News & Trends2026-04-20Carelogy編集部
FDA Alert: Quest Cat Food Recalled for Dangerously Low Thiamine — Check Your Cat for Symptoms
FDA advisory: 8 lots of Quest Cat Food (Go Raw/Steve's Real Food) recalled for critically low thiamine (vitamin B1). Neurological damage risk. Symptom checklist and what to do.
Recall Summary: What Happened
On March 13, 2026, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued an advisory warning about Quest Cat Food (marketed by Go Raw LLC / Steve's Real Food), finding that 8 lots contain dangerously low or zero thiamine (vitamin B1).
Recall details:
- Brand: Quest Cat Food (Steve's Real Food)
- Forms: Freeze-dried (10 oz bags) and frozen (2 lb bags)
- Flavors: Chicken (purple package), Pork (orange), White Fish (blue), Beef (pink)
- Affected lots: 8 specific lots
- Issue: Thiamine levels far below the AAFCO minimum of 5.6 mg/kg — some lots contained essentially zero
How it was discovered:
A veterinary neurologist reported severe thiamine deficiency symptoms in a cat that had been eating Quest Cat Food. Additional consumer complaints followed, prompting FDA testing that confirmed all 8 lots failed to meet minimum standards.
Impact on Japan:
This product is not sold domestically in Japan, but anyone importing it should be aware. More broadly, this case is a reminder of the importance of food quality verification.
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What Thiamine (Vitamin B1) Deficiency Does to Cats
Thiamine is essential for normal brain and nervous system function in cats. It cannot be stored in the body, so it must be obtained daily through food.
Thiamine deficiency progression:
Early stage (1-2 weeks):
- Decreased appetite
- Vomiting
- Weight loss
- Lethargy
Intermediate stage (2-4 weeks):
- Increased salivation/drooling
- Dilated pupils (mydriasis)
- Unsteady gait, walking abnormalities
- Neck bending downward (ventroflexion) — the most characteristic sign of thiamine deficiency
Severe stage (4+ weeks):
- Seizures
- Coma
- Death
Critical: The downward neck bend (chin pressed toward chest) is the most characteristic and unmissable sign of thiamine deficiency. If you see this, visit the vet immediately.
Reversibility:
At early to intermediate stages, thiamine injections (vitamin B1 injections) often produce dramatic recovery within days. However, if the condition progresses to seizures or coma, brain damage may be irreversible.
Is Your Cat's Food Safe? How to Choose Safe Cat Food
This recall involves a U.S. product, but the principles of safe food selection are universal.
5 checkpoints for choosing safe cat food:
1. Verify "complete and balanced" labeling
- In Japan, products labeled "総合栄養食" (complete nutrition) meet industry standards
- "一般食" (complementary food) is NOT suitable as a primary diet
2. AAFCO or FEDIAF compliance
- Check whether the product meets AAFCO (U.S.) or FEDIAF (European) nutritional standards
- Look for statements like "formulated to meet AAFCO Cat Food Nutrient Profiles"
3. Check recall history
- The FDA recall database lets you check any manufacturer's recall history
- Avoid brands with repeated recalls
4. Homemade and raw food cautions
- Nutritional imbalances are common (this recall involved a raw food product)
- If making homemade food, always consult a veterinary nutritionist
- Thiamine is destroyed by heat, so cooking methods matter
5. Learn to read nutrition labels
- Is meat (chicken, salmon, etc.) the first ingredient?
- Are crude protein and fat ratios appropriate?
- Check types of preservatives and colorings
To stay updated on food safety:
- Check the FDA pet food recall page regularly
- In Japan, monitor MAFF pet food safety law updates
- Keep dated photos of anything unusual in CatsMe
Record changes in your cat's expression with CatsMe
Checking whether a recall affects your cat is easier when you know which food you fed and when, so keep a record of meals. CatsMe (by Carelogy Inc.) uses AI to check a photo of a cat's face for signs of pain in its expression. It does not diagnose disease, assess overall health or replace a veterinarian; if you are worried, contact your vet regardless of the result.
- Keep dated records of meals and face photos and check results to show your vet
- Records are kept per cat, so it works for multi-cat homes (iOS, Android and web, 14 languages)
- Developed with a background in university joint research; over 1 million checks run to date
Learn more about CatsMe →
수의사에게 '언제부터 그랬나요?'라고 물으면 답할 수 있으신가요?
CatsMe는 AI로 고양이 얼굴 사진의 표정에서 통증 신호를 확인하고, 고양이별로 날짜가 남는 기록을 보관해 수의사와 함께 살펴볼 수 있게 합니다. 질병을 진단하지는 않습니다.
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FAQ
CatsMe이상을 느꼈을 때, 바로 행동할 준비를
사진 한 장을 찍으면 CatsMe가 AI로 고양이 얼굴에서 통증 신호를 확인합니다. 고양이별로 날짜가 남는 기록을 보관해 수의사와 함께 살펴보세요. 질병을 진단하지는 않습니다.