COTTONWOOD HEIGHTS, UTAH — In a move highlighting the ongoing complexities of nutritional stability in raw and freeze-dried pet diets, Go Raw LLC has officially announced an expansion of its earlier February 2026 recall. The expansion, dated June 8, 2026, involves additional lots of freeze-dried chicken products found to contain potentially inadequate levels of Thiamine, also known as Vitamin B1.
The announcement serves as a critical alert for pet owners across more than twenty states, as Thiamine is a non-negotiable component of feline and canine health. While the company reports that the affected lots are no longer active in the retail supply chain, the presence of these products in consumer pantries remains a primary concern for veterinary professionals and food safety advocates.
I. Main Facts: Scope of the Expanded Recall
The current recall expansion specifically targets the Steve’s Real Food Chicken Recipe Freeze Dried product. This follows an initial recall issued on February 17, 2026, which focused primarily on the company’s Quest Cat Food line.
The Newly Affected Product
Consumers are urged to check their storage for the following specific item:
- Product Name: 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
Product Identification and Packaging
The recalled product is packaged in a distinctive beige, zip-locked 1.25 lb. bag featuring a maroon stripe. The Lot Code (C26022) and the Best Buy Date (1/22/2028) are printed clearly on the front of the packaging. It is important to note that this specific recall pertains to the freeze-dried version of the recipe, not the frozen variety.
Geographic Distribution
The distribution network for the affected lot was extensive, covering a significant portion of the United States. Retailers in the following 21 states received the product:
- West: CA, CO, ID, MT, OR, UT, WA
- Midwest: IL, MI, MN, OH, WI
- Northeast: NY, PA, RI
- South/Southeast: FL, GA, NC, SC, TX
II. Chronology: From Initial Discovery to Expansion
The trajectory of this recall highlights the rigorous, albeit sometimes slow, nature of nutritional testing in the pet food industry.
February 17, 2026: The Initial Action
The recall began in mid-February when Go Raw LLC identified Thiamine deficiencies in several lots of its Quest Cat Food brand. At that time, three specific products were pulled from shelves:
- Quest Cat Food Chicken Recipe Freeze Dried Nuggets (10 oz, Lot C25288)
- Quest Cat Food Chicken Recipe Frozen Diet (2 lb, Lot MCD25350)
- Quest Cat Food Chicken Recipe Frozen Diet (12 lb, Lot MCC25321)
The Interim Investigation (February – May 2026)
Following the initial recall, Go Raw LLC initiated an internal investigation in tandem with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The company focused on its "Chicken Recipe" formulations across both the Quest and Steve’s Real Food labels. During this period, the company began transitioning to a new vitamin premix to ensure higher stability.
June 8, 2026: The Expansion
As the investigation deepened, analytical testing revealed that Lot C26022 of the Steve’s Real Food line—manufactured during a similar window as the previously recalled Quest products—also exhibited Thiamine levels below the threshold for nutritional adequacy. Despite the product having already moved through the distribution chain, the company opted for a voluntary expansion of the recall out of an "abundance of caution."
III. Supporting Data: The Critical Role of Thiamine (Vitamin B1)
To understand the severity of this recall, one must look at the biological necessity of Thiamine in domestic pets. Thiamine is a water-soluble vitamin, meaning it is not stored in the body for long periods and must be consumed daily through the diet.
Why Thiamine Matters
Thiamine is a coenzyme required for the metabolism of carbohydrates. It is the "spark plug" that allows cells to convert glucose into energy. More importantly, it is vital for maintaining the health of the central nervous system. Without it, the brain and nerves cannot function, leading to rapid cellular death.
Species Vulnerability: Cats vs. Dogs
While both species require Vitamin B1, cats are significantly more susceptible to deficiency than dogs.
- Higher Requirement: Cats require roughly three times more Thiamine in their diet than dogs.
- Enzymatic Sensitivity: Cats possess an enzyme called thiaminase in certain raw foods that can break down Vitamin B1, and they lack the metabolic pathways to compensate for low intake as efficiently as other mammals.
Clinical Progression of Thiamine Deficiency
Veterinary experts categorize the symptoms of deficiency into early and advanced stages:
Early-Stage Symptoms:
- Anorexia: A sudden loss of interest in food.
- Gastrointestinal Distress: Frequent vomiting and excessive salivation (ptyalism).
- Physical Decline: Noticeable weight loss and, in younger animals, stunted or poor growth.
Advanced Neurological Symptoms:
- Ventroflexion: A hallmark sign where the pet’s neck bends downward, pulling the head toward the floor.
- Ataxia: Wobbly walking, loss of coordination, circling, or falling.
- Ocular Changes: Fixed pupils or apparent vision loss.
- Critical Events: Seizures, profound lethargy, and eventually, death if the deficiency is not reversed through high-dose supplementation.
IV. Official Responses: Corporate and Regulatory Stance
Go Raw LLC has maintained a posture of transparency throughout the process, emphasizing that the safety of the animals is the primary driver of their decision-making.
Corporate Commitment
In a statement released alongside the recall, the company noted:
"Product safety and nutritional adequacy remain our highest priorities. All current Steve’s Real Food products are being manufactured using updated formulations that include the new Vitamin premix, and these are the only formulations currently being distributed to retailers and consumers."
The company also acknowledged the scientific hurdles involved in maintaining Vitamin B1 levels. Thiamine is notoriously "labile," meaning it is easily destroyed by heat, light, and certain processing methods. The company is currently working with industry experts to better understand "analytical testing variations," noting that even products formulated with high levels of Thiamine can sometimes test lower than expected due to the sensitivity of the nutrient.
Regulatory Collaboration
The FDA has been involved in monitoring the recall process. While the FDA has not issued a mandatory recall order, the voluntary nature of Go Raw LLC’s expansion suggests a proactive compliance strategy. The company’s decision to follow the data, even for a lot that is no longer on store shelves, is seen as an effort to mitigate long-term liability and protect the brand’s reputation among raw-feeding enthusiasts.
V. Implications for the Pet Food Industry and Consumers
This recall highlights several broader issues within the premium and raw pet food sectors, particularly regarding "alternative" processing methods like freeze-drying.
1. The Stability Challenge of Freeze-Drying
While freeze-drying is often praised for preserving the "raw" integrity of proteins, it does not exempt a manufacturer from the challenges of vitamin degradation. This incident serves as a case study for the industry on the necessity of "over-fortification"—adding higher-than-required levels of Thiamine to account for potential loss during the shelf life of the product.
2. The Importance of Batch Testing
The fact that Lot C26022 was identified months after its initial production underscores the need for "hold-and-test" protocols. In these protocols, products are not released to the market until nutritional assays confirm that every batch meets AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials) standards.
3. Consumer Vigilance in the "Raw" Space
Consumers who choose raw or freeze-dried diets often do so out of a desire for higher quality control. However, these diets are often more complex to balance than traditional kibble. This recall serves as a reminder for pet owners to monitor their animals for subtle behavioral changes, such as "picky eating" or slight wobbliness, which could be early indicators of nutritional gaps.
VI. Consumer Action Plan
If you believe you have the affected product, the following steps are recommended:
- Immediate Cessation: Stop feeding the Steve’s Real Food Chicken Recipe (Lot C26022) to your pet immediately. Even if the pet appears healthy, Thiamine deficiency can be "subclinical" before it becomes an emergency.
- Verify the Lot: Check the front of the bag for Lot C26022 and the Best Buy Date of 1/22/2028.
- Seek a Refund: Return the unused portion of the product to the retail location where it was purchased. The company has authorized retailers to provide a full refund or a replacement from the new, updated formulations.
- Veterinary Consultation: If your pet has consumed this product and is exhibiting any of the signs mentioned—particularly neck bending or wobbly walking—contact a veterinarian immediately. Thiamine deficiency is generally reversible with prompt Vitamin B1 injections and supportive care.
Contact Information
For further questions, consumers may reach out to Go Raw LLC directly:
- Email: [email protected]
- Phone: 801-432-7478
- Hours: Monday through Friday, 9:00 am – 4:00 pm MST.
The company continues to work with the FDA to refine testing methodologies, aiming to prevent future occurrences of nutrient instability in their high-protein recipes. For now, the focus remains on ensuring that the final remnants of the affected lot are removed from consumer homes.
