Shelter’s Choice & Breeder’s Edge Milk Replacers Recalled for Low Vitamin and Mineral Levels
Revival Animal Health has voluntarily recalled specific lots of Shelter’s Choice® and Breeder’s Edge® feline milk replacers after testing revealed inadequate potassium, copper, folic acid, choline and vitamin B6. These nutrients are essential for healthy kitten growth, and deficiencies can cause serious—and sometimes fatal—health problems. If you possess any of the affected UPCs below, stop feeding the product and request a refund right away.
FDA Recall Quick Facts
- Recall announced: 25 August 2023
- Brands: Shelter’s Choice, Breeder’s Edge
- Product type: Powdered feline milk replacers
- Reason: Low potassium, copper, folic acid, choline and/or vitamin B6
- Distribution: U.S. retail stores and online nationwide
- Known complaints: 9 reports of possible gastrointestinal or bone-growth issues; no confirmed illnesses
- Consumer hotline: 1-877-870-4059 (Mon–Fri, 8 a.m.–4 p.m. CDT)
Affected UPCs, Package Sizes & Best-By Dates
Locate the UPC, net weight and best-by date on your bag or pail and compare it to the table. Any match means the item is recalled.
| Brand | Product | UPC | Size | Best-By Dates |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shelter’s Choice | Feline Milk Replacer | 817160011032 | 1 lb | 10/31/2026, 04/23/2027, 05/01/2027, 05/20/2027, 06/25/2027, 02/05/2028, 03/12/2028 |
| Shelter’s Choice | Feline Milk Replacer | 817160011049 | 3.5 lb | 10/31/2026, 05/20/2027, 06/25/2027, 08/06/2027 |
| Shelter’s Choice | Feline Milk Replacer | 817160011063 | 8 lb | 09/09/2026, 10/31/2026, 05/20/2027, 06/25/2027, 08/06/2027, 03/12/2028 |
| Breeder’s Edge | Foster Care Feline Milk Replacer | 817160010196 | 12 oz | 09/09/2026, 04/16/2027, 04/18/2027, 06/25/2027, 08/06/2027, 03/12/2028 |
| Breeder’s Edge | Foster Care Feline Milk Replacer | 817160011278 | 18 lb | 09/09/2026, 04/23/2027, 05/01/2027, 05/20/2027, 06/25/2027, 08/06/2027, 11/14/2027, 03/12/2028 |
| Breeder’s Edge | Foster Care Feline Milk Replacer | 817160010103 | 4.5 lb | 04/18/2027, 05/01/2027 |
Why Vitamin & Mineral Deficiencies Are Dangerous for Kittens
Newborn and orphaned kittens depend entirely on milk replacers for calories, immune support and skeletal development. Sub-optimal nutrients can lead to:
- Anemia and neurologic dysfunction
- Liver or kidney impairment
- Skeletal deformities and stunted growth
- Heart problems
- Rapid fatality in severe cases
What Cat Parents Should Do
- Stop feeding any recalled lot immediately.
- Verify the UPC and best-by date against the list above.
- Dispose of or return the product to the retailer.
- Call Revival Animal Health at 1-877-870-4059 for refund instructions.
- If your kitten shows vomiting, lethargy, poor weight gain or weakness, contact your veterinarian promptly.
Sources
Official Recall Images
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is my Shelter’s Choice Feline Milk Replacer included in the recall?
Check the UPC, package size and best-by date. If any of these match the table above, your Shelter’s Choice product is under recall and should not be used.
2. Why did Breeder’s Edge Foster Care get recalled?
Independent laboratory tests found low levels of critical nutrients—potassium, copper, folic acid, choline and vitamin B6—that kittens need for normal growth and immune function.
3. What health problems can low-nutrient Shelter’s Choice or Breeder’s Edge milk replacers cause?
Possible issues include anemia, neurologic signs, poor weight gain, skeletal abnormalities, heart complications and—if deficiencies are severe—death.
4. How do I obtain a refund for my Breeder’s Edge or Shelter’s Choice product?
Call Revival Animal Health at 1-877-870-4059 during business hours. Have your product information ready for refund and return instructions.
5. Have any kittens gotten sick from the Shelter’s Choice and Breeder’s Edge recall?
Nine consumer complaints are being reviewed for possible gastrointestinal or bone-development issues; however, no illnesses have been clinically confirmed so far.
6. Can I keep using an unopened lot of Shelter’s Choice or Breeder’s Edge that is not listed?
Yes. Only the UPCs and best-by dates stated in this recall are affected. Products outside those ranges are safe to feed, according to the FDA and the manufacturer.