Why We Feed Raw Made the Clean 16® List for Safest Dog Food

When it comes to the safety of our pets, the conversation has historically focused on immediate threats like bacterial contamination. However, a groundbreaking new study has shifted the spotlight toward a much more insidious danger: long-term exposure to environmental toxins and heavy metals.

For pet parents, the question is no longer just "Is this food pathogen-free?" but "Is this food pure?" The Clean Label Project recently conducted an extensive independent investigation into the purity of the pet food industry.

We are incredibly proud to announce that We Feed Raw was named to the "Clean 16Ⓡ," a prestigious list identifying the top 16 cleanest dog foods among 79 of the nation’s top-selling products.

This distinction is more than just an award; it is a validation of our commitment to quality. It proves that a raw diet supports all life stages not just through superior nutrition, but through unparalleled ingredient purity.

An Independent Look at Pet Food Purity

To understand the weight of this news, it is important to understand the organization behind it. 

The Clean Label Project is a national nonprofit focused on bringing transparency to consumer product labeling. They don't look at what a brand claims on its packaging; they look at what is actually inside the product.

What Is the Clean Label Project?

The Clean Label Project uses data and science to reveal the presence of environmental contaminants that are often missed by traditional regulatory testing. They focus on heavy metals, pesticides, and plasticizers, which are substances that can accumulate in a dog's body over time, leading to chronic health issues.

The Study: 79 Products, 200 Contaminants, Zero Sponsorship

This study was one of the most comprehensive of its kind. The organization independently purchased 79 top-selling dog food products across three categories: dry (kibble), freeze-dried, and fresh/frozen.

They screened these products for over 200 different contaminants, including:

• •Heavy Metals: Lead, arsenic, mercury, and cadmium

• •Industrial Contaminants: Acrylamide and plastic-linked chemicals (BPA/BPS)

• •Pesticide Residues

Why Blind Testing Matters for Pet Parents

Perhaps the most important aspect of this study is that it was completely independent.

We Feed Raw did not sponsor the testing, and you cannot pay to be included in the Clean 16Ⓡ. The products were purchased at retail, just as a consumer would buy them. We didn't even know the testing was happening until the results were released.

This "blind" approach ensures the findings are an accurate reflection of what is actually being served in bowls across the country.

The Heavy Metal Crisis in Dry Dog Food

The most alarming takeaway from the Clean Label Project’s findings was the massive disparity between different types of dog food. While fresh and frozen foods generally performed well, dry dog food (kibble) showed dangerously high levels of toxins.

The Alarming Gap Between Kibble and Fresh Food

Kibble is a highly processed product. The extreme heat and pressure required to create those shelf-stable brown nuggets can actually contribute to the formation of harmful chemicals. 

Furthermore, the ingredients often used in mass-market kibble (such as low-grade meat meals and industrial fillers) are more likely to carry heavy metal loads from the environments where they were sourced.

Understanding the Factor of Disparity

The data points from the study regarding dry dog food compared to fresh or frozen options are staggering.

When you look at the concentrations of these toxins, it becomes clear why so many pet parents are moving away from the bag:

• •Arsenic: Dry dog food contains 13.3x more arsenic than fresh/frozen dog food and 5.7x more than what is found in human-grade consumables.

• •Mercury: Dry dog food has 20.7x more mercury than fresh/frozen options and 2.7x more than human consumables.

• •Lead: Dry dog food contains 21.2x more lead than fresh/frozen food and 12.7x more than human-grade food.

• •Acrylamide: Dry dog food is 24.1x higher in acrylamide (a chemical produced during high-heat cooking) than the average fresh/frozen dog food.

What Does It Mean to be Part of the Clean 16®?

Being named to the Clean 16®means We Feed Raw is among the top 20% of the cleanest pet foods in the country. Out of 79 products tested, only 16 reached this elite level of purity.

A Standard You Can’t Buy

Because this study was independent, the "Clean 16®" and the associated Purity Award represent a standard of excellence that can only be earned through stringent quality control.

It is a signal to pet parents that a brand is doing the hard work behind the scenes to ensure their ingredients are as clean as possible.

The Company We Keep

When looking at the Clean 16® list, a clear trend emerges. Of the 16 products that made the cut, 14 of them were in the "Fresh/Frozen" or "Wet" categories. Only two dry foods made the list.

This confirms what we have advocated for years: less processing and higher-quality fresh ingredients naturally lead to a safer, cleaner product.

How We Feed Raw Achieved Clean 16® Status

Making this list wasn't a matter of luck. It is the result of our uncompromising approach to how we source and prepare our food.

Stringent Sourcing of Human-Grade Meats

Heavy metals often enter the food chain through the soil and water that livestock interact with. 

By sourcing high-quality, human-grade meats from reputable suppliers, we minimize the initial load of environmental toxins. We don't use "meat meals" or "by-products," which are often the primary sources of heavy metal accumulation in lower-quality foods.

The Impact of Minimal Processing

Every time food is heated, cooled, extruded, or chemically preserved, there is a risk of contamination or the creation of toxic byproducts like acrylamide.

Because We Feed Raw keeps our ingredients in their most natural state, we avoid the chemical changes associated with high-heat manufacturing.

Why Clean Ingredients Are Essential for All Life Stages

Whether you are feeding a growing puppy or a senior dog, purity matters.

Puppies are particularly vulnerable to heavy metals like lead and arsenic as their neurological systems develop. Seniors, on the other hand, need clean food to reduce the metabolic stress on their kidneys and liver.

By choosing a Clean 16® brand, you are protecting your dog's long-term health from the very first meal.

Protecting Your Dog from Environmental Toxins

While the Clean Label Project study is a wake-up call, it is also an opportunity for pet parents to take control of their dog's health.

How to Choose a Safe and Transparent Raw Diet

When looking for a raw food provider, don't just look at the protein count. Ask about their sourcing and their safety protocols.

A reputable company should be transparent about how they handle their ingredients and whether they use a validated kill-step to ensure safety.

The Role of Cold-Pressure Pasteurization in Total Safety

At We Feed Raw, we don't just focus on toxins; we also lead the industry in pathogen safety. We use high-pressure processing (HPP), a form of cold-pressure pasteurization, to ensure our food is as safe as gently cooked alternatives.

This process uses extreme water pressure to inactivate pathogens like Salmonella and Listeria without the need for heat. This preserves the raw integrity of the food while providing a level of safety that is unmatched in the raw space.

A Milestone for We Feed Raw

We are honored to be recognized by the Clean Label Project. This study proves that when you prioritize stringent sourcing, high-quality meats, and minimal processing, the results speak for themselves. We will continue to uphold these standards, ensuring that We Feed Raw remains one of the cleanest, safest, and most nutritionally dense foods available for your dog.

Ready to switch to one of the cleanest dog foods in the country? Take our quiz today to get started on your dog's personalized meal plan.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why does dry dog food have more heavy metals than raw food?

Dry food often uses lower-quality ingredients like meat meals, which can concentrate toxins. Additionally, the high-heat extrusion process used to make kibble can create harmful byproducts like acrylamide. 

Raw food uses fresher, higher-quality meats and minimal processing, keeping toxin levels significantly lower.

What were the specific toxins tested in the study?

The Clean Label Project screened for over 200 contaminants, including lead, arsenic, mercury, cadmium, pesticides, BPA, and other industrial chemicals linked to long-term health issues in dogs.

Is We Feed Raw safe for puppies despite being raw?

Yes, our frozen raw recipes are both safe and AAFCO-approved for dogs of all life stages, including puppies.

Not only is our food cold-pressure pasteurized to be as safe as gently cooked meals, but it has now been independently verified as one of the cleanest foods on the market. This makes it an ideal choice for the developing systems of puppies who are more sensitive to environmental toxins.

How does We Feed Raw ensure its ingredients stay clean?

We use stringent sourcing for our human-grade meats and avoid all artificial fillers, preservatives, and "by-products" that are common sources of contamination. Our recipes are also formulated by a PhD animal nutritionist to ensure total balance and purity.

Does We Feed Raw have a track record of safety?

Absolutely. We have an industry-leading track record with zero recalls for pathogen contamination. Combined with our new status as a "Clean 16" brand, pet parents can feel 100% confident in the safety and purity of our food.