FDA warns more Quest cat food lots may be thiamine-deficient

VERSION 1 — BRIEF

The FDA on March 13 warned that eight lots of Quest Cat Food marketed by Go Raw LLC, doing business as Steve’s Real Food, contain extremely low or no thiamine, after the agency received multiple reports of severe feline illness and tested additional products. FDA said all eight lots it tested were deficient, but only three lots had been formally recalled as of the advisory, even though the company had publicly said it was stopping sales of all Quest products while it investigated. The affected products include both frozen and freeze-dried Quest cat foods sold nationwide. (fda.gov)

Why it matters: For veterinary professionals, this is a nutrition-linked safety event with clear clinical relevance. FDA said the issue first came to light after a veterinary neurologist reported a cat with severe thiamine deficiency, and the agency now warns that continued feeding could lead to gastrointestinal signs, cervical ventroflexion, ataxia, seizures, and death. Thiamine deficiency in cats is typically diagnosed from diet history, clinical signs, and response to supplementation, and can be reversible if caught early. (fda.gov)

What to watch: Watch for whether Go Raw expands its formal recall to all FDA-identified lots, and for any further FDA enforcement or company updates on product removal and reformulation. (fda.gov)