Go Raw LLC Expands Voluntary Recall of Freeze-Dried and Frozen Poultry Pet Foods Citing Thiamine Deficiency Risks

COTTONWOOD HEIGHTS, UTAH — In a move that highlights the ongoing challenges of maintaining nutritional stability in the premium pet food sector, Go Raw LLC has announced a significant expansion of its earlier February 2026 recall. The Utah-based manufacturer is pulling additional lots of its freeze-dried chicken products from retail shelves across 21 states, citing concerns over potentially inadequate levels of thiamine, also known as Vitamin B1.

The expansion, finalized on June 8, 2026, serves as a follow-up to a previous safety action initiated on February 17, 2026. While the company maintains that the recall is being conducted out of an abundance of caution, the implications for pet health—particularly for feline consumers—are significant. Thiamine is a critical component of a carnivore’s diet, and its absence can lead to severe, and sometimes irreversible, neurological damage.

Main Facts: Identifying the Recalled Products

The latest expansion specifically targets the Steve’s Real Food brand, though previous iterations of the recall affected the Quest Cat Food line. The primary concern revolves around the "Chicken Recipe" formulations in both freeze-dried and frozen formats.

The Newly Recalled Lot (June 2026)

The specific product added to the recall list this week is:

• Product: Steve’s Real Food Chicken Recipe Freeze Dried
• Size: 1.25 lb Bag
• Lot Code: C26022
• UPC: 6-91730-16402-7
• Best Buy Date: 1/22/2028

This product is easily identifiable by its beige, zip-locked packaging featuring a distinctive maroon stripe. The lot code and "Best Buy" information are printed clearly on the front of the bag.

Previously Recalled Lots (February 2026)

To ensure consumer safety, Go Raw LLC reminds pet owners of the earlier Quest Cat Food products that remain under recall:

1. Quest Cat Food Chicken Recipe Freeze Dried Nuggets (10 oz. Bag)
   • Lot Code: C25288 | UPC: 6-91730-18103-1 | Best Buy: 10/15/2027
2. Quest Cat Food Chicken Recipe Frozen Diet (2 lb. Bag)
   • Lot Code: MCD25350 | UPC: 6-91730-17104-9 | Best Buy: 6/16/2027
3. Quest Cat Food Chicken Recipe Frozen Diet (12 lb. Bag)
   • Lot Code: MCC25321 | UPC: 6-91730-17104-9 | Best Buy: 5/17/2027

Geographic Distribution

The reach of the affected products is extensive, covering a broad swath of the United States. Retailers in the following 21 states received the potentially deficient lots: Colorado, Utah, Washington, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Michigan, California, Texas, Illinois, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Minnesota, New York, Ohio, Wisconsin, Idaho, and Montana.

The Science of Thiamine: Why Deficiency is Critical

Thiamine (Vitamin B1) is a water-soluble vitamin that serves as a vital coenzyme in the metabolism of carbohydrates. For pets, particularly obligate carnivores like cats, thiamine is not merely a supplement but a foundational requirement for cellular energy production.

The Vulnerability of Felines

While both dogs and cats require thiamine, the veterinary community recognizes cats as being at a significantly higher risk for deficiency. Cats have a metabolic requirement for thiamine that is several times higher than that of dogs. Furthermore, cats lack the physiological mechanisms to "buffer" or store significant amounts of the vitamin, meaning even short-term consumption of a thiamine-deficient diet can lead to a rapid onset of symptoms.

The Progression of Clinical Signs

The clinical manifestation of thiamine deficiency typically follows a predictable, albeit harrowing, progression:

• Early Stages: Pet owners may first notice "vague" symptoms such as a sudden decrease in appetite (anorexia), occasional vomiting, excessive drooling (salivation), and unexplained weight loss. In younger animals, a noticeable stunt in growth patterns may occur.
• Neurological Escalation: As the deficiency deprives the brain of necessary glucose metabolism, neurological symptoms emerge. A hallmark sign is ventroflexion of the neck, where the animal appears unable to lift its head, causing it to bend toward the floor.
• Advanced Stages: This can progress to "wobbly" walking (ataxia), circling, falling, involuntary eye movements (nystagmus), and eventually, grand mal seizures. If the deficiency is not corrected via high-dose supplementation, the condition can result in coma or death.

Veterinary experts emphasize that if caught early, the condition is highly reversible. Treatment typically involves immediate thiamine injections followed by oral supplementation and a transition to a nutritionally complete diet.

Chronology of the Recall

The timeline of this safety action suggests a complex, evolving investigation into the company’s manufacturing and testing protocols.

• February 17, 2026: Go Raw LLC issues the initial voluntary recall for Quest Cat Food products after internal or third-party testing suggests thiamine levels may not meet the minimum nutritional requirements set by AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials).
• Spring 2026: The company launches an internal audit of its supply chain and manufacturing processes. During this period, Go Raw LLC begins transitioning all "Steve’s Real Food" and "Quest" products to an updated formulation featuring a new vitamin premix designed to ensure higher stability.
• June 8, 2026: Following further investigation into the stability of freeze-dried poultry products, the company identifies Lot C26022 of Steve’s Real Food Chicken Recipe as also being at risk. The recall is officially expanded to include this lot.
• Present Day: Go Raw LLC confirms that the affected lot has been cleared from distribution channels and is no longer available for purchase at the wholesale level. The focus has shifted to consumer-level recovery.

Supporting Data: The Complexity of Nutrient Stability

A central theme in Go Raw LLC’s public statements is the inherent difficulty in maintaining thiamine levels in processed pet foods. Thiamine is notoriously "labile," meaning it is easily destroyed by heat, moisture, and certain enzymes (such as thiaminases found in some raw fish or meat).

In the case of freeze-drying—a process often touted for its ability to preserve nutrients—the company noted that analytical testing results can vary significantly. Even in products formulated with "overages" (adding more than the required amount of a vitamin to account for degradation), testing methodologies can sometimes yield inconsistent data.

The company has indicated it is currently collaborating with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and industry researchers to explore these "scientific questions." This suggests that the recall may be as much about the limitations of current testing technology as it is about the manufacturing process itself.

Official Responses and Corporate Responsibility

In their official communication, Go Raw LLC emphasized that pet safety remains their "highest priority." The company has been proactive in its transparency, admitting that the investigation provided "valuable insights into the complexities of thiamine stability."

"We believe there are important scientific questions that warrant further study," a company spokesperson stated. "We remain committed to following the data, maintaining transparency, and continuously improving our understanding of this essential nutrient."

The company has also confirmed that all current products being shipped to retailers are manufactured using the new Vitamin premix. This update is intended to provide a "safety buffer" to ensure that even if some degradation occurs during the shelf life of the product, the thiamine levels remain well above the required threshold for feline and canine health.

Implications for the Pet Food Industry

This recall expansion serves as a cautionary tale for the "raw" and "alternative" pet food industry. As consumers move away from traditional kibble toward freeze-dried and frozen diets, manufacturers face new challenges in nutrient fortification.

1. Testing Standards: The discrepancy in testing results mentioned by Go Raw LLC suggests a need for more standardized analytical methods for thiamine in non-traditional food matrices.
2. Formulation Buffers: The industry may see a shift toward higher "over-fortification" of B-vitamins to account for the sensitivity of these nutrients during the freeze-drying process.
3. Consumer Vigilance: This event underscores the importance of pet owners staying informed about recalls, even if they buy from "premium" or "small-batch" brands. The geographic spread of this recall (21 states) demonstrates how quickly a localized manufacturing issue can become a national concern.

What Consumers Should Do

If you have a bag of Steve’s Real Food Chicken Recipe Freeze Dried (1.25 lb) or the previously mentioned Quest Cat Food products in your pantry, the following steps are recommended:

1. Immediate Cessation: Stop feeding the product to your pets immediately. Even if your pet appears healthy, thiamine deficiency can be cumulative.
2. Verification: Check the Lot Code and Best Buy date on the front of the packaging. If it matches C26022 and 1/22/2028, it is part of the recall.
3. Refund/Replacement: Return the product to the retail store where it was purchased. Go Raw LLC has coordinated with its retail partners to provide full refunds or product replacements to affected customers.
4. Veterinary Consultation: If your pet has been consuming this product and shows any signs of lethargy, loss of appetite, or stumbling, contact a veterinarian immediately. Mention the thiamine deficiency recall so the clinician can prioritize the appropriate diagnostic tests.

Contact Information:
For consumers with further questions or concerns, Go Raw LLC can be reached via:

• Email: [email protected]
• Phone: 801-432-7478
• Hours: Monday through Friday, 9:00 am to 4:00 pm MST.

As the FDA and Go Raw LLC continue their investigation, this case remains a pivotal example of the delicate balance between "natural" food processing and the rigorous demands of animal nutrition.