Urgent dog food recall over brain damage fears – 'life-threatening' risk

Dog food products have been urgently recalled over fears they could cause life-threatening brain damage.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the US issued an updated notice on Monday, June 8 as products from GO Raw LLC have been added to the list of items that could cause life-threatening nutritional deficiencies.

The company initially made a voluntary recall in February after the discovery that the dog food contained extremely low levels of thiamine, also known as Vitamin B1.

Thiamine is an essential nutrient for dogs and cats, who use it to maintain normal neurologic function and properly digest and metabolize carbohydrates.

Without it, pets, and especially cats, could experience a deficiency that can lead to neurological issues, seizures and even death.

While the company said it believes products have been removed from shelves and the recall is being done “out of an abundance of caution,” the long expiration dates mean the foods could still be in pantries and freezers.

What pet food products have been recalled?

One additional product has been added to the list since GO Raw first initiated its recall on February 17.

The products have been sold across 20 states in the US and have best before dates of 2028. These states include New York, California and Texas.

Anyone who purchased the items has been urged to stop feeding them to their pets and return them for a full refund or replacement.

The recalled pet food products were sold in 21 states and have best-by dates into 2028.