Microbiological evaluation of raw dog foods underwent HPP (high pressure processing) treatment

Abstract

The study includes three raw dog foods (diets) consisting of different types of meat. After production, each of them underwent additional high-pressure processing (HPP). The aim of the study is to perform a microbiological analysis of raw food known as „Raw meat-based diets” (RMBDs) and “Biologically Appropriate Raw Food” or “Bones and Raw Food” (BARF) that has undergone HPP treatment. The diets were tested for pathogenic microorganisms - Salmonella enterica., E. Coli, L. monocytogenes and Total Plate Count (TPC). Microbiological analysis indicates that the three types of diets that have undergone HPP treatment are edible up to the 30th day of storage up to 0-4 °C. Our results showed that there is a significant increase in shelf life without the use of preservatives or other additives. The end product is safe, not only for the dog but also eliminates the risk of asymptomatic carriage of some zoonoses, which can infect the owners.