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Dog Food Reviews

Steve’s Real Food Recall Expands in 2026

July 1, 2026·7 min read
Steve’s Real Food Recall Expands in 2026

If you feed freeze-dried raw meals and treats, this is an important update to know. On June 8, 2026, Go Raw LLC expanded a voluntary recall involving Steve’s Real Food Chicken Recipe Freeze Dried because of potentially low levels of thiamine (vitamin B1). For dog owners, that means checking your bag carefully and stopping use immediately if it matches the recalled details.

This expanded action follows an earlier recall that was originally issued on February 17, 20026. According to the company and the FDA, the current dog food recall affects one specific lot of a freeze-dried chicken recipe product. While the affected lot is reportedly no longer in distribution channels, pet parents should still verify any product they may have at home.

Recall overview: what product is affected?

The recall is limited to a single lot of:

  • Steve’s Real Food Chicken Recipe Freeze Dried
  • Bag size: 1.25 lb
  • Packaging: beige, zip-locked bag

Check the front of the bag for these identifying details:

  • Lot Code: C26022
  • UPC: 6-91730-18103-1
  • Best Buy Date: 1/22/2028

If your package matches these details, do not continue feeding it.

Why the Steve’s Real Food recall was expanded

The reason for the expanded Steve’s Real Food recall is potentially low thiamine levels. Thiamine, also known as vitamin B1, is an essential nutrient for both dogs and cats. It plays a key role in:

  • Normal carbohydrate metabolism
  • Healthy neurologic function
  • Overall energy use in the body

Although cats are generally considered more susceptible to thiamine deficiency, dogs can also become seriously ill if they consume a deficient diet regularly over time.

This issue is especially important with complete and balanced pet food products, because many owners rely on them as a primary daily diet.

Related recalls in the same company range

Go Raw LLC had previously issued a recall of three other products, but those earlier products were all cat food recipes, not dog food. Those recalled cat foods were:

  • Quest Cat Food Chicken Recipe Freeze Dried Nuggets
  • Quest Cat Food Chicken Recipe Frozen Diet
  • Quest Cat Food Chicken Recipe Frozen Diet

The newly expanded notice is significant because it includes an additional lot involving Steve’s Real Food freeze-dried chicken dog food.

What dog owners should do now

If you purchased the recalled Steve’s Real Food Chicken Recipe Freeze Dried (1.25 lb bags), the guidance is straightforward:

  1. Stop feeding the product immediately.
  2. Check the lot code, UPC, and best buy date on the bag.
  3. Return it to the place of purchase for a full refund or replacement.
  4. Monitor your dog for symptoms that could be linked to low thiamine intake.
  5. Contact your veterinarian if you notice anything unusual.

For questions about the recall, pet parents can contact Go Raw LLC at:

Where the recalled dog food was sold

The recalled Steve’s Real Food freeze-dried chicken dog food was distributed through retail stores in multiple U.S. states, including:

  • California
  • Colorado
  • Florida
  • Georgia
  • Idaho
  • Illinois
  • Michigan
  • Minnesota
  • Montana
  • New York
  • North Carolina
  • South Carolina
  • Ohio
  • Oregon
  • Pennsylvania
  • Rhode Island
  • Texas
  • Utah
  • Washington
  • Wisconsin

Steve’s Real Food has confirmed that the affected lot is no longer present in distribution channels. An FDA press release also stated that the agency does not believe the product is still available to purchase. Even so, bags may still be sitting in homes, pantries, or storage bins, which is why checking your product is still essential.

About thiamine: why vitamin B1 matters so much

Thiamine is a water-soluble vitamin that animals need regularly through their diet. Because the body does not store large amounts of it, a pet can become deficient if their food does not provide enough over time.

In dogs and cats, thiamine supports:

  • Brain and nerve function
  • Appetite regulation
  • Energy metabolism
  • Healthy growth and maintenance

A diet deficient in thiamine, if eaten regularly over an extended period, may lead to clinical signs such as:

  • Vomiting
  • Excessive salivation
  • Weight loss
  • Decreased appetite
  • Poor growth

As deficiency progresses, more serious signs can appear, including:

  • Seizures
  • Changes to vision
  • Difficulty walking
  • Circling
  • Bending the head toward the floor

In severe cases, advanced thiamine deficiency can become life-threatening without veterinary intervention. That is why any suspected exposure should be taken seriously, especially if your dog has been eating the food consistently.

When to call your veterinarian

If your dog ate the recalled product, there is no need to panic, but you should stay alert. Contact your veterinarian promptly if your pet shows any of the following:

  • Sudden vomiting
  • Drooling more than usual
  • Refusing meals
  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Weakness or wobbliness
  • Strange eye movements or vision changes
  • Head tilt, circling, or seizures

Your veterinarian can assess whether symptoms may be related to a nutritional deficiency and advise on next steps. Early action matters because thiamine deficiency can worsen if left untreated.

How to report a pet food problem

The FDA encourages consumers to report complaints about pet food products electronically through the Safety Reporting Portal. Consumers can also visit the SmartHub – Safety Intake Portal – Report a Product Problem for electronic assistance with submitting a report.

For consumers in Canada, health or safety incidents related to the use of this product can be reported by filling out the Consumer Product Incident Report Form.

Reporting matters because it helps regulators and manufacturers identify patterns, track affected products, and protect other pets.

Practical tips for checking your pet food at home

A recall notice can feel overwhelming, especially if you rotate foods or store kibble and freeze-dried diets in separate containers. Here are a few simple steps to make checking easier:

Look at the original packaging

If possible, always keep the original bag until the food is finished. Lot codes, UPCs, and best-by dates are often only printed on the package.

Check storage bins and backup bags

Many pet parents pour food into airtight containers. If you did that, look for any remaining outer packaging or purchase records.

Review recent receipts or online orders

Retail records can help confirm whether you purchased the recalled Steve’s Real Food Chicken Recipe Freeze Dried lot.

Watch all dogs in the household

If you have multiple dogs sharing meals, every pet that consumed the food should be monitored.

What this recall means for raw and freeze-dried dog food buyers

This Steve’s Real Food recall does not automatically mean all raw or freeze-dried dog foods are unsafe. However, it does highlight how important quality control, nutrient testing, and transparent recall communication are in the pet food industry.

For shoppers, a few best practices can help:

  • Buy from brands with clear safety communication
  • Save lot numbers until the bag is empty
  • Sign up for recall alerts from trusted pet food news sources
  • Transition foods carefully and monitor your dog’s health
  • Ask your veterinarian if you have concerns about complete nutrition

Recalls are never welcome, but fast action can reduce risk significantly.

Final takeaway for pet parents

The key point is simple: Go Raw LLC has expanded its voluntary recall of Steve’s Real Food freeze-dried chicken dog food over low thiamine levels, and affected pet parents should act right away. If you have a beige, zip-locked 1.25 lb bag marked with Lot Code C26022, UPC 6-91730-18103-1, and Best Buy Date 1/22/2028, stop feeding it and return it for a refund or replacement.

Because thiamine deficiency can lead to serious health problems over time, it is worth checking your pantry today. And if your dog has eaten the recalled food and seems unwell, contact your veterinarian as soon as possible.

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