Raw Safety & The RFVS & UK Pet Food
- RFFDMSUK
- Sep 11, 2024
- 3 min read
Updated: 1 day ago
When feeding our dogs raw, we aim to provide a diet close to their ancestral nutrition. However, domestication means we must balance this with health and safety measures to protect our pets. Below, we address key concerns and best practices for raw feeding.
Can I Give My Dog Fresh Meat, Bone & Offal?
Feeding fresh produce to your dog comes with risks. Unlike raw pet food, fresh meats and offal are not tested to the same high standards, as they are meant for human consumption after cooking.
➡ RFFDMSUK recommends following government freezing guidelines for raw pet food to reduce bacteria growth and eliminate certain parasites (e.g., those found in pork). If you feed fresh game like venison, freezing can also help remove ticks naturally.
Safe Raw Feeding for Immunocompromised Individuals & Families with Young Children
Regardless of the food type, preparing your dog's meals should follow safe kitchen hygiene practices.
✔ Wash hands and surfaces thoroughly
✔ Store raw pet food properly to prevent cross-contamination
✔ Use dedicated food preparation tools
For additional tips, read our Raw Feeding with Children in the Home blog.
Raw Pet Food Packaging Standards
Quality raw pet food should come in sealed plastic wrap (typically a chub or block) or plastic containers. While some brands still use cardboard or other materials, a sealed plastic wrap is essential to ensure safety.
Reporting Unsafe Raw Pet Food Packaging
If you notice raw pet food being sold in:
❌ Plastic bags
❌ Unsealed plastic wrap
❌ By a company without a DEFRA licence
📸 Take a picture and report it to your local Trading Standards Office and the Food Standards Agency.
Pet Food Labelling: What to Look For
Raw pet food must comply with pet food labelling legislation. UK Pet Food (formerly PFMA) provides industry guidelines.
⚠️ Some lower-cost brands may omit key details, such as:
The specific type of offal or bone included
Whether the product is single-protein or a mix
Presence of tripe, which can be an issue for intolerant dogs
📩 If in doubt, contact the manufacturer or supplier to request more information.
What is the RFVS and Why Does RFFDMSUK Recommend Them?
The Raw Feeding Veterinary Society (RFVS) is an organisation of vets, nurses, and professionals advocating species-appropriate nutrition. They offer resources to pet guardians & professionals worldwide.
🔎 Looking for guidance? Their Find a Professional tool connects you with experts who can provide tailored care and advice.
How Can I Support RFVS?
You can help RFVS promote species-appropriate nutrition by becoming a supporter. A small monthly membership fee helps fund their educational work for vets, professionals, and pet owners.
Find out more via their membership link.
What is UK Pet Food?
UK Pet Food (formerly known as Pet Food Manufacturers Association) works to raise standards in the pet food industry. They’ve launched a Raw Food Certification Scheme for manufacturers, covering:
✅ Safe product formulation
✅ Full traceability systems
✅ Microbiological testing
✅ HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points)
✅ Staff training and labelling compliance
By ensuring proper plant maintenance, supplier assurance, and quality checks, they help keep raw pet food safe for our furry companions.