Go Raw LLC has expanded its recall of Steve's Real Food Freeze-Dried Chicken Recipe due to inadequate thiamine levels in the product.
Thiamine, also called vitamin B1, plays a vital role in pet nutrition. Cats and dogs require sufficient thiamine for proper nerve function, energy metabolism, and overall health. Low thiamine levels can lead to serious neurological problems, loss of appetite, and weakness in affected animals.
Steve's Real Food is a popular freeze-dried raw pet food brand marketed to cat and dog owners seeking minimally processed nutrition. The company identified the deficiency during quality testing and initiated the recall to prevent potential health issues in pets consuming the affected batches.
Pet owners who purchased Steve's Real Food Freeze-Dried Chicken Recipe should check their product immediately. The recall applies to specific lot numbers and production dates, which Go Raw LLC has published on its website and through veterinary channels. Owners should stop feeding the product to their cats and dogs right away.
This recall highlights a critical challenge with freeze-dried and raw diets. The high-temperature processing involved in freeze-drying can destroy heat-sensitive nutrients like thiamine. Some pet food manufacturers may not adequately compensate for these losses through fortification, resulting in nutritionally incomplete diets.
If your pet consumed this product, contact your veterinarian. Watch for signs of thiamine deficiency, including loss of appetite, lethargy, vomiting, or neurological symptoms like tremors or disorientation. Your vet can test thiamine levels and recommend appropriate supplementation or diet changes.
Pet owners considering freeze-dried or raw diets should request complete nutritional analyses from manufacturers. The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) sets minimum nutrient standards, including thiamine requirements. Verify that any raw or specialty diet meets these standards before feeding it long-term to your pets