WellPet, the maker of Wellness natural pet food, has voluntarily recalled some lots of its canned cat food because of potentially insufficient amounts of thiamine (vitamin B1). WellPet discovered the lower thiamine levels during independent testing conducted together with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in response to a single, isolated consumer complaint received by the FDA.
A letter from WellPet CEO Tim Callahan on the company’s website says about the recall and potential harm to cats:
“......Cats fed only product with inadequate levels of thiamine for several weeks may be at risk for developing a thiamine deficiency. If treated promptly, thiamine deficiency is typically reversible. Though the chance of developing this deficiency is remote, withdrawing these products is the right thing to do and we are removing it from retailers' shelves.”
The lots involved in this voluntary recall are:
- Wellness Canned Cat (all flavors and sizes) with best by dates from 14APR 13 through 30SEP13;
- Wellness Canned Cat Chicken & Herring (all sizes) with best by date of 10NOV13 and 17NOV1
If you have cat food from these lots, you should stop feeding it to your cats. You may call WellPet at 1-877-227-9587 to arrange for return of the product and reimbursement.
A media report sent by the FDA, according to Veterinary Practice News, says that the early signs of thiamine deficiency can decreased appetite, salivation, vomiting and weight loss. In advanced cases, neurologic signs can develop, which may include ventriflexion (bending toward the floor) of the neck, wobbly walking, circling, falling and seizures.
Make sure your cat sees a veterinarian if it has been consuming the recalled lots and displays these symptoms.
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