Our Safety Standards

At Darwin’s, food safety is built into every step of how we source and prepare your pet’s meals.

Our Sourcing

Safety starts at the source. That’s why we only partner with farms that provide ingredients that are the same quality, and are held to the same safety standards, as would be used in human food. 

  • All of our farmers are required to have a documented HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points) plan, focusing on the safety of their farm and the ingredients we source from them.

Our Ingredients

All of our meats and vegetables are human-grade (USDA inspected) and all other ingredients are carefully selected before they ever get to our facility.

  • Ingredients are inspected again for quality and freshness when they arrive to ensure they are suitable to use in our meals.
  • We follow a strict pathogen control process via a lab-validated organic acid bath that all of our meats are washed with before they’re finished.

Our Facilities

We operate under a strict HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points) plan, an industry-recognized system that identifies and controls potential risks throughout the production process. This ensures our kitchens are clean, controlled, and continuously monitored for safety at every critical step.

  • Before we begin production, we clean and swab test all of our equipment.

  • Between every lot of our meals, we repeat that process, cleaning and testing throughout the day.

  • Before our meals leave our facility, we check every package to ensure it meets our quality and integrity standards.

Pathogen Control

We’re all about evolution at Darwin’s and we never stop exploring new ways to deliver true raw food that our customers can feel good about feeding their pets for a lifetime.

  • In addition to an organic acid bath process, we continue to evaluate additional methods for pathogen control that may allow us to further minimize any harmful bacteria inherent in raw foods, while maintaining the nutrient value of our high-quality ingredients.

  • Through surveys and other feedback tools, we listen closely to our customers, to understand and respond to their priorities for optimal pet nutrition and safety.

 

Safety FAQs

Is Darwin’s raw pet food safe for dogs and cats?

Yes. Darwin’s raw dog food and raw cat food lines are prepared under strict safety standards that include human-grade sourcing, HACCP-based controls, pathogen reduction processes, and continuous facility monitoring. Every lot is inspected, tested, and handled under carefully controlled conditions to ensure safety for dogs and cats.

How does Darwin’s control salmonella and other pathogens in raw pet food?

Darwin’s controls salmonella and other pathogens through a multi-step pathogen control process. All meats are treated with a lab-validated organic acid bath to reduce pathogens, and our production facilities follow strict HACCP protocols. Equipment is cleaned and swab tested before production and between every lot to minimize risk while maintaining nutritional integrity.

Where does Darwin’s source ingredients for its pet food?

Safety starts at the source. Darwin’s partners with farms that meet human-grade quality standards. All farmers are required to maintain documented HACCP plans focused on ingredient safety. Meats and vegetables are USDA inspected, and all ingredients are re-inspected for quality and freshness upon arrival.

Is raw pet food recommended by veterinarians?

Many veterinarians acknowledge that a properly sourced and safely prepared raw diet can be appropriate when handled responsibly. Darwin’s focuses on strict sourcing standards, pathogen control, and production safeguards so pet owners can confidently discuss raw feeding options with their veterinarian.

Has Darwin’s improved its pathogen control processes over time?

Yes. Darwin’s continuously evaluates evolving pathogen control methods to further minimize pathogens inherent in raw foods while preserving nutritional quality. We actively listen to pet owners and use feedback to guide ongoing safety improvements.


Trusted by thousands of pet parents for over 20 years

  • Documented HACCP Plans

    Strict safety controls at the farm and facility level.

  • Lot Testing & Equipment Swab Checks

    Cleaning and testing between every production run.

  • Continuous Pathogen Reduction

    Multi-step safety process designed to minimize the presence of harmful bacteria.