Recent coverage of the Food Standards Agency (FSA) study into salmonella in raw pet food has sparked renewed conversation around raw dog food safety. At Paleo Ridge, we welcome these discussions.
As a UK raw dog food manufacturer, the health and safety of dogs, and the people who care for them, is at the heart of everything we do. We recognise that with raw feeding comes responsibility. That’s why we have built a comprehensive, science-led approach to salmonella testing, hygiene management, and temperature control that goes beyond standard industry requirements.
This article explains:
- What salmonella is
- How it relates to raw dog food
- What the FSA study highlights
- How we manage salmonella risk at every stage of production
- What Is Salmonella and Why Is It Discussed in Raw Dog Food?
Salmonella is a naturally occurring bacterium that can be present in raw meat across both human and pet food supply chains. It is not exclusive to raw dog food. In fact, salmonella is one of the most common causes of recalls in:
- Fresh produce
- Ready meals
- Bagged salads
- Poultry products
- Dry pet food
The presence of salmonella does not automatically indicate poor quality or unsafe manufacturing. What matters is how risk is managed, controlled, minimised, and how transparent a manufacturer is about the systems in place.
Dogs have evolved to handle higher bacterial loads than humans, but safe manufacturing and proper handling remain essential to minimise risk, particularly within households.
The FSA Salmonella Study and Raw Pet Food
The recent FSA raw pet food study highlighted that salmonella can be detected in some raw pet food samples, reinforcing the importance of strict controls and responsible handling.
For responsible manufacturers, this is not new information. Salmonella is a known and managed risk across all raw meat supply chains, whether destined for human or pet consumption.
The key question is not whether salmonella exists in the wider supply chain, but: how is that risk controlled?
At Paleo Ridge, we operate a multi-layered, preventative system designed to manage risk from sourcing to delivery.
How Paleo Ridge Manages Salmonella Risk in Raw Dog Food
Responsible Sourcing & Supplier Control
All our raw materials are sourced from approved UK suppliers operating under strict Food Standards Agency (FSA) regulations.
Abattoirs are legally required to follow hygiene controls, on-site inspections, and food safety standards during slaughter and processing.
We build long-term supplier performance data, allowing us to:
- Identify higher and lower risk ingredients
- Adjust testing frequency accordingly
- Maintain traceability across all batches
This data-led approach strengthens our raw dog food safety protocols over time.
Risk-Based Salmonella Testing of Raw Materials
We operate a structured salmonella testing programme informed by years of internal data and microbiological analysis.
- Higher-risk ingredients are tested more frequently
- Lower-risk ingredients are tested on a scheduled basis
- Any failed raw material is immediately quarantined
If salmonella is detected:
- The material is either safely disposed of or returned
- A full joint investigation is conducted with the supplier
- The salmonella serotype is analysed
There are over 2,000 known salmonella strains, many of which are species-specific. Identifying the strain allows accurate source tracing and distinguishes between contamination at origin or potential cross-contamination.
This level of analysis goes beyond simple presence/absence testing.
Finished Product Testing & Batch Control
We also test finished raw dog food products:
- Products are not released while testing is ongoing
- Full batch traceability is maintained
- Strict quarantine procedures apply
If a batch were ever to fail while on site, it would be fully rejected and destroyed.
In the unlikely event a product had entered distribution, we would follow formal FSA recall procedures, the same process used throughout the UK food industry.
Transparency and accountability are central to raw pet food safety.
Environmental Swabbing & Hygiene Monitoring
Raw dog food safety does not rely solely on product testing.
We operate a rigorous environmental swabbing programme across our production facility, routinely testing for:
- Salmonella
- Listeria
- Enterobacteriaceae
Environmental monitoring verifies the effectiveness of cleaning procedures and ensures our manufacturing environment remains tightly controlled.
Strict Temperature Control & Cold Chain Management
Temperature control is critical in managing salmonella risk in raw dog food.
At Paleo Ridge:
- Raw materials remain within a controlled cold chain
- Products are blast frozen rapidly after production between -28°C and -33°C
- Storage averages -18°C
- Products remain frozen until dispatch
- Insulated packaging and dry ice are used in warmer months
At these temperatures, salmonella cannot grow. Cold chain integrity is one of the most important controls in raw feeding safety.
ISO 9001 Accreditation: Independent Verification of Our Systems
Since 2020, we have proudly held ISO 9001 accreditation.
We undergo a rigorous annual audit to demonstrate our commitment to structured quality management systems.
ISO 9001 is a globally recognised standard awarded to businesses that can evidence comprehensive quality control systems and continual improvement processes.
We pursued this accreditation to:
- Strengthen manufacturing safeguards
- Formalise risk management procedures
- Provide customers with full confidence in their dog’s meals
Safe Handling of Raw Dog Food at Home
The FSA study also reinforces the importance of safe handling practices at home. Raw feeding safety is a shared responsibility.
We advise customers to:
- Defrost raw dog food in a sealed container at the bottom of the fridge
- Wash hands thoroughly after handling
- Clean utensils and surfaces with hot, soapy water
- Store products frozen until use
- Use within the timeframe stated on the packaging
These are the same precautions recommended for handling any raw meat intended for human consumption.
When followed correctly, these steps significantly reduce risk.
Transparency, Not Fear
Raw feeding often attracts scrutiny. However, bacterial risk exists across all food systems, human and pet alike.
- The difference lies in how risk is managed. At Paleo Ridge, we focus on:
- Robust salmonella testing
- Responsible UK sourcing
- Strict hygiene and environmental monitoring
- Cold chain control
- ISO-verified quality systems
- Clear customer guidance
Our commitment is simple:
To produce safe, high-quality raw dog food with integrity, transparency, and evidence-led processes at every stage.
