For many pet owners, choosing the right diet is one of the most difficult and confusing decisions they face. The pet food industry is flooded with marketing buzzwords—"natural," "ancestral," "holistic," and "biologically appropriate"—all designed to appeal to owners who want the best for their pets. But behind the glossy packaging and carefully crafted messaging, the reality of pet nutrition is far more complex.
The recent cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), also known as H5N1, aka bird flu, in cats across the U.S. have reignited concerns about contaminated raw diets as a transmission route, both for pets as well as their people. While pet owners strive to feed their animals high-quality food, the risks of pathogen contamination—including viral threats like avian influenza—highlight the need for evidence-based decision-making when it comes to pet nutrition.
Bird Flu Cases in Cats: A Growing Concern
In May 2024, two domestic cats in Michigan died from H5N1 after developing severe respiratory and neurological symptoms. These cats lived in homes with dairy workers but had no direct exposure to cattle or birds, raising concerns about possible indirect transmission from contaminated clothing or surfaces, or even from human to cat. (CDC)
In December 2024, multiple cats in California died after consuming raw milk contaminated with H5N1. This highlights another potential route of transmission—unpasteurized dairy products. (Global News)
In December 2024, a cat in Oregon died after consuming a raw pet food containing H5N1 (avian influenza). The brand issued a voluntary recall after the virus was detected in the product. (Oregon VMA)
These cases illustrate how HPAI is not just a concern for commercial poultry farms but a growing risk in pet food and unpasteurized animal products.
Raw Diets and Their Hidden Dangers
Pet owners who choose raw diets often do so out of a genuine desire to provide their pets with high-quality ingredients. However, sourcing and handling are critical in determining whether these diets are safe. Unlike cooked or commercially processed foods, raw meat retains any viral or bacterial pathogens present at the time of slaughter.
The Risks of Freeze-Dried Raw and High-Pressure Processing (HPP)
Many pet owners turn to freeze-dried raw diets as a perceived safer alternative, but freeze-drying does not eliminate all bacteria or viruses.
Freeze-drying removes moisture but does not kill HPAI, Salmonella, or Listeria. If contamination is present before processing, the pathogens can persist in the final product.
Some manufacturers use High-Pressure Processing (HPP) before freeze-drying, but HPP is not standardized. Its effectiveness varies depending on pressure levels, duration, and method.
Rehydrating freeze-dried diets improperly (such as leaving them at room temperature too long) can allow bacteria to multiply, making safe food handling and storage critical.
Many raw pet food companies rely on HPP to reduce bacterial contamination, but Dr. Scott Weese, veterinary infectious disease expert and author of the Worms and Germs blog, has noted that not all HPP processes are equal. The pressure levels, duration, and effectiveness vary between manufacturers, and there is no industry-wide standardization of HPP protocols.
Some raw pet food manufacturers claim to implement rigorous safety measures, but without standardized oversight, pet owners must take their word on effectiveness. For example, Stella & Chewy’s, a popular raw pet food brand, states that its HPP cycles exceed the pressure and duration needed to inactivate HPAI. While this may suggest a commitment to food safety, there is no independent verification that all HPP-treated raw diets have eliminated the risks.
Pet Food Companies and Safety Measures
Some companies are taking extra precautions:
Instinct Pet Food is veterinary nutritionist-formulated and third-party tested. They use HPP to eliminate pathogens and follow strict biosecurity protocols for their suppliers.
All Instinct raw food is tested by an external, ISO 17025-certified lab before leaving their facilities for additional quality control.
However, no commercially available test exists for HPAI in finished pet food products, meaning there is still an inherent risk.
While some raw pet food manufacturers implement rigorous safety protocols, the lack of standardized HPP methods and the absence of an HPAI-specific test leave gaps in food safety assurances.
Regulatory Oversight and Industry Gaps
The FDA has issued guidance requiring pet food manufacturers to evaluate and mitigate the risk of avian influenza in their products, particularly in raw or lightly processed diets. While this is a step in the right direction, safety measures across the industry remain inconsistent. (FDA)
The AVMA’s Position on Raw Diets and Avian Influenza
The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) has long advised against raw pet diets due to bacterial risks, and the recent HPAI-linked cat deaths have heightened these concerns. A voluntary recall was issued after raw pet food contaminated with bird flu was linked to feline deaths. The AVMA warns that raw diets not only pose bacterial risks but can also serve as a transmission route for viral pathogens, including HPAI. (AVMA)
The AVMA strongly advises pet owners to carefully evaluate the risks of feeding raw poultry-based diets, particularly during HPAI outbreaks. Cooking food thoroughly remains the safest way to reduce zoonotic and infectious disease risks.
How Can Pet Owners Make the Best Choice?
With so many conflicting messages about pet food, it’s no wonder owners struggle to determine what is truly safe. The key is to rely on evidence-based nutrition rather than marketing claims.
Opt for Cooked or Commercially Processed Diets – Cooking destroys HPAI and significantly reduces bacterial contamination risks. If you prefer a raw diet, ensure it comes from a reputable source with stringent pathogen control measures.
Monitor Pet Food Recalls – Stay updated on recalls related to raw pet food. The CFIA and FDA provide regular updates on pet food safety concerns.
Be Mindful of Food Sourcing – If your pet eats poultry-based raw diets, ensure strict biosecurity measures are in place, especially during HPAI outbreaks.
Limit Outdoor Hunting – For cats that hunt birds, the risk of consuming an infected wild bird exists. Keeping cats indoors or supervising outdoor access can reduce this risk.
Understand That “Natural” Doesn’t Mean Nutritionally Complete – Always ensure that any diet meets the complete and balanced nutritional standards set by veterinary nutritionists.
Final Thoughts: Feeding Pets in an Age of Emerging Disease
As HPAI (H5N1) continues to spread, pet owners must make informed choices. Staying up to date with disease outbreaks, food recalls, and veterinary recommendations will help keep pets safe, healthy, and protected.
For the latest information on avian influenza risks and prevention, visit the Government of Canada’s Public Health website.
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