Choosing a Pet Food

How Do Pet Food Companies Ensure Food Safety?

Pet food manufacturers understand food safety is vital to producing safe, nutritious food that helps pets live long, healthy lives and builds consumer trust. 

• Companies must comply with government and industry regulations that govern pet food production, from ingredients to plant hygiene to product storage. 
• Reputable companies ensure pet food safety by following a hazard management program that identifies, evaluates, controls and monitors likely threats to product safety. The program applies to the entire manufacturing process, from selection of raw materials to the finished product. 
• Pet food manufacturers use a series of safety and quality checks, starting with audits of suppliers, delivery of ingredients and continuing throughout production until the product leaves the plant, to verify quality and safety standards are met. 
• Some pet food companies provide key retailers with information and training on food storage and handling practices that help ensure pet food quality. 

Eirmann, L., Cowell, C., & Thompson, L. (2012). Pet food safety: The roles of government, manufacturers, and veterinarians. Compendium: Continuing Education for Veterinarians, 34(1), E1─E3.