This is a very common question we see and the answer is YES, you CAN cook raw pet food - but there are a few caveats! You’ll want to make sure the bone is a suitable size, that you utilize the proper method(s), and are retaining most of the nutrients.
Isn’t Cooking Bone Not Recommended?
Feeding cooked bones is usually not recommended since they get more brittle and prone to splintering which can cause damage within the GI tract. However, this is primarily a concern with large, whole bones. If the bone is ground finely enough, then the risk is minimal and a good rule of thumb is to make sure all pieces are less than ¼ inch/6mm. The bone in our recipes is ground into a sand-like consistency, and range between 2-3mm in size making it safe to gently cook.
Image: large, whole bones should not be cooked and fed as they are more prone to splintering
Next, let’s take a look at different methods of cooking! Whether it’s pan-searing, sous vide, or baking - you’ll just want to make sure the food is gently cooked at low temperatures! Cooking at high temperatures is when nutrient loss begins, to avoid this, we keep it low & slow.
What are the different ways to cook my pet’s raw food?
1. Sauteing: This is our preferred cooking method since it’s the fastest and you have the most control over temperature. Gently saute 1lb of Viva in a pan on medium-low heat for approximately 3-5 minutes (a little pink inside is okay)! If you’re using a meat thermometer, aim for 165F for minimal nutrient loss. Make sure to keep any liquid that cooks out and add it back to the food since it will contain some of the nutrients.
2. Sous Vide : This technique is where food is cooked in a temperature-controlled water bath, and provides precise & even cooking! This method will require a sous vide machine, cooking at a temperature between 140°F for 1.5 hours. Afterwards, simply store them in the fridge if using within the next few days, or in the freezer for later use!
3. Baking: Preheat your oven to 350°F, then place 1lb of food in a pan and cook for about 35-45 minutes. You will want the food to be lightly done, not overcooked, and still juicy in the center.
**Please Note: We do not recommend microwaving your pet’s food, as this can lead to uneven heating and more/quicker nutrient loss than other cooking methods.
Won’t I lose nutrients if I cook the raw food?
Prolonged cook-time and high heat can degrade nutrients so you would not be completely wrong in thinking that! It all comes down to HOW you cook, how LONG you cook, and how you PRESERVE nutrients that cook out.
Our recommendations are based on the retention factor data published by the USDA which looks at how specific nutrients were retained in different foods under various cooking scenarios. Since our recommendation is to lightly cook and retain the moisture, the most similar scenario on the table to our recommendation is looking at boiled vegetables where the water is retained. The data shows that minerals like calcium, zinc, copper etc are relatively heat stable and have 100% retention while vitamins, especially B vitamins, are more heat sensitive and around 85-95% is retained when gently cooking . Although the B vitamins are more of concern, our balanced recipes ( for Dogs & for Cats ) contain a healthy buffer of those nutrients so that a 5-15% loss is still considered Complete & Balanced.
Chart: USDA Nutrient Retention Factor Table.
However, vitamins and minerals can end up in the liquid that cooks out so it’s important to save and add that back to the food. If feeding our Pure formulas , you will want to gently cook the food first, before adding the necessary supplements to balance the meal.
How do I use & store my cooked food?
Similar to your own cooked foods, use the food within 3-4 days if stored in the fridge. Otherwise, portion and freeze the food, then thaw in the fridge when needed.
We do not recommend re-heating the food. Either feed at fridge temperature, or if you want to take the chill off, add some warm water/pet-safe bone broth to each meal. Minimizing the amount of time the food is cooked will be the best way to keep as much of the nutritional integrity intact!
Image: store any cooked food that will not be fed within 3-4 days in the freezer
Conclusion
There are any number of reasons why you may choose to cook your pet’s food. Whether it’s for pickiness, dietary restrictions, or your own personal preference - be sure to follow best practices.