In the world of raw dog food, one topic has been stirring conversation: High Pressure Processing (HPP). If you’re feeding raw or considering it, you’ve likely come across this term and wondered—what does it mean for your dog’s health? Is it safe? And how does it impact the nutritional value of your pet’s food?

HPP is a non-thermal preservation method that uses extremely high pressure—up to 87,000 psi—to neutralize pathogens like Salmonella, Listeria, and E. coli without cooking the food. For raw canine diets, HPP helps reduce bacterial contamination while preserving the food’s nutrients, enzymes, and raw integrity. The food is placed in a chamber and subjected to high-pressure cold water.

But if HPP makes raw food safer, why are some raw feeders opposed to it?

Many raw feeders believe that HPP, while effective in neutralizing harmful pathogens, may subtly alter the food by:

• Denaturing proteins or disrupting fats and enzymes critical for digestion.
• Reducing beneficial bacteria that support gut health.
• Potential chemical leaching from packaging materials during the high-pressure process.

Some purists argue that even minor alterations compromise the food’s raw authenticity. For these reasons, they prefer untreated, carefully sourced raw foods to maintain the natural nutrients and probiotics dogs need.

Concerns remain about whether chemicals from packaging materials can leach into food under extreme pressure. Though current research suggests that the pressure levels and treatment times used for raw dog foods generally do not cause significant chemical transfer, it’s wise to remain cautious.

What You Can Do: Ask your pet food manufacturer if they use BPA-free packaging and whether they’ve tested for chemical leaching. Being informed is key to ensuring your dog gets the safest, highest-quality food possible.

HPP can alter meat’s texture, giving it a more gelatinous feel and making red meats appear lighter, almost cooked. While these changes are mostly cosmetic, they don’t affect the nutrient content.

In fact, HPP may even improve nutrient absorption. Some studies show HPP-processed foods have increased digestibility—one manufacturer reported 95.6% protein and 97% fat digestibility after HPP processing.

Some raw feeders worry about nutrient losses, particularly with vitamin C. However, most pet food HPP processes involve short hold times (around 2 minutes), minimizing nutrient degradation. Many manufacturers compensate for potential nutrient losses by adding extra liver and organ meats to their formulas.

HPP can also increase fat oxidation, leading to rancidity, especially in poultry. To prevent this, manufacturers may use natural antioxidants like rosemary, vacuum-sealed packaging, or freezing.

Pro Tip: Thaw HPP food in an airtight container to reduce oxidation from air exposure.

For some, HPP offers peace of mind, ensuring food safety and compliance with strict regulatory standards. However, transparency varies—some companies openly disclose their use of HPP, while others may not. It’s essential to choose brands that are upfront about their processes and ingredients.

Questions to Ask Your Food Supplier:

• Do you use HPP?
• What pressure, water temperatures, and hold times are applied?
• Have you tested for nutrient retention post-HPP?
• Do you use BPA-free packaging, and have you tested for chemical leaching?

Non-HPP raw feeding has been practiced safely for decades. Dogs, with their acidic stomachs and natural enzymes, can handle raw meat without falling ill. The real concern lies with safe handling practices to avoid bacterial risks to humans.

• Source your food from reputable manufacturers.
• Support your dog’s gut health with probiotics and a balanced diet.
• Choose a feeding method that works best for your dog—whether it’s HPP, gently cooked, or raw DIY.

HPP can make raw food safer without sacrificing nutrient value, but it’s not without trade-offs. Your decision to feed HPP or non-HPP food ultimately depends on your comfort level, your dog’s needs, and the transparency of your food supplier. 

Whichever path you choose, the key is to stay informed and feed the dog in front of you. Every dog is unique, and your choice should reflect what works best for their health and well-being.

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