Today, we are facing an increasing number of cases of H5N1, more commonly referred to as bird flu, that has now killed more than 160 million birds and infected nearly 70 humans. The future remains uncertain in terms of long-term impact on the poultry industry. Why Contaminants Can Be Present in Pet Food A key ingredient in pet food is chicken fat, which is a great source of essential fatty acids and contributes to the flavor profile of kibble. For many years, the only choice was standard chicken fat, a by-product of poultry processing which harnesses materials for use in pet food. This material is then transformed into a liquid, which is applied, in its “raw” form, to kibble after it goes through the high-heat extrusion process. This can lead to the presence of contaminants, such as Salmonella and bird flu, in the chicken fat that is applied. The Clean, Clear Alternative to Standard Chicken Fat Now that we’ve established why bird flu (as well as Salmonella and other contaminants) can be present in pet food, you may be wondering what other options exist. The solution is Gold Shield® Refined Chicken Fat, and it’s a product that many major and high-end pet food brands are turning to as a means of supporting their brand promise to customers in providing the best quality and nutrition for