Concern: Bacteria in raw meat transferring to our canines & ourselves. The handling of the raw products and the potential for Salmonella, E Coli. and ugly bacterias.
The Role of the Dogs body:
As in humans and dogs, we have good bacteria and bad bacteria that live within our gut. Luckily for our canines, their system was build with the intention of keeping an acidic climate within their bodies, thus being able to break down foods that most are terrified to even think of.
From the beginning of time, wolves and their counterparts have not only scavenged when necessary but can leave their prey dead for days at a time, thus potentially creating an environment for all types of nasty, not to mention the lovely rot.
With this in mind, their digestive enzymes, gut bacteria and acidity level of their bodies are designed to cope. The potential issue presents when these functions become less effective In canines eating other variations of foods instead of what is closest to what they would be eating naturally or in the wild i.e the raw diet.
The role of raw dog food manufacturers:
As registered manufactures, we are by law required to follow the rules and regulations of the Department of Agriculture Act 36. In saying that, all raw dog food factories have protocols at which we have to abide by as a business working with meat & raw products.
Testing Pathogens: As any established raw dog food business, we have to by law have our products tested for pathogens using microbiological testing before they are even registered with the Department of Agriculture Act 36, including but not limited to Salmonella & E Coli. The tests are done to ensure that cleanliness and hygiene are practiced in our manufacturing facilities.
The role of the owner:
Just as we as individuals would handle raw meat for our own consumption by integrating a hygienic way of cooking or preparing our food, the same is for our raw product. Washing of hands after handling meat as well as cleaning up any debris or any liquid by product right away is advised.
Our role at Emmarentia Raw:
Our product is created in an environment with carefully implemented protocols and control points to ensure that hygiene and cleanliness are followed right through from our managers to our wonderful staff. Also functioning as a meat factory dealing with human grade products, our raw dog food is therefore made for human consumption. Delicious enough should you even want to heat it and eat, no heating for your dogs though unless absolutely necessary, canines only get the full nutritional value from it being raw.
Another process which hinders the growth of pathogens in our products is due to the cold chain in which it is adhered to throughout the production process. Our manufacturing is done in a very cold facility, hence keeping an environment not as suitable for potential pathogens to grow in. The finished product is kept frozen at min -18 degree celsius at all times unless being defrosted for use.
The beauty of our product is that it comes in a resealable, reusable, recyclable, hygienic tub in which no little bits or watery excess can escape to mess anywhere :) This was done on purpose as there is nothing worse than using a plastic bag that drips, not to mention the fact that it is usually a single use plastic which is NO GOOD for the environment. We also keep in mind our vegetarian/vegan clients who we understand would not have a lovely time to begin with.
As a business, we pride ourselves in practicing methods that are in line with procuring the most environmentally sustainable & ethical measures as possible.
Our behind the scenes thoughts:
Anytime we start to explore other options for ourselves or especially our animals, there are many questions that come up when we are looking into the unknown…
All through history we have been told what food to eat by the experts or the big big corporations, mostly believing them without questioning their methods and/or theories.
Seeking is the ethos of the Emmarentia Raw business. In saying this, we continuously strive to investigate all of the potential paths of how to reach optimum levels in how we work and care for all the beings that depend on us for their livelihood in the most natural manner.
We look forward to any further queries that one might have.
