The safety of pet food

Ingredient Sourcing
Many ingredients used in pet food are derived from parts of animals or plants not typically consumed by humans—such as organs like lungs, hearts, or kidneys—or are by-products from the human food industry. To ensure these ingredients remain safe, strict hygiene protocols are followed during collection and transport, and the cold chain is maintained throughout the process.

Manufacturing Facilities
Pet food factories are purpose-built with contamination prevention and safety in mind. Features may include stainless steel equipment, handwashing stations, controlled walking paths to reduce contamination, and protective wall and floor coatings. Security is also emphasized, covering the facility’s perimeter, production areas, machinery, and stored ingredients.

Wet Pet Food
Wet food for pets usually consists of fresh meats and vegetables packed in airtight containers such as cans, trays, or pouches. After sealing, the products are sterilized using high heat—similar to the process used for canned human food. This ensures the product is commercially sterile, with no live bacteria, giving it a long shelf life without the need for added preservatives.

Dry Pet Food
Dry food is made using a mix of dehydrated meats and plant-based ingredients, which are already safe due to high-temperature processing. These ingredients are then baked, pressed, or extruded—a method that uses heat and pressure to shape the product. While this results in a stable product, the packaging is typically not airtight. As a result, exposure to air and moisture can cause spoilage, such as fat oxidation, mold, or bacterial contamination. To counter this, manufacturers use preservatives—either natural or synthetic—like antioxidants, sorbates, or sulphites, which are also approved for use in human foods.

Raw Pet Food
There is also a variety of raw pet food products available, often sold frozen or freeze-dried. These may be complete meals or supplementary items, and typically include raw meat, bones, fruits, vegetables, and herbs to ensure a balanced diet. Raw food naturally contains about 65% moisture. The preparation process involves grinding and blending the ingredients before freezing them at very low temperatures. When feeding raw food, it is essential to follow proper hygiene practices, even more so than with other pet food types.

Following Usage Guidelines
Pet food packaging includes essential usage instructions—such as how to store and handle the product. These instructions are practical: refrigerate opened wet or fresh food, and store dry food in a cool, dry place. It’s also important for pet owners to check the expiry date to ensure product freshness and safety.