At Rebel Raw, your pet’s health and safety is our top priority. With recent concerns about Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), we want to assure you that we’re taking every precaution to ensure our food remains safe for your cats and dogs. Here’s what you need to know about HPAI, our rigorous safety measures, and how you can prepare your pet’s food with complete confidence.
Understanding Avian Flu and Food Safety
Avian influenza (AI) is a virus that naturally occurs in wild birds and can sometimes affect domestic poultry. According to the USDA and the Georgia Department of Agriculture, Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) does not pose a significant risk to food safety.
Commissioner Tyler Harper of the Georgia Department of Agriculture recently reassured consumers: “Every Georgian can and should have 100% confidence in the safety and security of poultry products offered for sale in the state of Georgia. No infected birds have entered the food supply chain.” Learn more from the Georgia Department of Agriculture.
Our Suppliers’ Safety Measures
Chicken: All of our suppliers’ chicken flocks (100%) are rigorously tested for Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) prior to transport. Any flock suspected of illness would not be loaded for transport, ensuring a secure food supply. Our supplier guarantees the safety of their products and ensures they are HPAI-free.
Turkey: Our turkey supplier follows equally stringent protocols, testing 100% of their flocks before processing. They also conduct routine health checks and testing at the first sign of any health concerns. 100% of the flocks are tested to ensure the safety and quality of the product, and our supplier guarantees that their products are HPAI-free.
Our Premium Ingredients and Commitment to Biosecurity
We take pride in using only premium, high-quality ingredients in all our meals to ensure your pets receive the best nutrition. Learn more about our carefully selected ingredients on our Ingredients page.
Our Commitment to Biosecurity
At Rebel Raw, we source only from suppliers who meet the highest biosecurity and food safety standards. This means you can trust that every meal you feed is safe and nutritious.
How to Safely Handle and Prepare Raw Food
While our products are safe to serve as-is, we understand that some customers may have concerns. If you prefer, you can gently cook our raw meals to an internal temperature of 165°F, which kills any bacteria or viruses that may naturally be present in raw poultry.
How to Gently Cook Rebel Raw Meals:
- Skillet Method:
- Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
- Add the food directly to the skillet.
- Cook while stirring occasionally until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Allow the food to cool before serving to your cat or dog.
- Baking Method:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F.
- Spread the food evenly on a baking tray.
- Bake for approximately 15-20 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Allow the food to cool before serving.
- Sous Vide Method:
- Place the food in a food-safe, vacuum-sealed bag.
- Heat a water bath to 165°F using a sous vide precision cooker.
- Submerge the bag completely in the water bath and cook for 45-60 minutes.
- Remove the bag from the water bath and let the food cool before serving to your pet.
Confidence in Every Bite
We continue to confidently feed Rebel Raw meals to our own cats and dog and those of our team. Your pet’s health and happiness are our mission, and we’re here to answer any questions you might have.