Raw Food Series Part 3: Common Myths About Feeding Raw

Let’s Talk About Misconceptions in Raw Pet Food

When we hear the words “raw food,” our minds tend to jump to the many health risks that we hear regarding raw food — especially meat! But the truth is that when raw frozen or freeze-dried food is processed accurately and fed properly, it’s completely safe and extremely beneficial for both cats and dogs. 

Bacterial Contamination

A common myth is that raw food has a higher rate of bacterial contamination, but because of the high standards and precautions taken by the USDA to ensure that raw food is human food grade going into the bag (as discussed in our last email), this is simply not the case. 

Poultry is most likely to test positive for food-grade pathogens, but a process called HPP (High Pressure Processing) kills these pathogens using barometric pressure, which leads us to our second myth...

HPP Process

Grey Isolated Cat Looking Into Camera with Bowl of Raw Meat

Another misconception is that the HPP process forces plastic into food during processing; however, there is no scientific evidence to support this. In fact, the FDA is in the process of requiring all raw companies to use HPP processing for poultry products. 

All of the raw foods we carry, with the exception of Small Batch, use the HPP process on their poultry.

It’s Just Too Expensive...

Some raw foods are higher in cost than many kibble or canned food brands available on the market. However, it’s important to note that a smaller amount of raw food goes further than other types of pet food because it’s more nutrient packed, so your pet doesn’t need to be fed as much raw food as it does kibble or canned.

It’s Too Time Consuming...

Many assume that raw food is too time-consuming for their daily feeding schedule. While preparing raw food does take more time than filling a bowl with kibble, it’s all about creating a simple routine to help cut down on time. Some pets prefer to eat freeze-dried raw food dry, so all you’ll have to do is break it up into smaller pieces—which takes no time at all! 

Besides, those few extra seconds could make all the difference in your furry friend’s health!

For tips on creating a quick and streamlined routine for feeding your pet raw food, watch for our next email covering how to feed raw food.    

If you're curious about starting your pet on a raw food diet, visit us in-store and ask us about our raw food recommendations. 

Check out our various Raw Food Series articles linked down below.