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 their pets.
There are several differences that contribute to our ability to confidently say that we eliminate bird flu, Salmonella and other contaminants:
- We start with premium raw product. This minimizes the risk of introducing contamination into our facility.
- We follow proven processing protocols. Gold Shield® Refined Chicken Fat is processed with a minimum temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit for a minimum of 10 seconds. This step meets the criteria to kill both Salmonella and HPAI/H5N1 (bird flu) and also provides a safety factor exceeding CDC criteria for both.
There is a visible difference between Gold Shield® Refined Chicken Fat and standard chicken fat, which is demonstrated by the three jars in this image. On the left you’ll see the chicken fat we start with, in the middle is a jar of the gunk that we’ve extracted, and on the right is our clean, clear product.
Ultimately, a switch to Gold Shield® Refined Chicken Fat can deliver peace of mind in these uncertain times, all while delivering the additional benefits of improved operations, better palatability, and reduction in the need for additives.
Gold Shield® Refined Chicken Fat is Your Choice for Safety
We have the data to back up our claims for product safety that eliminates contaminants. And as bird flu continues to spread, we don’t hesitate to provide our customers with a confirmation of our process which meets the criteria to kill Salmonella and bird flu. If you’re looking for an alternative to provide a higher level of safety than what you’re currently experiencing with standard chicken fat, reach out to us to learn more. We’ll explain how you can rest assured that you’re getting a safe, clean product, all while experiencing a whole host of benefits which deliver added value. The difference is clear.
Do better for your brand with Gold Shield® Refined Chicken Fat.
