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HPP: The Technology Behind Safer Raw Pet Food

Writer: Nature's DietNature's Diet


When it comes to feeding your pet, safety should always come first—especially with raw food diets. But how can you be sure that the raw food you're feeding is safe, free from harmful pathogens like Salmonella and E. coli, and will not introduce risks like HPAI (avian influenza)? The answer lies in a process called High Pressure Processing, or HPP, which enhances the safety of raw pet food without compromising its quality.


Raw food has long been praised for its nutritional benefits, but responsible pet owners want to be sure they are feeding pets food that is as safe as it is healthy. While traditional raw diets can be more vulnerable to contamination, Simply Raw by Nature's Diet® uses technologies like HPP and freeze-drying to eliminate pathogens and extend shelf life, all while preserving the food's natural quality.  Let’s take a closer look at how High Pressure Processing works, and why it’s an essential part of every batch of Simply Raw. 


The Science Behind HPP


HPP, or High Pressure Processing, is a food safety technique that uses intense, cold water pressure to eliminate harmful pathogens without the need for high temperatures, which can degrade the food’s nutrients. This method, which has been used in the food industry for years, subjects food to pressures as high as 87,000 pounds per square inch (psi)—equivalent to the pressure found 5 miles underwater.


This high-pressure environment disrupts the cellular structure of harmful microorganisms, rendering them harmless. In other words, it kills pathogens like Salmonella, E. coli, Campylobacter, and even H5N1 (avian flu) without cooking the food. As a result, the food stays raw, retaining its essential nutrients, enzymes, and proteins.


The beauty of HPP is that it achieves this sterilization effect without using heat. Traditional cooking methods destroy important nutrients and enzymes, but HPP preserves the food’s natural goodness. Your pet still gets all the benefits of a raw diet—packed with proteins, amino acids, vitamins, and minerals—because Simply Raw is, at its core, a balanced raw diet..


When compared to other preservation methods, HPP is especially effective at eliminating pathogens quickly, without the need for chemicals or preservatives. It’s a natural, chemical-free process that maximizes food safety while maintaining the integrity of the raw ingredients. The process is gentle enough to preserve the food’s texture, color, and taste, ensuring your pet enjoys high-quality, nutrient-dense food.


The History of High pressure processing


High Pressure Processing (HPP) is a food safety technology that has revolutionized the way perishable food products are preserved. While it may seem like a recent innovation, the foundational principles of HPP can be traced back to the early 20th century. The idea of using pressure to alter the properties of food was first explored in the 1890s by researchers studying the effects of pressure on food and biological materials. However, it wasn’t until the 1990s that HPP gained practical application in the food industry, driven by advancements in technology and a growing demand for safer, more natural food preservation methods.


In the early stages, HPP was used primarily in the preservation of juices and beverages. The need to extend shelf life without relying on high heat or chemical preservatives led food scientists to focus on pressure as an alternative method. By the late 1990s, researchers had refined the technology, and it began to be adopted more widely for the pasteurization of various food products, including meats, seafood, and ready-to-eat meals.


The key appeal of HPP lies in its ability to kill harmful pathogens—like Salmonella, E. coli, and Listeria—without the use of heat, which can destroy nutrients, flavors, and textures. In fact, studies have shown that HPP is particularly effective at eliminating pathogens while maintaining the integrity of food, making it an ideal solution for the raw pet food industry.


Today, HPP is a widely accepted technique in both human and pet food industries, offering a safer, more sustainable alternative to traditional pasteurization methods. Its growing use reflects a broader shift towards more natural, minimally processed food options, emphasizing safety, quality, and nutrition.


Conclusion


With HPP, Simply Raw stands out as a leader in safe, quality raw pet food.  From choosing only human-grade ingredients to following essential safety processes, Nature’s Diet cares about protecting your pet’s health while delivering all the benefits of a balanced, raw diet.

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You can trust Simply Raw to deliver the healthiest, safest option for your pet, without sacrificing the benefits of a raw diet. Whether you’re worried about HPAI or simply want to ensure your pet gets the best, Simply Raw is your go-to solution for safe, delicious, and nutritious meals. Give your pet the best—safely—with Simply Raw.

 
 
 

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