This weekend, the FDA announced that two types of Savage Pet raw cat food are being recalled for potential contamination with Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) H5N1, commonly known as bird flu.
The brand initiated the recall itself after multiple cats were reported to have gotten the flu after consuming the products. For more information about the recall, including alternative cat foods that you can try instead.
SKIP AHEAD Why was the cat food recalled? | The best cat food to try instead | Why trust NBC Select?
Why was the cat food recalled?
On March 15, the FDA announced a recall of Savage Pet raw cat food for possible bird flu contamination. According to the recall, Savage Pet, based in El Cajon, California, is recalling 66 Large 84 oz. Chicken Boxes and 74 Small 21 oz. Chicken Boxes, with the lot code/best before date of 11152026. The FDA says the products were distributed to California, Colorado, New York, Pennsylvania, and Washington retailers. If you purchased these products, you can return it to the retailer to be properly destroyed for a full refund (you can also contact Savage Pet for more information).
The recall follows reports of two cats in Colorado and New York who ate the recalled products and contracted H5N1, also known as bird flu. The FDA’s testing process is still ongoing. However, the recall was initiated to maintain maximum safety.
If your cat has been fed the recalled Savage Pet products, the FDA suggests watching for the following symptoms:
- Fever
- Lethargy
- Low appetite
- Eye/nose discharge
- red/inflamed eyes
- Difficulty breathing
- Neurological signs like tremors, stiffness, seizure, lack of coordination, or blindness
If your cat shows any of these symptoms, the FDA recommends immediately contacting their veterinarian.
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Best cat food to try instead
If you’re looking for a replacement for your cat’s favorite Savage Pet food or are just in the market to try a new cat food, we have a few options that our staff (and their pets) love. All products included have either been recommended by an expert, are an NBC Select staff-favorite, or are highly rated with a 4.0 or higher rating from hundreds of reviews.
Best dry food: Purina One Indoor Advantage Dry Cat Food
- Two flavors available
- 4 antioxidants
- Fiber blend
- Nothing to note at this time
This dry cat food is an NBC Select Pet Award winner for its high protein formula and fiber blend, which helps cats maintain a healthy weight, according to the brand. NBC Select reporter Zoe Malin regularly feeds it to her cats and likes that it’s made without any artificial flavors or preservatives.
First ingredient: turkey | Texture: triangle pellets | Sizes: 7, 16, 22 or 32 lbs. | Other flavors: salmon
Best wet food: Hill’s Science Diet Perfect Weight Adult Wet Cat Food
- Many flavors
- Supports weight management
- Whole ingredients
- Only one can size
Another Pet Award winner, this wet cat food from Hill’s Science Diet is made with lean protein and whole ingredients like carrots, rice and spinach, according to the brand. The lean protein can help your cat to maintain or lose weight, and it’s made without artificial colors or flavors.
First ingredient: chicken broth | Texture: stew | Sizes: 2.9-oz. can | Other flavors: minced liver & chicken, salmon & vegetable stew, turkey & vegetable stew
Best for sensitive stomachs: Blue Buffalo Tastefuls Adult Sensitive Stomach Dry Cat Food
- Prebiotic fiber
- No wheat, cory or soy
- Easy to digest
- Only one flavor available
This dry cat food was formulated specifically for cats with sensitive stomachs. It’s made without any artificial flavors or preservatives, corn, wheat, soy or poultry by-product meals, according to the brand. It also includes prebiotics to help support digestion.
First ingredient: deboned chicken | Texture: round pellets | Sizes: 3, 5, 7 10 or 15 lbs. | Other flavors: none
Editor’s pick: Fancy Feast Grilled Wet Cat Food Seafood Collection
- Lots of flavors
- Savory gravy
- Protein-rich
- Only one can size
Malin’s cats love the tender texture of this cat food from Fancy Feast, which is made with a protein-rich formula and without any colors or preservatives, according to the brand. Malin also likes that this cat food comes in a variety pack, which makes it easier to switch things up for cats that are picky eaters.
First ingredient: fish broth | Texture: flakes in gravy | Sizes: 3-oz. can | Other flavors: poultry and beef collection, can purchase three flavors individually or as variety pack
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I’m an associate SEO Reporter at NBC Select who regularly covers sales and deals, breaking product news, and topics like wellness, lifestyle and more.
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