- Recall Date: March 15, 2025
- Announced By: FDA on March 15, 2025
- Company Name: Savage Pet
- Product Name: Savage Cat Food, Chicken Boxes (Large 84 oz., Small 21 oz.)
- Issue: Possible Bird Flu (H5N1) contamination
- Affected Date Range: November 2024 production with a best by date of 11/15/2026
- Distribution Areas: California, Colorado, New York, Pennsylvania, Washington
- Action: Stop feeding the recalled products to cats and return them for a full refund.
Keep reading to learn more about this recall.
What happened?
On March 15, 2025, Savage Pet, California, recalled certain lots of their Savage Cat Food Chicken Boxes after discovering the presence H5N1 contamination, commonly known as bird flu. The recall impacts two sizes of the product—large (84 oz.) and small (21 oz.) boxes—both of which have a best by date of November 15, 2026. These products were distributed to retailers in five states: California, Colorado, New York, Pennsylvania, and Washington.
The issue was initially flagged when a Colorado cat was diagnosed with bird flu symptoms. This led to testing of sealed product packages, which showed non-negative PCR results for H5N1. Further tests confirmed that one product from the affected lot might have been contaminated. Fortunately, the virus was not isolated in the product after further testing, but an additional case of a kitten in New York contracting bird flu sparked the recall.
Key takeaways:
- Affected Product: Savage Cat Food Chicken Boxes (Large 84 oz., Small 21 oz.)
- Issue: Possible contamination with H5N1 (bird flu)
- Distribution Areas: California, Colorado, New York, Pennsylvania, Washington
- Symptoms to Watch For:
- Cats: Fever, lethargy, loss of appetite, difficulty breathing, neurological signs (tremors, seizures)
- Humans: Red eyes, sore throat, coughing, fever, nausea, difficulty breathing
- Action Required: Stop using the affected products and return them to the retailer for a full refund
What caused the issue?
The recall of Savage Pet was triggered by concerns of potential contamination with H5N1, commonly known as bird flu. This strain of avian influenza primarily affects birds, but it can occasionally spread to other animals, including cats. The presence of H5N1 in the Savage Cat Food was first suspected after a Colorado cat developed symptoms consistent with bird flu, which were later confirmed through testing.
How did bird flu get into the pet food?
Bird flu can spread through contact with infected poultry or contaminated environments. It is possible that the raw materials used in the production of the cat food were sourced from poultry that had been exposed to the virus, although this has not been definitively proven. The virus can survive in the raw meat of infected birds, and because the pet food in question was raw or minimally processed, there is a risk of transmission.
What are the health risks?
- For Pets (Cats):
H5N1 can cause severe illness in cats, including:
- Fever
- Lethargy and weakness
- Loss of appetite
- Difficulty breathing
- Neurological signs like tremors, seizures, or blindness
- Red or inflamed eyes, discharge from eyes or nose
- In severe cases, it can lead to death if left untreated.
- For Humans:
Although no human cases of bird flu have been reported from handling the recalled pet food, the virus can potentially be transmitted if live virus particles come into contact with a person’s eyes, nose, or mouth. Humans may develop symptoms such as:
- Fever
- Coughing, sore throat, and sneezing
- Muscle aches
- Headaches and fatigue
- Difficulty breathing
- Rash, diarrhea, or nausea
- Seizures (in severe cases)
The risk of transmission to humans handling raw pet food products is considered low, but it’s still crucial to follow proper hygiene when dealing with these products.
10 common questions you may have
- What should I do if I have one of the recalled products?
- Immediately stop feeding it to your cat. Return the product to the retailer for a full refund and disinfect any surfaces that came into contact with the food.
- How can I tell if I have a recalled product?
- Look for the lot code/best by date 11/15/2026 printed on the bottom of the box and each individual packet inside.
- Can humans catch bird flu from handling the cat food?
- There is a low risk of transmission if the virus comes into contact with your eyes, nose, or mouth.
- What are the symptoms I should watch for in my cat?
- Cats may exhibit symptoms like fever, lethargy, loss of appetite, trouble breathing, and neurological signs such as tremors or seizures.
- Is there a risk to other pets in the household?
- The recall specifically pertains to cats, but other pets may be at risk if they come into contact with the infected food.
- What happens if my cat eats the recalled food?
- If your cat has consumed the recalled food and shows symptoms of bird flu, it’s important to contact a veterinarian immediately.
- Are there any human health risks from the bird flu contamination?
- While no human cases have been reported, individuals handling raw pet food should take extra precautions to avoid direct contact with their eyes, nose, or mouth and should wash their hands thoroughly.
- What do I need to do to ensure my health is not affected?
- If you’ve handled the recalled product, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water. Disinfect any surfaces, and monitor for flu-like symptoms in yourself.
- What is the bird flu (H5N1), and how does it spread?
- H5N1 is a strain of avian influenza that primarily affects birds. It can occasionally infect other animals, including cats, and may spread through infected poultry.
- Why was the recall issued if the virus wasn’t fully confirmed in the product?
- The recall was issued as a precautionary measure after PCR testing showed non-negative results for the virus.
Here’s what you should do
- Check Labels: Look for the lot code/best by date 11/15/2026 stamped on the bottom of the box and on individual packets inside.
- Return the Product: Take the product back to the retailer for a full refund. Do not donate or sell the affected items.
- Sanitize Hands and Surfaces: If you’ve handled the recalled products, wash your hands thoroughly and disinfect any surfaces that came into contact with the food.
- Monitor Your Cat: Watch for any signs of bird flu in your pets and consult a veterinarian if symptoms develop.
For additional questions or assistance, you can contact Savage Pet at 619.270.0295 or via email at [email protected].
Behind the brand
Savage Pet, located in El Cajon, California, has been a trusted name in pet food for years. Despite this recall, the brand has a solid track record of providing quality products. Prior to this, no major recalls have been reported for this product line. This incident, however, highlights the importance of strict safety measures and the need for thorough testing, especially when dealing with animal food products. Another similar recall occurred on December 26, 2024, Northwest Naturals, a Portland-based pet food company, voluntarily recalled its 2-pound Feline Turkey Recipe raw and frozen pet food due to the presence of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI). Another similar was on December 15, 2024 when Valley Milk Simply Bottled issued a statewide recall and quarantine order for its raw cow milk products following the detection of the bird flu.
“Product recalls, though serious, can often be prevented when brands maintain tight oversight of their supply chains and production processes. Responding quickly and transparently when a recall is needed not only reduces risk but also strengthens consumer trust. Taking proactive steps is key to ensuring safety and maintaining reliability in today’s competitive market.” – Eran Mizrahi, CEO of Source86
This recall underscores the potential risks of contamination in pet food and the importance of proactive responses from manufacturers when public health may be at risk.
Ensuring safe eats
This recall is a reminder of the ongoing challenges in the pet food industry, particularly concerning the potential for zoonotic diseases like bird flu. While human cases remain rare, pet owners and manufacturers must remain vigilant in ensuring that products are safe for consumption. Recalls like these also highlight the need for quick action and thorough testing to prevent wider outbreaks.
As we saw with the Savage Pet recall, the company acted swiftly to remove the potentially affected products from shelves and notify customers. It’s crucial for companies in the pet food industry to stay on top of their safety protocols to avoid similar situations and protect consumers—both human and animal.
Stay safe, and if you have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to reach out. At Source86, we’re here to help with sourcing high-quality ingredients that meet the highest standards for safety.
