COTTONWOOD HEIGHTS, UTAH — In a move that underscores the ongoing challenges of maintaining nutritional precision in the premium pet food industry, Go Raw LLC has announced a significant expansion of its voluntary recall first initiated in early 2026. The recall, which originally focused on specific batches of cat food, has now been broadened to include additional lots of freeze-dried poultry products under the "Steve’s Real Food" label. The primary concern remains a potential deficiency in thiamine, also known as Vitamin B1—a critical nutrient whose absence can lead to severe neurological impairment and death in domestic pets.
The announcement, issued from the company’s headquarters on June 8, 2026, serves as a stark reminder of the complexities involved in the manufacturing of raw and freeze-dried pet diets. As the pet care industry continues to pivot toward minimally processed "ancestral" diets, the stability of essential micronutrients like thiamine has become a focal point for regulators and manufacturers alike.
I. Main Facts: The Scope of the Expanded Recall
The current expansion specifically targets one additional lot of Steve’s Real Food Chicken Recipe Freeze Dried product. This product is a staple for many pet owners who prioritize high-protein, low-carb diets for their dogs and cats. The recall expansion is driven by internal quality control findings suggesting that thiamine levels in this specific batch may fall below the minimum nutritional requirements established by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO).
The Newly Affected Product
The following product has been added to the recall list as of June 8, 2026:
- Product Name: Steve’s Real Food Chicken Recipe Freeze Dried
- Size: 1.25 lb Bag
- Lot Code: C26022
- UPC: 6-91730-164 02-7
- Best Buy Date: 1/22/2028
- Packaging: Beige, zip-locked bag with a distinctive maroon stripe.
Geographic Distribution
The reach of the affected lot is extensive, covering 21 states across the U.S. retail landscape. These include:
CO, UT, WA, OR, PA, RI, MI, CA, TX, IL, GA, NC, SC, FL, MN, NY, OH, WI, PA, ID, and MT.
While Go Raw LLC reports that the affected lot is no longer present in the primary distribution channels, the "Best Buy" date of early 2028 means that many consumers likely have these bags stored in their homes or pantries.
II. Chronology of the Recall: From February to June 2026
The June 8 update is the latest chapter in a months-long investigation into the nutritional integrity of Go Raw LLC’s chicken-based recipes.
- February 17, 2026: Go Raw LLC issued its initial recall after identifying thiamine inconsistencies in its Quest Cat Food line. This initial action focused on three specific products:
- 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)
- Spring 2026: Following the February recall, the company launched a comprehensive internal audit of its formulation and testing protocols. During this period, the company began transitioning to a new vitamin premix designed to enhance nutrient stability.
- June 8, 2026: Further analytical testing and a commitment to transparency led the company to expand the recall to the Steve’s Real Food 1.25 lb freeze-dried chicken bags. This expansion indicates that the thiamine stability issue may have been more systemic within the chicken-based formulations than previously understood.
III. Supporting Data: The Science of Thiamine and the Risks of Deficiency
To understand the gravity of this recall, one must look at the biological role of thiamine (Vitamin B1). Thiamine is a water-soluble vitamin that acts as a coenzyme in the metabolism of carbohydrates. It is essential for the production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the primary energy currency of cells, and is vital for the normal functioning of the nervous system.
Why Cats are at Higher Risk
While both dogs and cats require thiamine, feline biology is particularly sensitive to its absence. Cats have a dietary requirement for thiamine that is roughly three to four times higher than that of dogs. Furthermore, cats possess a limited ability to store thiamine in their bodies, meaning a deficiency can manifest much faster than in other species.
The Progression of Clinical Signs
The company and veterinary experts have categorized the symptoms of thiamine deficiency into three escalating stages:
- Early Stages: Pet owners may notice subtle changes such as a decrease in appetite (anorexia), occasional vomiting, weight loss, or excessive salivation (ptyalism). In growing kittens or puppies, a failure to meet growth milestones may occur.
- Intermediate/Neurological Stages: As the deficiency progresses, the nervous system begins to fail. A classic sign in cats is ventroflexion of the neck, where the animal is unable to lift its head, causing it to bend toward the floor. Other signs include "wobbly" walking (ataxia), circling, falling, or apparent blindness due to central nervous system dullness.
- Advanced/Critical Stages: Without intervention, the animal may suffer from seizures, profound lethargy, and heart failure. Advanced thiamine deficiency is frequently fatal if not treated with aggressive thiamine supplementation and supportive care.
The Challenge of Freeze-Dried Processing
The recall has sparked a broader conversation about the stability of thiamine in "raw-alternative" diets. Thiamine is notoriously unstable; it is sensitive to heat, light, and high moisture levels. In the freeze-drying process—which involves freezing the food and then reducing the surrounding pressure to allow the frozen water to sublimate directly from the solid phase to the gas phase—the lack of high-heat cooking usually preserves nutrients. However, if the initial formulation does not account for the natural degradation of thiamine over a two-year shelf life, or if "thiaminases" (enzymes that destroy B1) are present in raw ingredients, levels can drop below safe margins.
IV. Official Responses: Corporate Accountability and FDA Collaboration
In their official statement, Go Raw LLC emphasized that "Product safety and nutritional adequacy remain our highest priorities." The company has been proactive in its communication, opting for a voluntary recall rather than waiting for a mandatory order from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
A New Formulation Strategy
To prevent future occurrences, the company has confirmed that all current Steve’s Real Food and Quest products are now manufactured using an updated formulation. This new approach includes a revised Vitamin premix specifically engineered to ensure thiamine levels remain stable throughout the product’s entire shelf life.
Scientific Inquiry and Analytical Challenges
One of the most notable aspects of Go Raw LLC’s response is their admission of the "complexities of thiamine stability and analytical testing." The company noted that testing results for thiamine can vary significantly between different laboratories, even when testing the same lot.
"We believe there are important scientific questions that warrant further study," a company spokesperson stated. "We are continuing to work with the FDA and industry experts to better understand these testing methodologies." This highlights a significant "grey area" in pet food regulation: the difficulty of achieving consistent, repeatable lab results for sensitive micronutrients.
V. Implications for the Pet Food Industry and Consumers
This recall expansion carries weight beyond the immediate lot of chicken recipe. It touches on several burgeoning trends and tensions within the $50 billion U.S. pet food market.
The Reliability of the "Raw" Movement
As more consumers move away from traditional kibble toward freeze-dried and raw diets, the burden of proof for nutritional completeness falls heavily on smaller, boutique manufacturers. While these diets are praised for their digestibility and ingredient quality, the Go Raw LLC recall illustrates that they are not immune to the nutritional pitfalls that have historically plagued the industry.
Regulatory Scrutiny
The FDA has increased its oversight of raw pet food manufacturers over the last decade, primarily focusing on pathogens like Salmonella and Listeria. However, this recall suggests that the agency and manufacturers may need to place equal emphasis on nutritional litigation—ensuring that what is promised on the "Guaranteed Analysis" label remains true two years after the product leaves the factory.
Consumer Trust and Transparency
Go Raw LLC’s decision to openly discuss the "valuable insights" gained into thiamine stability is an attempt to maintain consumer trust through transparency. By admitting that thiamine is a "sensitive nutrient" and that testing is difficult, they are positioning themselves as a science-forward company that is learning alongside the regulators.
VI. Guidance for Consumers and Pet Owners
The company has issued clear instructions for those who may have the affected Steve’s Real Food or Quest products in their possession.
Immediate Actions
- Stop Feeding: If you have a bag matching Lot Code C26022 (or the previously recalled Quest lots), stop feeding it to your pet immediately.
- Monitor for Symptoms: If your pet has consumed the product, watch for signs of lethargy, neck bending, or loss of appetite.
- Consult a Veterinarian: If symptoms are present, contact a veterinarian immediately. Thiamine deficiency is generally reversible if caught early through oral or injectable supplementation.
- Seek a Refund: Consumers are encouraged to return the affected packaging to the retail store where it was purchased for a full refund or a replacement from the new, reformulated stock.
Contact Information
For further questions, Go Raw LLC has established a dedicated support line:
- Email: [email protected]
- Phone: 801-432-7478
- Availability: Monday through Friday, 9:00 am to 4:00 pm MST.
As the industry watches Go Raw LLC navigate this expansion, the focus remains on the delicate balance between "natural" processing and the rigid requirements of nutritional science. For pet owners, it serves as a reminder to stay vigilant regarding recall notices, even for brands they have trusted for years.