If your local police told you that you had permission to take a million dollars from the bank, without penalty, no risk of jail time – would you be tempted? The money wouldn’t be obtained legally, but the police tell you they would ‘look the other way’ just for you. Would you take your risk-free (illegal) million dollars?
There is a segment of the pet food industry that has resisted the temptation, they refused their illegal risk-free money.
US Federal law defines food as: “articles used for food or drink for man or other animals”.
US Federal law defines an adulterated food as (in part): “if it is, in whole or in part, the product of a diseased animal or of an animal which has died otherwise than by slaughter”.
An adulterated food is illegal to be sold.
But…the FDA Center for Veterinary Medicine has – for decades – openly told pet food manufacturers they would look the other way. Issued in 1980, the FDA published Compliance Policy 675.400 openly telling pet food manufacturers it is acceptable to use illegal ingredients; “No regulatory action will be considered for animal feed ingredients…including those using animals which have died otherwise than by slaughter…”
This Compliance Policy was withdrawn in 2019. Today the FDA isn’t as transparent as they were in previous years. Today the beliefs of this compliance policy still exist, the FDA still allows pet foods to contain diseased animals and animals that have died other than by slaughter into pet food…it’s just the agency isn’t as public about it.
As well, the FDA doesn’t force the pet food companies to disclose to consumers they are using illegal ingredients; they are allowed to source ingredients from “animals that have died otherwise than by slaughter” without disclosure on the pet food label. Chicken or Beef or Pork (and so on) can be listed on the label even though they are CONDEMNED Chicken, Beef or Pork.
So…pet food manufacturers are told by the FDA – in essence – ‘take your millions of illegal money’. And many of them do just that.
But…some do not.
Even though ALL pet food manufacturers have permission to use illegal waste ingredients, some choose to use legal ‘food’ ingredients instead. These companies have resisted the temptation of risk-free millions, and they have chosen to do the best thing for pets instead.
Those companies have our respect.
Susan Thixton
Pet Food Safety Advocate
Author Buyer Beware, Co-Author Dinner PAWsible
TruthaboutPetFood.com
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T Allen
April 17, 2025 at 4:12 pm
If you trust those “all Human Grade” manufacturers are telling the truth and all the places they are sourcing their ingredients from are not lying to them. I would like to assume most of them are “trying” but as you said, that million dollars is a huge temptation when there is little to no oversight.
Angela
April 17, 2025 at 5:55 pm
Good article.
Susan
April 17, 2025 at 11:58 pm
“Those companies have our respect.” Absolutely!
Melinda Smith
April 18, 2025 at 6:59 am
Obviously the companies that put our pets first have a conscience and can go to bed at night and feel good about themselves! Thank you Susan for all your hard work and I only shop off your trusted list of pet foods and treats.
Vicki P
April 18, 2025 at 10:01 am
We thank YOU for your very valuable list as well.
Sandy M.
April 18, 2025 at 10:52 pm
It is clear that our government allows our pets to be used as garbage disposals. Our pets are showing the ill health effects of consuming this waste. If you can afford the Human Grade pet foods on the market, you really should spring for it. Otherwise you will likely be spending a bigger chunk of change at the Vet trying to figure out why your pet is sick. I switched and I am seeing a dramatic difference in my dog’d health, and no more $3 pill to give her everyday. Thanks to Susan for helping to educate me. Forget counting on the government to protect you and your pet from harm. You have to think for yourself these days now more than ever.