Freeze-dried foods and treats have become popular feeding options for cats and dogs. This food provides a better nutrient delivery system for your pet without the potential salmonella risk associated with raw food.
However, freeze-dried foods are not exempt from recalls. A popular cat food brand recently issued a voluntary recall of its freeze-dried chicken cat nuggets. But it’s not about bacterial contamination. The recall is due to a possible vitamin deficiency.
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Stop using this freeze-dried kibble immediately
If your cat is eating Quest Cat Food Chicken Recipe, you need to check your pantry. This voluntary recall affects one specific lot: C25288, UPC: 6-91730-18103-1, with a best buy date of 10/15/2027. These zipper bags are sold in Colorado, Utah, Washington, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Michigan, California, Texas and Illinois. The affected batches may have lower levels of thiamine, also known as vitamin B1.
A recall of freeze-dried chicken nuggets has been triggered after a cat owner reported her cat was sick. Thankfully, the cat recovered after being treated by a veterinarian. So far, he is the only cat to have had an adverse reaction from the product.
The product was tested by veterinarians who treat sick cats, and testing showed that the batch did not meet the thiamine levels needed to support the cat’s diet. Quest conducted further testing to verify that this batch may have lower thiamine content. Quest’s parent company, Go Raw LLC, has taken steps to ensure this never happens again.
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Why Thiamine Is Important
Thiamine is considered an essential nutrient for cats. According to a 2017 study, this water-soluble vitamin helps animals process carbohydrates, synthesize nucleotides, and maintain normal nervous system function. Since they cannot produce the vitamin on their own, they need at least 0.33 to 0.35 mg per day to maintain healthy levels.
Although defects can be reversed if caught early, they can cause serious medical problems. According to an FDA press release, cats’ nervous systems and stomachs may be affected. “Early symptoms of thiamine deficiency may include decreased appetite, salivation, vomiting, failure to thrive, and weight loss,” the release states. “In advanced cases, neurological symptoms may occur, including ventral flexion (bending of the neck toward the floor), mental dullness, vision changes, staggering, circling, falls, and seizures.”
If left untreated, cats can also become seriously ill or even die from symptoms. Go Raw LLC said consumers should stop using the product immediately and return it to the store where it was purchased for a full refund. If you have any questions, you can email cs@gorawllc.com or call (801) 432-7478, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. MST.
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This story was originally published by Parade Pets on February 20, 2026 and first appeared in the Pet News section. Click here to add Parade Pets as your preferred source.
