Go Raw LLC Recalls Quest Cat Food Over Thiamine Deficiency

COTTONWOOD HEIGHTS, Utah (February 17, 2026) — The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has announced that Go Raw LLC is voluntarily recalling a specific lot of its Quest Cat Food Chicken Recipe Freeze-Dried Nuggets due to potential low levels of thiamine (Vitamin B1). According to the FDA, cats fed a diet deficient in thiamine for several weeks may be at risk for developing a deficiency, which can cause gastrointestinal or neurological issues. The recall was initiated after a report of illness associated with the product.

Quest Cat Food Recall: Quick Summary

Go Raw LLC has issued a recall for a single lot of its 10 oz. Quest Cat Food Chicken Recipe Freeze-Dried Nuggets. The recall was triggered after a veterinarian treated a cat showing signs of illness, and subsequent testing confirmed the product did not meet the required thiamine levels for feline diets. Thiamine is an essential vitamin for cats, and a deficiency can lead to serious health problems, including seizures and death if untreated. One illness has been reported, and the affected cat has since recovered.

What Happened?

The FDA said Go Raw LLC initiated the recall after receiving a report of illness potentially associated with the product. The treating veterinarian submitted the product for testing, which indicated thiamine (B1) levels below the required amounts for a complete feline diet. The company conducted additional testing and confirmed that the lot may not meet nutritional requirements.

In its recall alert, the FDA warned that:

“In advanced cases, neurological signs may develop, including ventroflexion (bending towards the floor) of the neck, mental dullness, vision changes, wobbly walking, circling, falling, and seizures”.

Affected Products

The recall applies to the following specific product distributed nationwide through retail stores in CO, UT, WA, OR, PA, RI, MI, CA, TX, and IL:

Product	Size	Lot Code	UPC	Best Buy Date
Quest Cat Food Chicken Recipe Freeze-Dried Nuggets	10 oz Bag	C25288	6-91730-18103-1	10/15/2027

Note: The lot code and Best Buy Date are printed on the front of the beige bag with a purple stripe.

What Caused the Issue?

According to the FDA notice, the cause of the recall was a formulation or manufacturing error that resulted in insufficient levels of thiamine (Vitamin B1) in the finished product. Thiamine is water-soluble and degrades easily during processing if not carefully managed. Because cats cannot synthesize thiamine, they rely entirely on their diet to provide it.

Early signs of deficiency include decreased appetite, salivation, vomiting, and weight loss. If untreated, it progresses to severe neurological damage. Fortunately, if caught early, thiamine deficiency is typically reversible with veterinary treatment.

Questions You Might Have

1. What is thiamine deficiency?It is a lack of Vitamin B1, which is critical for a cat’s energy metabolism and neurological function.
2. Is this a bacteria like Salmonella?No. This recall is for a nutritional deficiency (low vitamin levels), not a pathogen.
3. What symptoms should I look for?Watch for vomiting, drooling, loss of appetite, wobbly walking, circling, or seizures.
4. Has any cat died?No deaths have been reported. One cat became ill but was treated and recovered.
5. I have a different flavor. Is it safe?The recall is specific to the Chicken Recipe in 10 oz bags with Lot C25288. No other products are listed.
6. Where is the lot code located?It is printed on the front of the bag.
7. Can I just add a supplement?No. You should not attempt to correct the deficiency yourself. Stop feeding the recalled food and switch to a complete and balanced diet.
8. Who is Go Raw LLC?Go Raw LLC is a Utah-based manufacturer specializing in freeze-dried pet foods.
9. What if my cat ate it but looks fine?Stop feeding it immediately. If your cat shows no symptoms, they likely consumed enough thiamine from other sources or didn’t eat enough of the defective lot to cause harm.
10. Who can I contact?You can contact Go Raw LLC at 801-432-7478 or email [email protected].

Here’s What You Should Do

• Check the Bag: Look for the beige bag with a purple stripe and UPC 6-91730-18103-1.
• Verify the Lot: Ensure the code on the front is C25288.
• Stop Feeding: Do not give this food to your cat.
• Contact Vet: If your cat is showing neurological signs or vomiting, see a veterinarian immediately.
• Return for Refund: Return the product to the store where you bought it for a full refund.

Behind the Brand

Go Raw LLC manufactures the Quest line of pet foods, focusing on freeze-dried raw diets that aim to mimic a pet’s ancestral diet. While raw and freeze-dried foods are popular for their minimal processing, this incident highlights the complexity of formulating complete and balanced diets. Unlike bacterial recalls which are common in raw pet food, nutritional deficiencies like this point to quality control gaps in the vitamin pre-mix or processing stages.

Other Relevant Recalls

This recall adds to a list of recent pet and human food safety alerts. Wellsley Farms recently recalled Atlantic Salmon due to Listeria contamination, a pathogen that can also affect pets. In the supplement world, Ambrosia Brands recalled Moringa Capsules linked to a Salmonella outbreak.

Additionally, JuneBar issued a recall for snack bars due to undeclared allergens, and Beacon Promotions recalled M&M’s for similar labeling failures.

Dr. Sarah Peterson, a veterinary nutritionist, explains:

“Thiamine is incredibly unstable. In freeze-drying or raw processing, if the initial levels aren’t high enough or if the vitamin degrades, cats can become deficient very quickly because they have high metabolic requirements for it.”

Eran Mizrahi, CEO of Source86, noted:

“Pet parents treat their animals like children, and they expect the same level of safety and nutritional completeness. A nutritional recall like this is a reminder that ‘complete and balanced’ is a rigorous standard that requires constant verification.”

Broader Pattern

Thiamine deficiency recalls are periodic in the pet food industry. Because thiamine is sensitive to heat and processing, it is one of the “canary in the coal mine” nutrients for quality control. Past recalls by major and boutique brands alike have involved low thiamine, often discovered only after pets begin showing neurological symptoms.

FAQs

• Is thiamine deficiency reversible?Yes, if treated promptly with vitamin injections and a diet change, cats typically recover fully. However, prolonged deficiency can cause permanent damage.
• Why is thiamine so important for cats?Cats have a high requirement for thiamine compared to dogs because they are strict carnivores. It is essential for carbohydrate metabolism and nerve function.
• Did the freeze-drying cause this?Not necessarily, but freeze-drying processes must account for vitamin loss. It is more likely an issue with the initial formulation or the vitamin pre-mix used in this specific lot.

Ensuring Safe Eats

Pet owners should monitor their pets for changes in behavior or appetite when switching food batches. Rotating proteins and brands can sometimes help mitigate the risk of nutritional deficiencies from a single source.

At Source86, we help food brands manage ingredient sourcing, FSQA oversight, and private label production with transparency and precision, ensuring that when recalls happen, supply chains are prepared to respond quickly.

For more information or to report a concern about a food product, you can visit our contact page at https://source86.com/contact/.