AWARD WINNING RAW DOG FOOD & DOG SUPPLEMENTS

DEFRA

Approved

DEFRA stands for Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs

We are a DEFRA-registered raw food company, meaning we must abide by specific EU legislation that covers the raw dog food manufacturer.

There are over 50 pieces of legislation that govern the manufacture of dog foods, but some of the most pertinent for raw feeding relate to EU Animal by-products regulations 1069/2009 and 142/2011.

Being registered under DEFRA, we must adhere to strict government guidelines which give you, our customers, absolute peace of mind, knowing that your dog's feed has been sourced, processed and packaged within a safe, hygienic environment.

Microbiological testing (for Salmonella and Enterobacteriaceae) is carried out on a batch by batch basis by Microsearch Laboratories to ensure and maintain the quality and safety of our products.

There is a restricted list of raw materials that ProDog RAW is permitted to use in dog foods. Things like feathers, pelts, hooves and horns are not permitted because the potential pathogen risk in raw food would be too high. These animal by-products are allowed in dog food intended to be cooked.

EU legislation also dictates that all raw material used for dog food by DEFRA-registered companies must be gland-free, eliminating the potential for animals to develop endocrine disorders such as hyperthyroidism, which has occasionally been reported in dogs consuming raw thyroid tissue.

EU legislation also has a ‘zero tolerance’ policy towards Salmonella in raw dog food products; DEFRA-registered raw food manufacturers must send samples of their raw food to verified, independent labs to be tested for Salmonella. The results are sent to APHA. The agency also carries out regular inspections of the manufacturing facilities of DEFRA-registered raw dog food companies.