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Important Update: Steve’s Real Food Expands Voluntary Recall

Published June 8, 2026

We are expanding our voluntary recall to include one lot of Steve’s Real Food Freeze-Dried Chicken Recipe due to potentially low thiamine (vitamin B1) levels for cats:

  • Steve’s Real Food Freeze-Dried Chicken Recipe Lot C26022 – Best by date 1/22/28


At the time this recipe was produced, it was formulated for both dogs and cats, which is why it is being included in the recall. We have not received any reports of illness related to this issue, but we are taking this action because our pet’s health and safety come first.

This was a lot from our old formula, taken by the FDA for testing in March. Because of unexpected findings with thiamine results, multiple rounds of testing across different labs were conducted over the last few months, yielding inconsistent results. We recently received the FDA’s final results and concluded that, due to the discrepancies, the lot should be officially recalled. We’ve worked closely with distributors and retailers and have confirmed that this lot is no longer present in distribution channels. While we do not believe the product is still available for purchase anywhere, any customer who still has this lot on hand should return it to their place of purchase for a full refund or replacement.

As promised from the beginning, we’ve continued investigating the thiamine deficiency originally identified in certain Quest Cat Food lots earlier this year. Understanding how it happened and ensuring it never happens again have remained among our highest priorities.

Throughout this process, we’ve learned a great deal about vitamin B1, its behavior in pet food, and its testing. We’ve found that testing for thiamine can be far more complex and variable than many people realize. The traditional tests the FDA uses to measure vitamins and minerals aren’t always able to accurately measure these nutrients in their natural form.

Since February, we’ve been working closely with the FDA and other industry experts to better understand these testing methods and to contribute to ongoing research into how naturally occurring thiamine is measured in pet food. Our ultimate goal is to foster the change that allows whole-food-based pet foods to be evaluated and measured accurately by regulatory agencies.

As we continue our research and testing, all current Steve’s Real Food and Quest Cat Food products are being made using our updated formulations, which include a temporary vitamin premix that has undergone extensive testing. At the same time, we’re continuing our work to develop a new version of our supplement blend that relies primarily on whole-food ingredients.

We remain committed to transparency, sharing what we learn, and doing everything possible to ensure the safety and nutritional quality of our products. As more information becomes available, we’ll continue providing updates.

If you have any questions, please reach out to us at [email protected] or 801-432-7478.

Published March 13, 2026

The FDA’s testing found 5 additional lots of Quest Cat Food contained low thiamine (vitamin B1) levels. The following lots are also affected:

  • Quest Freeze-Dried Pork Cat Food Lot C25358 – Best by date 12/24/27
  • Quest Freeze-Dried Beef Cat Food Lot C25318 – Best by date 11/14/27
  • Quest Freeze-Dried White Fish Cat Food Lot C25337 – Best by date 12/03/27
  • Quest Freeze-Dried Chicken Cat Food Lot C25336 – Best by date 12/02/27
  • Quest Freeze-Dried Pork Cat Food Lot C25321 – Best by date 11/17/27

 

Because testing can take weeks to yield results, we didn’t want to wait to act. We had already proactively removed all Quest Cat Food products from distribution on 2/26/26. While the FDA’s investigation has concluded, our internal investigation remains ongoing as we work to understand what caused the thiamine deficiency in these specific product lots.

Published February 25, 2026

At Go Raw, the health and safety of pets will always come first.

Following our recent voluntary recall of one lot of Quest Freeze-Dried Chicken Cat Food, additional testing conducted by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration identified two additional lots from the same production period with thiamine (Vitamin B1) levels below the minimum established by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO).

As a result, we will be expanding our voluntary recall to include those specific lots. 

The following lots are affected:

  • Quest Freeze-Dried Chicken Cat Food Lot C25288 – Best by date 10/15/27
  • Quest Frozen Chicken Cat Food Lot MCD25350 – Best by date 06/16/27
  • Quest Frozen Chicken Cat Food Lot MCC25321 – Best by date 05/17/27

Proactive Market Withdrawal

In addition to the expanded recall, we have decided to initiate an immediate stop sale and market withdrawal of all Quest Cat Food frozen and freeze-dried formulas, regardless of lot number or production date.

Not every lot has tested below the minimum thiamine levels. However, we believe the responsible path forward is clear: when Quest returns to shelves, every bag should reflect our updated formulation.

All newly manufactured Quest formulas now include a natural Vitamin B complex in the form of an inactive dried yeast, ensuring thiamine levels consistently exceed established nutritional standards. Rather than ask retailers and pet parents to navigate lot numbers or production windows, we are choosing to remove the entire line from distribution to ensure complete consistency and confidence moving forward.

This decision is voluntary and reflects our commitment to accountability, transparency, and long-term trust.

What This Means for Pet Parents

  • If you have a product that matches any recalled lot numbers, please discontinue feeding and contact your store for a refund.
  • If your product is not part of the recall, it is not subject to any safety findings, but you may still return it to your store for a refund if you so choose.
  • If your cat has been eating Quest and is thriving, that is reassuring. A cat with thiamine deficiency becomes symptomatic quickly within 1-3 weeks. If you have health concerns, please consult your veterinarian.

We understand that this update may raise questions. We welcome them. Our customer care team is available at (801) 432-7478 or [email protected] to provide support. Available 9am-5pm CST Monday through Friday. 

Questions or Concerns

  • Speak with someone to get more information: Please complete this form.
  • Report potential adverse effects in your cat: Please complete this form.

 

We recognize the seriousness of this step. We are taking it because pet parents deserve complete confidence in the food they feed, and we are committed to earning that confidence every day.

Published February 17, 2026

Voluntary Recall Notice: One Lot of Quest Freeze-Dried Chicken Cat Food

The health and safety of pets is our highest priority. We are voluntarily recalling Lot C25288 with a Best By date of 10/15/27 of Quest Freeze-Dried Chicken Cat Food distributed in October due to thiamine (Vitamin B1) levels that tested below the minimum established by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO).

This recall applies only to this lot. 

We became aware of a potential issue in January after a customer reported their cat was showing signs consistent with thiamine deficiency. We immediately initiated an internal investigation. By the time it was confirmed that this lot had a deficiency, permanent corrective action had already been taken.

While we have never had a formula test below minimum vitamin levels, our recipes rely on whole-food ingredients as natural vitamin sources. When nutrients come from whole foods rather than synthetic premixes, some variation can occur. Still, meeting established nutritional standards is absolutely essential — and so when we confirmed this lot fell short, we took immediate action.

What This Means for Pet Parents

The affected lot was distributed approximately four months ago and consisted of a single pallet. Because of the time that has passed, it is likely no longer in circulation. However, transparency matters to us, and we want to ensure that any customer who may still have product on hand is informed.

If you have Quest Freeze-Dried Chicken Cat Food, please check the lot number printed on the package. If it matches the recalled lot:

  • Discontinue feeding
  • Contact our customer care team for a full refund or replacement

If your cat consumed this lot and is showing symptoms such as decreased appetite, lethargy, vomiting, weight loss, or neurological changes (including imbalance or tremors), please consult your veterinarian promptly.

What We’ve Done to Prevent This in the Future

We have already implemented a permanent solution. An all-natural Vitamin B complex supplement is now being added to all formulas to ensure thiamine levels consistently exceed AAFCO minimum requirements while maintaining our commitment to whole-food nutrition.

We believe strongly in transparency, accountability, and continuous improvement. While this was an isolated issue, we are committed to taking every step necessary to protect the pets who depend on us.

Frequently Asked Questions

What product is affected?

Only one specific lot of Quest Freeze-Dried Chicken Cat Food, which was distributed in October.  Lot C25288, Best By: 10/15/27.

Why is the product being recalled?

Testing confirmed that thiamine (Vitamin B1) levels were below the minimum established by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO).

How did you discover the issue?

We were alerted in January after a customer reported their cat was showing signs consistent with thiamine deficiency. We immediately initiated an internal investigation and eventually got confirmation of the deficiency in that specific lot.

What are the symptoms of thiamine deficiency in cats?

Symptoms may include:

  • Decreased appetite
  • Lethargy
  • Vomiting
  • Weight loss
  • Neurological changes (such as imbalance or tremors)

If your cat shows concerning symptoms, contact your veterinarian promptly.

Are other products affected?

No. This recall applies only to Lot C25288 of Quest Freeze-Dried Chicken Cat Food with a Best By date of 10/15/27.

Why did this happen?

Our formulas rely on whole-food ingredients as natural sources of vitamins. While we have never previously tested below minimum levels, natural variation can occur. We have taken steps to ensure this does not happen again.

What corrective action have you taken?

We are now adding an all-natural Vitamin B complex supplement to all formulas to ensure thiamine levels consistently exceed AAFCO minimum requirements.

What should I do if I have the recalled lot?

Discontinue feeding and contact us for a full refund or replacement.

Is this product still in stores?

The lot was distributed approximately four months ago and is likely no longer in circulation. However, we are issuing this recall to ensure full transparency and consumer awareness.

I have a Quest Cat Food product. Can I still feed it to my cat?

If you have a product that matches any of the recalled lot numbers, please discontinue feeding it and contact your store for a refund. If your product is not involved in the recall, it has not been subject to any safety findings. If your cat is doing well on it, you may continue feeding it if you wish. If you have concerns about feeding your cat Quest Cat Food as their main diet, you can add a thiamine (vitamin B1) supplement, mix it with another complete and balanced food, or use it as a topper or treat (makes a great training treat for dogs too!).

Other Questions or Concerns

  • I’d like to speak with someone to get more information: Please complete this form.

 

  • I’d like to report potential adverse effects in my cat: Please complete this form.