When we feed and nourish our pets, we put our faith in the pet food brands sold from store to store to safely satisfy our furry friends while giving them the nutrients they need to live healthy lives, but a recent tragedy has many pet owners holding their felines a little tighter than usual. On December 24, Northwest Naturals recalled their 2lb Feline Turkey Recipe raw frozen pet food when a cat tragically passed away after consuming this product.
After tests were conducted by the cat’s veterinarian, the Oregon Department of Agriculture was contacted and it was ultimately confirmed that the specific batch from which the cat’s food came tested positive for the avian influenza virus, more commonly known as bird flu. Here, read all about the recall and what to do if your feline has consumed this product.
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Bird flu recall: cat food products you need to check
If you’ve purchased the 2lb bag of Feline Turkey Recipe raw frozen pet food, to determine if your package is affected by the recall, look to the back of the package for the “Best By” date. If the “Best By” date says 5/21/26 B10 or 6/23/26 B1, then it’s important to take action. According to the Northwest Naturals website, “The product was sold through distributors in AZ, CA, CO, FL, GA, IL, MD, MI, MN, PA, RI and WA in the United States, and British Columbia in Canada.”
Steps to take if you bought contaminated cat food
If the dates on the back of your pet food don’t match the two indicated, then it is safe for your pet to continue consuming. However, if you did purchase a package from this particular batch and your cat has eaten it, it is best to contact your veterinarian as soon as possible. From there, your feline can be properly monitored and tested.
How did the bird flu contamination occur?
Though the avian flu comes from the saliva and feces of wild birds and was linked to the turkey in this product, the way in which the turkey was infected has yet to be determined. After this tragedy, Northwest Naturals has said on their website that they are pursuing testing for avian flu at their facilities going forward, and their quality control teams have already begun looking into how they can improve their process. The food, which is made at a USDA-approved facility, is made from human-grade materials.
Who can I contact for more information?
Northwest Naturals of Portland can be contacted via email at [email protected] or by phone at 866-637-1872. If you have purchased these products, throw them out and if you are seeking a refund, contact the store from which you purchased them.
