues. One cat owner reported her Siamese became wobbly and stopped eating after consuming affected freeze-dried food for several days.
The company has halted sales of all Quest products until the manufacturing issue is resolved. The recall affects products distributed nationwide, requiring pet owners to check lot codes and best-by dates on any Quest products in their homes.
Bacterial Contamination Concerns
Elite Treats recalled chicken chips for dogs on February 24, 2026, due to possible Salmonella contamination. The recall affects a single lot in 6-bag packaging, but Salmonella presents risks to both pets and humans handling the treats.
Young Again initiated a voluntary recall on February 18 for two SKUs of Core Health Dog Food Medium-Large Dog & Puppy Formula in 10-pound and 25-pound bags with best-by dates of October 28, 2026. The action followed presumptive positive Salmonella test results.
FDA Advisory for Raaw Energy
The FDA issued an advisory in January 2026 warning pet owners against feeding eight lots of Raaw Energy Dog Food after samples tested positive for multiple dangerous pathogens including Salmonella, Listeria monocytogenes, E. coli, and Campylobacter.
Notably, Raaw Energy has not issued a full voluntary recall despite FDA requests. The affected products include Chicken Medley and Salmon varieties sold in tubes. The company’s refusal to recall products despite confirmed contamination represents an unusual stance in the pet food industry.
Widespread Distribution Facility Contamination
Gold Star Distribution, Inc. announced a comprehensive recall of all FDA-regulated products stored at its facility due to insanitary conditions including rodent excreta, rodent urine, and bird droppings in storage areas.
The recall encompasses all products held at the facility: drugs, medical devices, cosmetics, dietary supplements, and both human and pet food products. Pet food products appear on pages 33-34 of the FDA’s comprehensive product list.
The contamination affects products stored under conditions that could lead to Salmonella exposure and other health risks. Pet owners should check the complete FDA product list to determine if any products in their possession are affected.
Health Risks and Symptoms
Pet owners should monitor animals for symptoms that may develop over days or weeks after consuming contaminated products. For thiamine deficiency, particularly in cats, symptoms include loss of appetite, lethargy, coordination problems, and neurological issues.
Salmonella exposure can cause gastrointestinal upset in pets including vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy. More concerning, infected pets can transmit Salmonella to humans through contact with contaminated saliva, feces, or surfaces.
Listeria and E. coli contamination can cause similar gastrointestinal symptoms but may lead to more severe complications in young, elderly, or immunocompromised animals.
Industry Response and Prevention
The cluster of recalls highlights ongoing challenges in pet food manufacturing, particularly in raw and minimally processed products. Freeze-drying and freezing processes, while popular for preserving nutritional content, can reduce essential vitamins if not carefully controlled, as seen in the Quest recall.
Raw and fresh pet food products face higher bacterial contamination risks due to limited processing that would eliminate pathogens. The Raaw Energy case demonstrates how some manufacturers may resist recall recommendations despite confirmed contamination.
Consumer Actions
Pet owners should immediately stop feeding recalled products and monitor pets for symptoms. Veterinary consultation is recommended for animals that consumed recalled products, particularly if symptoms develop.
For the Quest recall, owners should check lot codes, UPC numbers, and best-by dates against the FDA recall notices. The nationwide distribution means products could appear in specialty stores, online retailers, or direct-to-consumer sales.
Refunds are typically available for recalled products. Quest Cat Food owners can contact Go Raw LLC, while Elite Treats and Young Again have established customer service protocols for affected products.
Insurance Implications
Pet insurance policies may cover veterinary treatment costs for illnesses related to contaminated food, though coverage varies by policy terms. Standard best pet insurance policies typically cover treatment for food poisoning or toxin ingestion.
However, coverage depends on policy specifics and whether the contamination is classified as accidental ingestion or a pre-existing condition. Pet owners should review their policy terms and contact their insurance provider if veterinary treatment becomes necessary.
Pet insurance cost varies significantly based on pet age, breed, and coverage levels, but may provide valuable protection during food safety incidents that require emergency veterinary care.
The recent recalls underscore the importance of purchasing pet food from reputable retailers, checking lot numbers and expiration dates, and staying informed about FDA recalls and advisories through official channels rather than relying solely on manufacturer communications.
