When it comes to preparing pet treats, ensuring both safety and nutrition is key. Many pet food manufacturers use High Pressure Pasteurization (HPP) to reduce bacteria, while others—like Zora’s Best Friendz—rely on gentle cooking to achieve the same goal while preserving nutrients and natural flavor. But how do these two methods compare, and which one is better for your pet?
Understanding the differences between HPP and gentle cooking can help pet owners make informed choices about the treats they feed their furry companions.
What Is HPP?
High Pressure Pasteurization (HPP) is a non-thermal food processing method that uses extremely high pressure (up to 87,000 psi) to eliminate harmful bacteria like Salmonella and E. coli.
How HPP Works:
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Raw meat or pet food is placed in a sealed, water-filled chamber.
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The chamber is subjected to intense pressure, which disrupts bacterial cell walls.
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The process extends shelf life and reduces bacterial contamination without using heat.
The Downsides of HPP for Pet Treats:
While HPP helps in bacterial reduction (yet achieving only about 3-log reduction - the USDA mandates 5-log reduction), it alters the texture and flavor of food. The high pressure can denature proteins, affecting how nutrients are absorbed by a pet’s digestive system. Additionally, the process may not fully eliminate bacteria unless paired with chemical treatments, which can leave behind unwanted residues.
Many pet owners prefer minimally processed foods, and HPP-treated treats may not align with their desire for natural, whole-food nutrition for their pets.
What Is Gentle Cooking?
Unlike HPP, gentle cooking uses low heat over a controlled period yet achieves an even higher level of bacterial reduction (log 5 reduction - recommended level by the USDA) —without extreme pressure or chemical treatments.
How Gentle Cooking Works at Zora’s Best Friendz:
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High-quality, human-grade ingredients are carefully selected.
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Meat is slowly cooked at around 140°F for 20 minutes (or slightly lower for a longer duration) to meet USDA-recommended bacterial reduction standards.
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The treats are then freeze-dried at low temperatures, removing moisture while preserving natural taste and nutrition.
The Benefits of Gentle Cooking:
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Better Nutrient Retention – Cooking at low temperatures helps maintain essential vitamins, amino acids, and proteins, which can be destroyed by HPP or high-heat processing.
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Rich Natural Flavor – Since the proteins aren’t denatured under extreme conditions, treats retain their full, meaty taste, making them more appealing to dogs.
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No Chemical Additives – Unlike some HPP-treated products, gentle cooking requires no chemical baths to meet food safety standards.
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Easier Digestibility – Cooking makes certain nutrients more bioavailable, meaning pets absorb more nutrients from their treats.
Which Process Preserves More Nutrients?
While both HPP and gentle cooking reduce harmful bacteria, gentle cooking preserves more of the natural nutrition found in raw ingredients.
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HPP can break down proteins due to extreme pressure, leading to nutrient loss and altered digestion.
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Gentle cooking retains key vitamins and amino acids, ensuring better nutrition and taste for pets.
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HPP often requires chemical pretreatment, while gentle cooking at Zora’s Best Friendz uses only heat and time—the same way pet owners would prepare food at home.
Why Zora’s Best Friendz Chooses Gentle Cooking
At Zora’s Best Friendz, pet health and safety come first. That’s why we use human-grade ingredients and a slow, gentle cooking process to create treats that are:
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Nutrient-rich – Retaining essential proteins, vitamins, and minerals for optimal pet health.
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Highly palatable – Packed with natural meaty flavor that dogs crave.
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Safe & wholesome – Meeting USDA food safety standards without the need for harsh treatments.
Give Your Pet the Best—Try Gently Cooked Treats Today!
Your dog deserves the best-quality nutrition in every treat. By choosing Zora’s Best Friendz freeze-dried beef liver treats, you’re giving them a snack that is:
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Safer (properly cooked to eliminate bacteria)
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More nutritious (no denatured proteins or chemical residues)
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More delicious (rich, meaty taste pets love)
Make the switch to gently cooked, nutrient-packed treats today!
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Shop now at www.zorasbest.com or find us on Amazon.
