As avian influenza (H5N1), or bird flu, continues to spread globally, concerns about its impact on poultry and food safety have understandably risen. This highly contagious virus has led to increased biosecurity measures in the agricultural industry, especially in Canada, where strict protocols are in place to protect the food supply chain. At Red Dog Blue Kat, we want to address these concerns and provide clarity on how we ensure the safety of our raw pet food products during this outbreak.
How Red Dog Blue Kat Keeps Raw Pet Food Safe Amid Avian Influenza Concerns
Learn about the steps we take to ensure the safety of your pet’s food, what you can do for added peace of mind, and how to connect with us for support:
Strict Standards for Raw Pet Food Safety and Avian Influenza Prevention
At Red Dog Blue Kat, we work exclusively with Canadian farmers and suppliers who follow strict biosecurity protocols to prevent the spread of avian influenza. Our poultry is sourced only from CFIA-inspected facilities, ensuring adherence to the highest safety and biosecurity standards. These measures include:
Sourcing human-grade poultry fit for human consumption.
Inspecting turkeys and other poultry for disease both before and after processing.
Destroying all affected poultry on-site in the rare case of an avian influenza outbreak to prevent contamination.
Our suppliers go beyond these standards to prioritize animal welfare by implementing advanced biosecurity measures such as controlled access to farms and regular health inspections. This ensures that every step of the process is focused on safety and ethical practices.
Ethical and Trusted Poultry Sourcing
We are proud to source our chicken and turkey from trusted Canadian farmers and suppliers, including Rossdown Farms and JD Turkey Farms in British Columbia. Our poultry is:
100% Free-Run Canadian Chicken and Free-Range Canadian Turkey: Raised in environments that allow natural behaviours.
Humanely Raised: With care for animal welfare.
Free from Antibiotics, Hormones, and Steroids: Ensuring clean, high-quality protein.
Traceable Back to the Farm of Origin: Providing full transparency about where our ingredients come from.
Human Grade: Meeting the highest standards of quality and safety.
Ongoing Vigilance and Quality Assurance
To further ensure the safety of our raw pet food, our quality assurance team continuously monitors industry updates on avian influenza (H5N1); we maintain ongoing collaboration with our poultry farmers and suppliers and adjust protocols as needed. While no program can eliminate 100% of the risks, we are confident that our stringent measures minimize any potential exposure to H5N1. Transparency and adaptability remain core to our approach, allowing us to address emerging concerns effectively.
Gently Cooking Raw for Additional Peace of Mind
Our products are designed to be served raw, and we typically advise against cooking bones or meals containing bones. However, if the bones are finely ground, the risks are significantly reduced. We understand that some pet parents may prefer to cook their pets’ meals. If this provides additional peace of mind, you can follow our Sous Vide Cooking Guide for step-by-step instructions. This gentle cooking process:
Preserves the nutritional integrity of the food.
Provides an added layer of safety by thoroughly heating the product.
Cooking Tips for Raw Poultry Products
As a precaution, inspect the cooked product for any larger bone fragments.
Maintain a consistent cooking temperature to ensure even preparation.
Transparency and Raw Feeding Support
Your trust in Red Dog Blue Kat raw pet food means everything to us, and we remain committed to providing safe, high-quality products for your pets, especially during the avian influenza outbreak. If you have additional questions or need further assistance, please don’t hesitate to contact our team here. We’re here to help and support you in making the best choices for your pet’s health.
Learn More: Discover more about our top food safety protocols and our HACCP-verified facility by visiting our HACCP Food Safety Blog. We are proud to maintain industry-leading standards that ensure your pet’s meals are not only safe but also of the highest quality.
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