Tim Callahan, the CEO of WellPet, makers of Wellness® natural pet food announced on February 28, 2011 a voluntary recall of some of their canned cat foods.
The following lots are affected in the recall:
- 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 17NOV13
Though no cats have been reported ill from consuming the cat food, product quality testing on several "runs" of the food revealed a deficiency of thiamine. As a result, WellPet made the decision to recall the foods "out of an abundance of caution."
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.
Thiamine is an essential nutrient for cats. Cats eating a diet deficient in thiamine for several weeks can develop symptoms. Symptoms of thiamine deficiency typically affect the gastrointestinal and nervous systems. Signs of a thiamine deficiency may include:
- vomiting
- reduced appetite
- drooling
- weight loss
- ventriflexion of the neck (the cat's neck will bend toward the floor)
- incoordination
- walking in circles
- falling
- seizure
If your cat has been eating the recalled diet and is exhibiting any of these signs, contact your veterinarian.