Food Safety and Processing
What safety protocols does Smallbatch use to ensure pet food quality?
Yes — we have rigorous procedures in place to make sure every product is safe for both pets and the people in their lives. It starts with sourcing. Our suppliers and production partners are committed to delivering the highest quality ingredients whil
Does Smallbatch use HPP (High Pressure Processing)?
Yes — HPP is used on select freeze-dried products. Here's a full breakdown:. HPP is used on:. HPP is not used on:
Are cooked bones in Smallbatch Lightly Cooked and Perfectly Cooked recipes safe for pets?
Yes. While cooked bones — particularly large bones cooked at high heat or in dry environments like an oven — can be hazardous, the bones in Smallbatch Lightly Cooked and Perfectly Cooked sliders are handled very differently. Both recipes are cooked l
Does Smallbatch use bacteriophages in its pet food?
Yes — we use naturally occurring bacteriophages as a processing aid to reduce food-borne bacteria. Bacteriophages are organisms specifically selected to target certain strains of food-borne pathogens, including E. coli, Salmonella, and Listeria.
How does freeze-drying work, and does it preserve nutrients?
Freeze-drying is a preservation process that removes moisture from raw ingredients without using heat. The food is first frozen, then placed in a vacuum chamber where the ice converts directly to vapor — a process called sublimation. What's left is a
Can I cook Smallbatch raw pet food at home?
We don't recommend cooking any of our raw or freeze-dried products. Cooking can affect both nutritional integrity and product quality, and we can't guarantee the product after it's been heat-processed at home. If your pet needs or prefers a cooked di
Are the fresh packs in Smallbatch pet food safe?
Yes — the fresh packs included in our shelf-stable foods and treats are oxygen absorbers made from silica and iron powder. They're there to absorb moisture and extend shelf life. If your pet eats a fresh pack: These packets are FDA-approved for use w
Is raw pet food safe for households with children or immunocompromised individuals?
Raw pet food, like raw meat handled in any kitchen, carries a small but real risk of bacterial contamination. For most healthy households, standard safe handling practices are enough to manage that risk. For households with young children or immunoco
Is raw pet food riskier than kibble for bacteria?
All pet food carries some level of microbial risk. Kibble has been subject to numerous Salmonella recalls over the years and can harbor mold and mycotoxins — heat processing reduces bacterial risk but doesn't eliminate it entirely. Raw pet food is di
How should I safely handle Smallbatch raw pet food at home?
Handling raw pet food safely is similar to handling raw meat in your own kitchen. A few simple practices go a long way:. Freeze-dried products can be served dry or rehydrated and don't require the same thawing steps, but the same bowl and surface san
Has Smallbatch pet food ever been recalled?
Yes — Smallbatch issued two voluntary recalls in 2016 and 2017, affecting one lot of Duck Sliders for dogs and two lots of a 2lb Chicken Base Blend. Both recalls were initiated as a precautionary measure: the affected batches tested negative through