Introduction
In early 2025, several U.S. pet food companies initiated recalls of raw cat food products due to concerns over contamination with Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) H5N1, commonly known as bird flu. These recalls were prompted by confirmed cases of the virus in domestic cats, some of which resulted in fatalities. The incidents have raised alarms among pet owners and health officials about the risks associated with feeding pets raw animal products.
Wild Coast Raw Recall
On March 1, Wild Coast Raw, based in Olympia, Washington, voluntarily recalled its Frozen Boneless Free Range Chicken Formula for cats. This decision followed the deaths of two indoor cats in Oregon who had consumed the product and subsequently tested positive for HPAI H5N1. Genetic sequencing confirmed that the virus found in the cats matched that in the unopened pet food packages. The affected products were sold in 16 oz. and 24 oz. packages with best-by dates of December 2025, including lot numbers #22653, #22641, #22639, #22672, #22660, and #22664.
Savage Pet Recall
In a separate incident, Savage Pet of El Cajon, California, recalled its Savage Cat Food Chicken products after reports of two cats—one in Colorado and another in New York—contracting H5N1 following consumption of the food. The recall includes 84 oz. and 21 oz. boxes with the lot code “11152026,” distributed in November 2024 across California, Colorado, New York, Pennsylvania, and Washington. Although initial tests were inconclusive, further investigations led to the recall as a precautionary measure.
Northwest Naturals Recall
Earlier, in December 2024, Northwest Naturals issued a recall for its Feline Turkey Recipe raw frozen cat food after a cat in Oregon died from H5N1 infection. The product, sold nationwide, had best-by dates between May 21, 2026, and June 23, 2026. Officials confirmed that the virus in the cat matched that in the pet food, emphasizing the risks of feeding pets raw or undercooked animal products.
Health Implications for Pets and Humans
Cats infected with H5N1 may exhibit symptoms such as fever, lethargy, reduced appetite, inflamed eyes, respiratory distress, and neurological signs like tremors or seizures. Pet owners are advised to seek immediate veterinary care if such symptoms appear. While no human cases have been directly linked to these pet food incidents, H5N1 can infect humans, particularly through close contact with infected animals or contaminated products. Precautionary measures include thorough handwashing after handling pet food and avoiding feeding pets raw meat or unpasteurized dairy products.
Expert Recommendations
Health authorities recommend that pet owners avoid feeding raw or undercooked animal products to their pets to minimize the risk of H5N1 transmission. Ensuring pets do not come into contact with wild birds or their droppings is also crucial. In light of these events, Wild Coast Raw has shifted to fully cooked poultry recipes to enhance safety.
Conclusion
The recent recalls underscore the potential dangers of raw pet food diets, particularly concerning zoonotic diseases like H5N1. Pet owners are encouraged to stay informed about product recalls and adhere to feeding guidelines that prioritize the health and safety of their animals. For the latest information on pet food safety, consult the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s pet food recall list and the American Veterinary Medical Association’s guidelines.
Overal references: AI researched this. People.com is the major source.
