If you want to upgrade your pet’s nutrition, start by looking for food made in America. Made in the USA’ is a powerful designation that means the product has been created to high safety standards, and all or most of the ingredients are from here in the USA. If you still aren’t sure about paying a little extra for quality pet food, read on.
The High Cost of Cheap Ingredients
Where your pet food ingredients come from matters. In fact, it can be a matter of life or death. In 2007, there were several incidences of pets becoming sick or dying from contaminated pet food. Some pet food companies were attempting to cut production costs by using rice and wheat imported from China. There, the government doesn’t apply the same regulation for food quality as we do here in the USA. The food had melamine contamination that was added by Chinese manufacturers to increase the protein content results. Melamine is a chemical commonly used in manufacturing plastic products. It’s toxic when ingested. Around the same period of time, there was a deadly dog jerky treat outbreak. Over 5000 animals became sick and 1000+ beloved animals died over the five years that these products were on the market before being recalled. Many pet food product manufacturers were finally forced to recall their products years later, despite the number of customer complaints and sick and dying animals that were reported over the years. Incidences like these have been tragedies for the pet owners. Now, consumers have lost trust in imported ingredients. They are looking for a healthy, safe solution for products made in the USA.
What Does ‘Made in the USA’ Labeling Mean?
This label is about much more than simply stating an ingredient’s origin. It also describes the growth, harvesting, and manufacturing process. Food not made in the USA may not be unhealthy … but you’ll never know for sure. Other countries have their own food safety standards which can be very different from those in the USA. They don’t face oversight or civil or criminal penalties for breaking US laws and safety regulations.
When you see ‘Made in the USA’ on a label, this means the product has been regulated by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) in both human and pet food. To earn this label, all or virtually all the product has to be made in the United States. This could include the packaging, the ingredients, and where it’s produced. The label means that the pet food meets US safety standards and monitoring at every step.
Don’t Be Fooled by Pet Food Labels
Some companies may try to fool you into thinking their product is made in the USA product by employing tricks such as putting a picture of an American flag on the bag without explicitly stating that it is made here. Take another look at the label on your bag of pet food. Here’s what you want to look at to verify Made in the USA status.
- “Manufactured by.”This label indicates who is responsible for the food’s quality and safety during manufacturing. It should also say where the product was produced.
- “Manufactured for” or “Distributed by.”This means that the food was manufactured by a different party than the one selling it. This could be, for example, a central manufacturing facility that provides the food sold by several labels. In contrast, companies that use their own facilities have more control over ingredients and how they’re processed. They can also set higher quality control standards and make sure that every batch meets those standards.
- “Based” or “Developed.”These are red flags, and it would be wise to contact the manufacturer to figure out who is making the food and where.
Feed-Grade vs Human-Grade Ingredients
Having USA-sourced ingredients is a great start, but it doesn’t tell the whole story. Some pet food manufacturers use ‘feed-grade’ ingredients. The problem with these ingredients is that feed-grade ingredients are held to significantly lower, looser safety standards. Pet food is considered feed and is legally allowed to contain some questionable items. That’s why the healthiest pet food is Made in the USA and uses human-grade FOOD ingredients.
Why It’s Crucial to Prioritize “Made in America” Ingredients when Choosing Raw Pet Food 🇺🇸❤️
1️⃣ Quality Assurance: When you opt for pet food made with ingredients sourced right here in the USA, you can rest assured knowing that stringent quality standards are in place. This means safer and healthier meals for our beloved companions, as these products are subject to rigorous regulations and inspections.
2️⃣ Transparency & Traceability: Supporting “Made in America” ingredients encourages greater transparency in the pet food industry. With locally sourced ingredients, it’s easier to track and verify the origin, ensuring your pet’s food comes from trusted sources. You have the right to know what goes into your furry friend’s bowl!
3️⃣ Supports Local Economy: By choosing pet food made with American ingredients, you contribute to the growth and vitality of our local communities. It fosters job creation, supports small businesses, and strengthens the overall economy. It’s a win-win situation for our pets and our nation!
4️⃣ Environmental Impact: Opting for “Made in America” ingredients in pet food reduces the carbon footprint associated with long-distance transportation. Supporting local sourcing helps minimize energy consumption and promotes sustainability, making it a greener choice for our furry friends and the planet!
Why Choose Steve’s Real Food?
Steve’s Real Food has over two decades of experience making high-quality pet foods. We source our ingredients in the USA from USDA-approved farms that humanely raise free-range animals. Our raw meat is processed in the same facility as human food and 100% free of added hormones and antibiotics. Our fruit and vegetable ingredients are also locally sourced here in the USA and are pesticide-free. To learn more about our company policies on quality ingredients and origin disclosures, read our pledge here.
