12/31/2024
Voluntary Recall of Northwest Naturals Brand 2 lb Feline Turkey Recipe & Frozen Pet Food Due to HPAI Contamination. The recalled product is packaged in 2-pound plastic bags with “Best if used by” dates of 05/21/26 B10 and 06/23/2026 B1. Please see the full press release below.
Dear MercyVet Clients,
As always, we at MercyVet try to balance feeding species appropriate foods as best indicated for the condition of your pet and your family circumstances. In general, we do not advise feeding raw foods for immuno-compromised or very debilitated pets or in households where the people are immune-compromised or there are very young children.
The raw pet food industry will be tasked with monitoring batches for Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza, so the perceived risk may become lower as awareness increases. However, for the felines, if you would like to err on the side of caution, you may temporarily shift to canned food or a cooked cat food (see expanded list below). It is important if you decide to lightly cook raw foods to only do so if the food does NOT contain ground bone. Freeze drying does not eliminate the HPAI – but moving forward, these companies may be faced with batch testing as well. Since the virus has been isolated in dairy cows and milk, it is primarily a problem in poultry and beef, so other options to look for are pork, lamb and other protein sources.
As always, factors that affect susceptibility to disease include overall wellness/vitality, age and immune support in various forms (probiotics, antioxidant supplements, fish oils, for example) can also help pets be less susceptible to all kinds of comorbidities.
Sincerely,
Dr. Jacqueline Sehn and Dr. Lisa Brienen
Based on Susan Thixton’s 2024 The List https://truthaboutpetfood.com/ : Brands that make cooked feline diets (order online, although some might be found locally): Goodness Gracious, Just Food for Cats, Milk, My Perfect Pet, Open Farm, Pau’s Custom, Portland, Raised Right, Shine, Small Batch, Wild Coast Raw. Just Food for Cats has one choice a fish and chicken blend.
Knowing the truth can save your pet's life
