As pet owners, we all want to provide the best for our furry companions. One of our best choices is deciding between raw and pre-cooked pet treats. At Maiden Montana Pet Treats, we prioritize your pet's health and safety, which is why we've conducted thorough research and consulted with veterinarians, publications (and the internet) to bring you the most accurate information and our Maiden Montana Pet Treat Perspective.

The Raw Debate

Raw pet treats have gained popularity in recent years, with proponents arguing that they are more natural and closer to what animals would eat in the wild. While we agree that staying close to nature is important for our pet's health, we have also found that this approach comes with significant risks when it comes to mass production. Raw treats that are mass-produced have to be gathered, sorted, prepared, and packaged in the most pristine of conditions. Even with every company's best efforts and processes, those facilities can harbor harmful bacteria, parasites, and viruses, threatening the pet's and owner's health. Recent cases of raw pet food recalls due to listeria and other outbreaks have occurred. These issues highlight manufacturing opportunities and process improvements needed to ensure quality but they also go against the current evidence-based practices.

The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) advises against the feeding of raw or undercooked animal-source protein to pets due to the risk of illness to the pet as well as to humans living in the household (AVMA, 2024).

Does this mean NEVER give your pet raw items? No, that's not what we're saying at all! We're saying if you didn't grow it, process it, or make it yourself, some due diligence might be in order. We give Abbey snacks quite often, but we know where it was grown, we know how it was cleaned, and we know it was processed safely.

The Pre-Cooked Advantage

At Maiden Montana Pet Treats, we know the importance of protecting your pet family and we take these concerns seriously. That's why our treats are hand-processed, carefully prepared, and pre-cooked before freeze drying to minimize any risk for any harmful pathogens. This process best supports your pets enjoying their treats without the risk of bacterial or viral infections. We've also found the additional benefits include:

Lowering the Risk of Hypervitaminosis A and Copper Toxicity

Another important aspect to consider is the risk of Vitamin A and copper toxicity in pets. Certain raw treats, especially those containing liver, can have higher levels of copper. This can lead to copper and Vitamin A accumulation in the liver, resulting in toxicity. Usually it happens through processed dog foods, but we recognize liver health as a holistic consideration.

By choosing pre-cooked treats, you can significantly lower the risk of both. Our treats are formulated with this in mind, ensuring that your pet receives only the safest and healthiest options (but with the same flavor and nutrients your pet adores!).

The Benefits of Liver as a Protein Source

While we take precautions to lower the risk of toxicity, it's important to note that liver remains an excellent protein source for pets. Liver is rich in essential nutrients such as vitamin A, vitamin B12, iron, and copper. (Read more about the benefits of liver here) These nutrients support your pet's overall health, including their immune system, vision, and red blood cell production.

At Maiden Montana Pet Treats, we carefully balance the nutritional content of our treats to ensure that your pet benefits from the nutrients in the liver without the risk of toxicity buildup.

The Maiden Montana Promise

While mass-manufactured raw treats may seem appealing, their risks cannot be ignored. The FDA, AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials), and other agencies do what they can, but we have struggled with clarity over ingredients and processing in our own home and we think you might be in the same boat. This is not a definitive research, if you have more questions, please consult your local veterinarian. Your pet's health is of utmost importance to us!

What we know is that small-batch pre-cooked treats, like those offered by Maiden Montana Pet Treats, provide a safer and healthier alternative. We are committed to providing the highest quality treats (from the best sources in Montana) for your beloved pets. Our pre-cooked treats are safe and healthy and also delicious and satisfying. We believe in transparency and are always here to answer questions about our products and processes.