Savage Pet Recalls Cat Food Due to Bird Flu Risk

Savage Pet, a pet food manufacturer based in El Cajon, California, has issued a recall for its Savage Cat Food Chicken products due to potential contamination with H5N1, commonly known as bird flu. The recall affects 66 large chicken boxes (84 oz.) and 74 small chicken boxes (21 oz.) with the lot code/best by date of 11152026. The products were distributed to retailers in California, Colorado, New York, Pennsylvania, and Washington.

Pet owners who have fed their cats the recalled products are advised to monitor for symptoms of bird flu, which may include fever, lethargy, low appetite, and respiratory or neurological issues. If a cat exhibits any of these signs after consuming the affected product, owners should contact a veterinarian immediately. While no human infections have been reported from handling raw pet food, people should take precautions such as washing hands and sanitizing surfaces. Symptoms of bird flu in humans can include eye irritation, cough, sore throat, fever, and, in severe cases, difficulty breathing or neurological symptoms.

In February 2025, Savage Pet was informed of a cat in Colorado that had tested positive for H5N1 after consuming the recalled product. Subsequent PCR testing at Colorado State University found “non-negative” results for the virus in sealed packets, leading to further virus isolation testing at the National Veterinary Services Laboratory in Iowa. Initial results came back negative. However, on March 13, 2025, another case involving a kitten in New York was reported, prompting the company to escalate its market withdrawal to a full recall.

Consumers in possession of the recalled lot are instructed not to feed the product to pets or donate it. Instead, they should return it to their retailer for proper disposal and a full refund. The affected product, distributed in November 2024, comes in cardboard boxes containing individually wrapped plastic packets, with the lot code printed on both the bottom of the box and each packet. For further inquiries, consumers can contact Savage Pet at info@savagecatfood.com or call 619-270-0295.

Article by multiple RFHC contributors, based upon information from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

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