Prevention2026-04-17
Cat Food Recall 2026: Quest Chicken Recipe Recalled for Low Thiamine — What to Do
Go Raw LLC recalled Quest Cat Food Chicken Recipe for low thiamine (Vitamin B1). Here's what's affected, symptoms to watch for, and how to protect your cat.
What Happened: Go Raw LLC Issues Voluntary Recall of Quest Cat Food
In early 2026, Go Raw LLC issued a voluntary recall of its Quest Cat Food Chicken Recipe after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) flagged the product for containing dangerously low levels of thiamine (Vitamin B1). The recall affects products distributed across more than 20 states in the United States, making this one of the most significant pet food safety events of the year.
Thiamine is an essential B vitamin that cats cannot produce on their own — they must get it entirely from their diet. When a commercial cat food fails to meet the minimum thiamine requirement set by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO), it poses a serious and potentially life-threatening risk to every cat that eats it.
The FDA alert was triggered after routine testing revealed that the thiamine content in specific batches of Quest Chicken Recipe fell well below the AAFCO minimum. While Go Raw LLC has not reported confirmed fatalities at the time of the recall, thiamine deficiency in cats can progress rapidly from subtle appetite changes to severe neurological damage within just a few weeks.
This recall is a reminder that even well-marketed, seemingly premium pet foods can have quality control failures. Cat owners should take this alert seriously, check their pantries immediately, and understand that pet food recalls — while disruptive — are a critical safety mechanism designed to protect our cats from harm.
Which Products Are Affected: Lot Numbers and How to Identify Them
The recall specifically targets Quest Cat Food Chicken Recipe manufactured by Go Raw LLC. The affected lot numbers include MCD25350 and MCC25321, though cat owners should check the FDA's recall page for the most current and complete list, as additional lots may be added as the investigation continues.
To identify whether your cat's food is affected, check the packaging for the following information:
Where to find the lot number: Look on the bottom or back of the bag. The lot number is typically printed near the "Best By" or expiration date. It may be stamped in ink or embossed into the packaging material.
Key identifiers to look for:
- Brand name: Quest Cat Food
- Specific recipe: Chicken Recipe
- Lot numbers: MCD25350, MCC25321 (and any subsequently added lots)
- Manufacturer: Go Raw LLC
Where these products were sold: Quest Cat Food Chicken Recipe was distributed through pet specialty retailers, online marketplaces, and independent pet stores across more than 20 states. If you purchased this product from any retailer — whether in-store or online — your batch may be affected.
What to do with recalled product: Do not continue feeding it to your cat. Seal the bag and set it aside (do not throw it away yet — you may need the packaging for a refund or if your cat develops symptoms). Contact the retailer where you purchased it for a refund or exchange. You can also contact Go Raw LLC directly through the contact information listed on the FDA recall notice.
If you are unsure whether your product is affected, err on the side of caution and stop feeding it until you can verify the lot number.
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Thiamine Deficiency in Cats: Why It's Dangerous
Thiamine (Vitamin B1) plays a fundamental role in a cat's nervous system and energy metabolism. Unlike some animals that can synthesize certain vitamins internally, cats are entirely dependent on dietary thiamine. This makes them uniquely vulnerable when their food supply is compromised.
When thiamine levels drop below what a cat's body needs, the effects cascade through multiple organ systems, with the brain and nervous system bearing the brunt of the damage. Here is what happens as deficiency progresses:
Early symptoms (within 1-2 weeks):
- Loss of appetite or reduced interest in food
- Mild lethargy and decreased activity
- Occasional vomiting
- Subtle weight loss that may go unnoticed
Intermediate symptoms (2-3 weeks):
- Noticeable weight loss
- Increased vomiting frequency
- Walking difficulties or an unsteady gait
- A characteristic head-tilt or neck ventroflexion (the cat's head drops toward its chest and it cannot lift it normally)
Severe symptoms (3-4+ weeks without treatment):
- Seizures and convulsions
- Dilated, unresponsive pupils
- Coma
- Death — thiamine deficiency can be fatal within weeks if not treated
The critical thing for cat owners to understand is that early-stage thiamine deficiency looks like many other common illnesses. A cat that is "just not eating well" or "seems a little off" could already be in the early stages of a dangerous deficiency. If your cat has been eating a recalled product and shows any of these signs, this is not a "wait and see" situation — contact your veterinarian immediately.
The good news is that when caught early, thiamine deficiency is highly treatable with B1 supplementation, typically through injections followed by oral supplements.
What to Do If Your Cat Ate Recalled Food
If you have identified that your cat has been eating the recalled Quest Cat Food Chicken Recipe, take these steps immediately:
Step 1: Stop feeding the recalled product right away. Switch to a different, reputable cat food. If you do not have an alternative on hand, plain cooked chicken (no seasoning, no bones) can serve as a temporary meal for a day or two while you source a proper replacement.
Step 2: Observe your cat closely for symptoms. Watch for any of the thiamine deficiency signs discussed above: appetite loss, vomiting, lethargy, unsteady walking, head tilt, or seizures. Keep a written or digital log of what you observe and when — this information will be invaluable to your veterinarian.
Step 3: Contact your veterinarian. Even if your cat appears healthy, call your vet to discuss the situation. They may recommend a precautionary visit, blood work, or thiamine supplementation as a preventive measure. If your cat is already showing neurological symptoms (seizures, inability to walk, head ventroflexion), this is a veterinary emergency — go to the nearest animal hospital immediately.
Step 4: Save the packaging. Keep the bag, including the lot number, UPC code, and any receipts. You will need this information for refund claims and potentially for the FDA if your cat develops health issues.
Step 5: Report to the FDA. If your cat shows symptoms after eating the recalled food, file a complaint through the FDA's Safety Reporting Portal (safetyreporting.hhs.gov) or contact your state's department of agriculture. These reports help the FDA track the scope of the problem and protect other cats.
Step 6: Track recovery with CatsMe. Use the CatsMe app to log your cat's appetite, energy levels, and behavior daily. This creates an objective record that helps your veterinarian assess whether your cat is recovering normally or needs further intervention.
How to Choose Safe Cat Food and Stay Informed
Pet food recalls happen more often than most cat owners realize. The best way to protect your cat is to stay informed and know how to evaluate the food you buy. Here are practical strategies:
Check recall databases regularly. Bookmark these resources and check them at least monthly:
- FDA Pet Food Recalls & Withdrawals (fda.gov/animal-veterinary/safety-health)
- AVMA Pet Food Safety page
- Your cat food brand's own recall/safety page
Understand AAFCO standards. Look for the AAFCO nutritional adequacy statement on your cat food label. This statement confirms that the food meets minimum nutritional requirements for cats. Foods that say "formulated to meet AAFCO Cat Food Nutrient Profiles" have been formulated (but not necessarily tested), while "animal feeding tests using AAFCO procedures" indicates the food has been through feeding trials — a higher standard.
Learn to [read nutrition labels](/en/columns/nutrition-label-reading). Beyond the AAFCO statement, check the ingredient list, guaranteed analysis, and the manufacturer's contact information. Reputable manufacturers are transparent about where their ingredients are sourced and how their products are tested.
Diversify your cat's diet when appropriate. Feeding the same single product exclusively means that if that product has a quality issue, your cat has no nutritional safety net. Discuss with your vet whether rotating between two or three trusted brands might be appropriate for your cat.
Use technology to monitor your cat's health. Subtle changes in appetite, energy, and behavior can be the earliest warning signs that something is wrong with your cat's food — often before a recall is even announced. The CatsMe app helps you track these daily patterns so you can spot deviations early and act before symptoms progress.
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