Chicken fat plays a vital role in pet food production, yet for years it has received very little scrutiny. That’s changing. As more manufacturers explore the differences between standard chicken fat and Gold Shield® Refined Chicken Fat, it’s becoming clear that not all fats deliver the same value or the same risks. Whether you’re concerned with safety, shelf stability, sustainability, or operational performance, the right questions can help you uncover exactly what you’re getting and what it means for your brand. Here are six questions every pet food manufacturer should be asking their chicken fat supplier.
1. Can You Guarantee the Absence of Salmonella and Bird Flu?
Pathogen control starts with the ingredient itself. While standard chicken fat may carry the risk of harboring Salmonella or bird flu, Gold Shield® Refined Chicken Fat is specifically processed to remove the environment in which those pathogens can survive. A clear, consistent refining process makes all the difference when it comes to food safety. And we have the data to back it up. If your supplier can’t explain how their product is free from Salmonella or bird flu contamination and documentation for proof, it may be time to look elsewhere.
2. Do You Provide a Pathogen Declaration with Every Shipment?
Documentation matters just as much as the product. Pet food manufacturers need clear, reliable data to support their food safety programs, and that includes knowing exactly what is and isn’t in the ingredients they use. Pet Food Solutions, the producer of Gold Shield® Refined Chicken Fat, provides a Certificate of Analysis (COA) with every shipment confirming the absence of Salmonella and bird flu. This level of transparency is critical for protecting customers and your brand’s reputation.
3. Will I Need Additives for Shelf Stability with Standard Chicken Fat?
Shelf life is one of the most important performance metrics in pet food production. Many manufacturers rely on synthetic preservatives to keep their formulas stable over time, especially when working with standard chicken fat that oxidizes quickly. Gold Shield® Refined Chicken Fat offers a more stable solution, reducing the need for additives. A naturally stable fat helps simplify your formulation and maintain palatability without compromise.
4. What Are the Sustainability Benefits of Your Fat?
Sustainability is now a core concern for both manufacturers and consumers. Ask your supplier what steps they’ve taken to reduce waste, resource use, and environmental impact. Gold Shield® Refined Chicken Fat supports a more circular supply chain by utilizing existing animal byproducts rather than relying on crop-based oils or resource-intensive processes. Cleaner inputs lead to cleaner processes and a stronger sustainability story for your brand. Our refining process has zero waste and uses zero chemicals. Our extraction material is sold for biodiesel and land application (fertilizer). Sustainability is very important to Pet Food Solutions, and we consider it in everything we do.
5. How Often Do Your Customers Experience Shutdowns or Equipment Issues?
Standard chicken fat often contains particulate matter, biological debris, or residual solids that can clog lines and nozzles, foul equipment, and cause unplanned shutdowns. These disruptions cost time, labor, and materials, not to mention the environmental toll of wasted product. Gold Shield® Refined Chicken Fat is 100% pure and free of debris, helping customers avoid slowdowns and keep production running smoothly. If your supplier can’t speak to the operational impact of their product, we can offer you a real upgrade.
6. What Shipping and Delivery Options Do You Offer?
Even the best ingredient can cause headaches if it doesn’t arrive on time or in the format you need. Ask whether your supplier offers flexible shipping options, consistent scheduling, and dependable delivery formats that integrate with your facility’s existing systems. Gold Shield® Refined Chicken Fat is available in multiple formats and shipping configurations, making it easier to get what you need, when you need it, without disrupting operations.
When you know what to ask, the Difference is Clear. From safety documentation to shelf stability, sustainability, and operational performance, your chicken fat supplier plays a bigger role in your success than you might expect. Gold Shield® Refined Chicken Fat delivers consistent, traceable, and high-performing results across every measure that matters. Do better for your brand with Gold Shield® Refined Chicken Fat.
