Savage Pet, a pet food company based in El Cajon, California, has issued a significant recall involving 66 Large Chicken Boxes (84 oz) and 74 Small Chicken Boxes (21 oz). The affected products carry the lot code/best by date of 11152026. This precautionary measure comes in response to concerns that the products may potentially contain H5N1, commonly known as bird flu.
The recalled Large and Small Chicken Boxes were distributed to various retailers across multiple states, including California, Colorado, New York, Pennsylvania, and Washington. Pet owners should be vigilant and check if they have purchased the affected products.
Pet owners who have fed their cats the recalled chicken products should monitor them closely for symptoms of bird flu. Signs to look out for include:
Fever Lethargy Low appetite Reddened or inflamed eyes Discharge from the eyes and nose Difficulty breathing Neurological signs such as tremors, stiff body movements, seizures, lack of coordination, or blindnessShould any of these symptoms appear, pet owners are advised to contact their veterinarian without delay.
Although there have been no reported human infections linked to handling raw pet food products, it is important to note that humans can become infected if the live virus comes into contact with their eyes, nose, or mouth. To minimize risk, individuals should practice good hygiene by washing their hands thoroughly after handling raw products and sanitizing any surfaces that may have come into contact with the food.
People who have handled the recalled products should also be alert for symptoms of bird flu in themselves, which may include:
Redness or irritation in the eyes (conjunctivitis) Cough Sore throat Sneezing Runny or stuffy nose Muscle or body aches Headaches Fatigue Fever Trouble breathing Seizures Rash Diarrhea Nausea VomitingIndividuals experiencing these signs after contact with the recalled products should seek medical advice from their healthcare provider and local health department.
The recall was initiated after Savage Pet was notified of a cat in Colorado that contracted H5N1 and subsequently recovered. Testing conducted by Colorado State University Laboratory on sealed packets of Savage Cat Food yielded non-negative results for the virus. The affected product was then sent to the National Veterinary Services Laboratory in Ames, Iowa, for further testing.
While the product was temporarily removed from the market, the final test results confirmed that the virus was negative. However, on March 13, 2025, Savage Pet learned of another case in New York involving a kitten that had consumed the same lot code. Ongoing testing is being conducted to ensure the safety of pet food products.
As a precautionary measure, consumers are advised not to feed the recalled products to their pets or any other animals. Additionally, do not sell or donate these recalled items. Those who have purchased products with the lot code/best by date of 11152026 are urged to return them to their retailer for proper destruction and a full refund.
For the health and safety of pets and humans alike, it is crucial to remain informed about product recalls and to adhere to all recommendations provided by health authorities.
