How We’re Keeping Cats Safe from Avian Flu

Dr. Katy Miller, DVM; Al Puntillo, Co-CEO; Bryan Kramer, Dir. of Category; Lars Wulff, Founder and Exec Chair

Healthy Cats |  March 1, 2025

In the winter of 2024-25, the deaths of several cats in the Pacific Northwest from Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) were linked to raw cat foods containing poultry. In response, we temporarily removed raw frozen and freeze-dried cat foods and treats containing poultry, raw milk, or uncooked eggs from our shelves—except those that had been cooked to a temperature of at least 165°F. After months of work with food safety experts and our manufacturing partners, we have validated the safety of a wide selection of poultry-based raw foods for cats, and we’ve resumed selling and recommending these validated products.

How we validate raw foods as bird-flu safe. We have implemented a systematic review of the food safety practices of pet food manufacturers that enables us to identify poultry-based raw frozen and freeze-dried products that are highly unlikely to transmit HPAI to cats. Our safety practice review reduces the risk of HPAI contamination by combining three independent control points.

  • Ingredient sourcing. We require partners to source all of their poultry ingredients from flocks that are regularly tested for HPAI.
  • Environmental monitoring. We require manufacturers to frequently test multiple areas of their facilities and multiple parts of their equipment for the presence of pathogens.
  • HPAI kill step. We require manufacturers’ production processes to include at least one validated microbial intervention (kill step). Validated kill steps include high-pressure pasteurization, e-beam radiation and thermal treatments (heat).

No food source (for pets or people) can be 100% safe, but combining these three critical safety steps enables our manufacturing partners to reduce to almost zero the chance that any raw frozen or freeze-dried pet food sold by Mud Bay will contain HPAI or any other pathogen that is dangerous to pets.

Raw foods contribute to long-term health. Mud Bay has recommended feeding raw frozen and freeze-dried foods to cats and dogs for more than twenty-five years because the risks are small, and the health benefits to pets are significant. Our raw frozen and freeze-dried food manufacturing partners meet or exceed FDA food safety standards and have excellent records of food safety. We’re grateful to our partners for working with Mud Bay to evolve avian flu safety practices that enable our customers and staff to confidently feed poultry-based raw frozen and freeze-dried food and treats to their cats.


Updated 6/11/2025

Furvor bone 🦴  broth for dogs is made with 100% human-grade ingredients and is highly concentrated, so every squeeze adds real nutrition to your dog’s routine. 
🐕 It’s packed with protein, amino acids, and nutrients that can support gut health, mobility, skin and coat, and overall wellness.
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It’s also an easy way to boost hydration and bring a little excitement back to the bowl—especially for picky eaters. Just mix it with water, pour it over kibble, or serve it on its own.
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Shop Furvor 🛒 🛍️ 🐕 Bone Broth in-store or online at Mud Bay!
#mudbay #furvor #bonebroth #dogs #healthypets
Weruva WX Phos Focused Freeze-Dried Chicken and Tilapia is a low-phosphorus, high-protein supplement made from 93% boneless, skinless chicken breast, tilapia, and egg white. It has no grains, fillers, bones, or organs.
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Due to its naturally low phosphorus content, this food is suitable for cats requiring phosphorus management, particularly those with kidney conditions. Additionally, it’s highly digestible protein helps maintain lean muscle mass. 
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You can serve it dry or add water to soften the texture. Adding water can help your cat digest it more easily and boost their daily water intake. This recipe is meant as a supplement and works well as a topper or treat alongside a complete, balanced diet.
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If you want help figuring out if this is right for your cat, visit your local Mud Bay and speak with a Muddy, or shop with us online today.
#mudbay #healthypets #kidneyhealth #cats #catfood
If your pup brings the energy indoors, meet their new favorite toy. The ultra plush Fluff & Tuff Soccer Ball is designed for fetch, toss, and all-out play. 
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With a strong inner mesh liner and concealed double stitching, it delivers the durability Fluff & Tuff is known for in a soft, soccer-inspired design.
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Kick off the fun and shop the Fluff & Tuff Soccer Ball in-store or online at Mud Bay.
#mudbay #fluffandtuff #dogs #timetoplay #healthypets
Need to keep your dog engaged while you work, host, or help them burn energy? 
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The Woof LickMat and LickMix make enrichment easy.
The textured design encourages longer licking, helping promote calm behavior and engagement. Premeasured lines make portioning easy every time.
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Simply mix the grain-free Cheddar and Bacon LickMix. It’s easy to digest, simple to prepare, and each bag provides 10 or more lick sessions. Made from 100 percent silicone, BPA-free, and dishwasher safe. Strong suction cups keep the LickMat stable for easy, everyday use. 
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Enhance your dog’s daily enrichment—visit us in-store or online and bring home the woof LickMat and LickMix today.
#mudbay #woof #healthypets #dogs #petenrichment
👀 Looking for a way to slow down mealtime and keep your dog thinking? The GURU Pet Company Bobble Ball turns your dog’s food into an interactive activity.
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Simply fill it with kibble or small treats, screw the top back on, and let the wobble begin. The weighted base creates unpredictable movement that keeps dogs engaged and working for every bite.
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A great option for dogs new to enrichment or seasoned puzzle pros.
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Shop in-store or online at Mud Bay today.
#mudbay #dogs #staybusy #healthypets #dogtoys
🎉 New Mud Bay Air-Dried Toppers are now available in-store and online at Mud Bay!
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We’re excited to offer two new formulas that are complete and balanced for both cats and dogs. 
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The Digestive Support Formula has beneficial fiber from lentils and sweet potato, along with probiotic inulin from chicory root. It also includes organic apple cider vinegar for extra immune and digestive support.
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Our Hip & Joint Support Formula features turmeric, oat flour, and omega-3 fatty acids from tuna 🐟  to help support joint mobility and immune health.
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All Mud Bay Air-Dried Toppers are veterinarian-formulated and free of corn, wheat, soy, and artificial preservatives. And they are convenient and easy to use as a complete meal, a treat, or a topper. 
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You can find the full line—including Skin & Coat, Cognitive, Digestive, and Hip & Joint Support formulas—exclusively at Mud Bay.
#mudbay #healthypets #mealtime #pnwpets #mudbayairdriedtoppers
We visited the local dog park today to share a fun spring surprise 👀🎉 
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The park pups got to try our newest Mud Bay Air-Dried Toppers!
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We can’t share all the details on these new toppers yet, but here’s what we can tell you:
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Two new formulas are coming soon, and you’ll find them both in stores and online. They’ll be available in 8-ounce and 24-ounce bags.
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Just like our current toppers, these new formulas give both cats and dogs complete and balanced nutrition. You can serve them as a full meal, sprinkle them on top of their food, or offer them as a treat.
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Thank you to all the pups who came by to try them today.🐾🎉 
Check back next week because we have a giveaway coming up. Stay tuned and have a great spring!🌈 💐 🌷 ☀️ ☔ 
#mudbay #dogpark #sneaktreat #mudbayairdriedtoppers #new
Stock up on your dog’s favorite Bulk Biscuits and make every refill count.
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Mud Bay’s Bulk Biscuits are all-natural, with many locally sourced options, including organic and grain-free varieties. When you refill your Mud Bay Mud Bucket, you pay $4.24 per pound instead of $4.99 on every refill. That’s 75 cents saved per pound, or 15% off each refill.
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Our Mud Buckets are BPA-free, dishwasher safe, and come in two handy sizes: 2.75 liters and 8.5 liters. Designed for easy refills and fresher storage, they help make treating your dog simple and eco-friendly.
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Refill. Reuse. Re-Biscuit. Visit your local Mud Bay today to pick up a Mud Bay Mud Bucket and some tasty biscuits for your dog!!
#mudbay #mudbuckets #dogs #treats #healthypets