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Feeding your pet a raw food diet can provide many health benefits. Still, it's essential to consider the safety risks of handling and feeding raw foods. Raw foods can contain harmful bacteria, such as Salmonella and E. coli, that can risk your pet and your family. However, commercial raw food products are designed with safety in mind. They can provide a safer option compared to feeding fresh or cooked foods.

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Commercial raw food products are carefully formulated and tested to ensure they are nutritionally balanced and safe for consumption. They are often made using high-pressure processing (HPP) or other techniques to eliminate harmful bacteria while retaining the nutritional value of the food. These products must also undergo testing to ensure that they meet safety standards set by regulatory agencies.

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In addition to being nutritionally balanced and safe, commercial raw food products are also convenient. They can be purchased in pre-portioned packages, eliminating the need for pet owners to handle and prepare raw food themselves. This can help reduce the risk of contamination and ensure your pet gets a consistent and balanced diet.

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While commercial raw food products are designed to be safe, fresh and cooked foods can pose a higher risk of bacterial contamination. Handling and cooking fresh meats can introduce harmful bacteria into your kitchen and potentially onto your pet's food. Cooking can eliminate some bacteria, but it does not guarantee that all harmful bacteria are eliminated.

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In addition to the risks of bacterial contamination, fresh foods may not be nutritionally balanced for your pet's needs. Determining the appropriate amounts and ratios of proteins, fats, and other nutrients needed for a balanced diet can be difficult. This can lead to nutrient deficiencies or imbalances affecting your pet's health.

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Here at Instinct, designed to be safe for consumption

Regarding safety, commercial raw food products offer pet owners a convenient and nutritionally balanced option. They are designed to be safe for consumption and are often tested to ensure they meet safety standards. On the other hand, fresh and cooked foods can introduce more bacterial contamination. They may not be nutritionally balanced for your pet's needs.

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It's important to note that the risks associated with raw feeding can be minimised by following proper food handling and storage guidelines. This includes thawing frozen raw foods in the refrigerator, washing hands and surfaces thoroughly, and using separate utensils and cutting boards for raw foods.

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Remember to slowly change your pet's diet, and monitor their stool and overall health to ensure they are adjusting well to the new foods. By incorporating variety into your pet's raw diet, you can ensure they receive a nutritionally balanced and satisfying diet that can help keep them healthy and happy for years to come.