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Guest Blog by Katy McLaughlin
Hi everyone, I’m Katy McLaughlin, pet nutritionist at Everything Raw Doggie Café, and I’m thrilled to be a guest writer here at BetterDog! With the rise in avian flu concerns, I know many raw feeders have questions about food safety, sourcing, and how to protect their pups. Let’s break it all down so you can make informed decisions with confidence.
Who is ACG (Aliment Cru Grenier)?
Before we dive in, let’s clarify one of the key brands I mention often—ACG (Aliment Cru Grenier). ACG is a highly respected raw pet food company known for its high-quality, human-grade sourcing. They specialize in finely ground raw food that meets strict safety standards, ensuring both pets and their owners can have confidence in their meals. ACG’s commitment to transparency, safety, and quality control makes them a trusted choice in the raw feeding world.
Should You Be Worried About Avian Flu in Raw Food?
The big question: Is raw feeding still safe? Short answer—yes, IF you’re sourcing properly.
Reputable companies like ACG and Back to Raw follow strict sourcing and sanitation standards. Many of these brands use human-grade facilities or maintain close relationships with farmers, ensuring the meat is tested and safe.
In Canada, if a farm tests positive for avian flu, those animals are immediately pulled from the food chain. Unlike in some other countries, our regulations don’t allow contaminated meat to enter pet food production. This is a huge advantage in keeping our pets safe.
Raw Food Safety: Handling Matters
Even with high-quality sourcing, how you handle raw food at home makes a big difference. Here’s what I always recommend:
✔ Keep raw food frozen until ready to use.
✔ Thaw in the fridge—never on the counter!
✔ Use within a few days after thawing.
✔ Sanitize surfaces, bowls, and your hands after handling raw meat.
Food safety isn’t new to raw feeders—it’s just common sense, the same way we handle human food.
Common Misconceptions About Avian Flu & Pet Food
🚫 Myth: Kibble is automatically safer. Truth: Some kibble brands have had cases of avian flu contamination, despite high-heat processing.
🚫 Myth: All raw food carries the same risk. Truth: Properly sourced raw food is tested and handled under strict food safety guidelines, while backyard butchering or mystery meat can introduce risks.
🚫 Myth: Avian flu means all poultry is dangerous. Truth: If your supplier follows strict health standards, poultry is still safe. But if you’re extra cautious, you can switch proteins!
Alternatives for Concerned Pet Owners
Not ready to feed poultry? No problem! There are plenty of protein options in the raw feeding world:
🐑 Lamb – Nutrient-rich and highly digestible.
🐰 Rabbit – A lean, novel protein for sensitive dogs.
🐟 Fish-based meals – Packed with omega-3s for skin & coat health.
If you’re still worried but want to stick with raw, some brands offer gently cooked options that still maintain raw food benefits while reducing bacterial concerns. ACG’s finely ground bone structure allows for safe cooking.
Where to Get Reliable Information on Raw Feeding
Raw feeding is about making informed choices. Instead of falling for fear-based headlines, talk to nutrition experts, reputable raw brands, and knowledgeable pet stores.
If you’re considering a new brand, ask them:
Where do you source your meat?
What safety protocols do you follow?
How do you test for contamination?
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