Halo Responds – Truth about Pet Food

On April 25, 2022 we shared information about Halo Pet Food, their responses to questions we asked and their lack of response to our follow up questions. On April 27, 2022 we received Halo’s responses to our follow up questions.

We originally asked Halo about their claim ‘freeze dried raw coated’ kibble. Their response implied the freeze dried raw coating is applied after the kibble is made, but we wanted to confirm that asking “am I correct that the coating is sprayed on after kibble manufacturing?“

In the recent email from Halo they responded:

“Yes, we apply our freeze dry raw coating after extrusion.”

We asked this question to see if Halo’s process was different than other manufacturers. Most kibble is extruded (a process where ingredients are combined and cooked through heat and pressure), dried with heat, and then a flavoring ingredient is sprayed on the kibble as the final step. Pet food manufacturers are not required to disclose exactly what their flavoring ingredient is. The FDA has stated that flavorings are similar to a chef’s secret recipe (no kidding, they really did say that). But, as it turns out – Halo’s process is similar to other manufacturers.

Our follow up questions to Halo questioned further their claim of “World’s Best Ingredients. Guaranteed“. We asked (as follow up): “With your response to the website claim ‘The world’s best ingredients. Guaranteed.’ – your explanation is very different than your website claim. You explained ‘We source premium ingredients that deliver guaranteed nutrients to the dog.’ But your website claim is ‘world’s best ingredients – guaranteed’. Those are two different things. So again, can you provide information on how it was determined the dog food is guaranteed to include the world’s best ingredients?“

Halo basically repeated their previous response stating (in the April 27, 2022 response) that World’s Best Ingredients means:

“We use ingredients that meet our high-quality specifications to ensure that we deliver leading levels of guaranteed nutrients to the dog.”

And the last follow up question is a perfect example of why it is so important to ask manufacturers questions and get clarity on claims. We originally asked Halo about their “Full Ingredient Traceability” claim. Their initial response provided sourcing information instead of country of origin information – or at least we felt their “Sourced in…” statement could be interpreted as ingredient supplier source – not the actual ingredient country of origin. As it turns out, our interpretation was wrong.

We asked Halo (as follow up): “And with your ingredient tracing – ingredients “sourced in the USA” is very different than country of origin. Where you source ingredients is not full traceability as your website claims. Any pet food can source from a US supplier, when ingredients originated outside the US. Will Halo correct their website removing the full traceability claim?“

Halo responded on April 27, 2022: “The locations that we list on our website are the country of origin.”

We appreciate that Halo provided us with responses.

Wishing you and your pet the best –

Susan Thixton
Pet Food Safety Advocate
TruthaboutPetFood.com
Association for Truth in Pet Food

Become a member of our pet food consumer Association. Association for Truth in Pet Food is a a stakeholder organization representing the voice of pet food consumers at AAFCO and with FDA. Your membership helps representatives attend meetings and voice consumer concerns with regulatory authorities. Click Here to learn more.

What’s in Your Pet’s Food?
Is your dog or cat eating risk ingredients?  Chinese imports? Petsumer Report tells the ‘rest of the story’ on over 5,000 cat foods, dog foods, and pet treats. 30 Day Satisfaction Guarantee. Click Here to preview Petsumer Report. www.PetsumerReport.com

Find Healthy Pet Foods in Your Area Click Here

The 2022 List
Susan’s List of trusted pet foods. Click Here to learn more.