Yes! Rebel Raw remains safe for your pets, even amidst avian flu concerns. Here’s why:
Rigorous Testing: All of our chicken and turkey suppliers test 100% of their flocks for Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) before processing. No infected birds enter the food supply.
Strict Biosecurity: Our suppliers adhere to the highest biosecurity standards to prevent any contamination.
Supplier Guarantees: Our suppliers guarantee the safety of their products and confirm they are HPAI-free.
Government Assurance: The Georgia Department of Agriculture and USDA confirm that poultry products are safe to consume and have rigorous inspection standards to ensure food safety.
We know how much you love your cats and dogs—we feel the same about ours. We confidently feed raw meals to our own five cats and dog, as well as to our team’s pets, every day.
If you have concerns, you can gently cook your pet’s meals to an internal temperature of 165°F to kill any bacteria or viruses. Follow these steps:
Sous Vide Method:
Place food in a vacuum-sealed bag.
Heat a water bath to 165°F using a sous vide precision cooker.
Submerge the bag completely and cook for 45-60 minutes.
Cool before serving.
Skillet Method:
Heat a skillet over medium heat.
Cook the food until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Cool before serving.
Baking Method:
Preheat your oven to 375°F.
Spread the food evenly on a baking tray.
Bake for approximately 15-20 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Cool before serving.
FAQs
Should I stop feeding raw food to my cat?
Raw food remains a safe and nutritious option for most cats. However, if you have specific concerns or your cat is immunocompromised, you may want to take extra precautions. See our gently cooking guidelines above.
Should I stop feeding raw food to my dog?
There is currently no evidence linking raw feeding to H5N1 illness in domestic dogs. As always, we recommend following safe food handling practices.
Which animals are at risk from bird flu?
Birds are the primary species affected. However, cats on immune-suppressing medications may have a higher risk.
How can I keep my cat safe?
If your cat is immunocompromised or you have concerns, you can lightly cook their raw food to an internal temperature of 165°F. This helps inactivate potential pathogens while still preserving much of the nutritional value.
What about the bones in my cat’s raw diet?
All our recipes are finely ground, with our cat recipes featuring an extra fine grind. This ensures a smooth texture and makes it easy to gently cook the food to 165º while keeping the finely ground bone safe for consumption.
Will cooking your food reduce its nutritional benefits?
Minimal cooking won’t significantly alter the nutrients in the short term. However, if you cook raw food consistently, you may need to supplement vitamins and probiotics to maintain balanced nutrition.
How does Rebel Raw ensure food safety?
We take pet food safety seriously. Our process includes sourcing human grade, USDA passed and inspected high-quality ingredients, adhering to strict FDA guidelines, implementing HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points) protocols, batch testing for safety, and following rigorous quality control measures throughout production.
Thank you for trusting Rebel Raw with your pet’s nutrition. Your pet’s health and well-being are our top priority, and we’re here to support you with the best possible food and guidance.