Manufacturing Philosophy

 

The Clear Conscience Pet® Ten Step Sourcing and Manufacturing Philosophy: How We Make Our Treats

Just as our nutritional philosophy is strict and uncompromising, we insist on 10 non-negotiable rules for the sourcing and manufacturing of ALL Clear Conscience Pet® treats:

Sourcing Rules

  1. A key part of the Clear Conscience Pet® philosophy is an actively pursued sense of responsibility not only to the animals we feed, but to those we eat. Clean sources, raised without unnecessary confinement and with adherence to cruelty-free humane principles, are not only better for your pets, they are better for your conscience as an animal lover and citizen of the planet.
  2. ALL LIVESTOCK SOURCES are from American or Canadian independent family-owned ranches and farms. Animals are raised naturally and according to humane principles such as those developed by Temple Grandin* and other pioneers in humane husbandry.
  3. Livestock must have access to free ranges or open pasture on a regular basis, and be allowed seasonal grass grazing opportunities on open lands unsprayed by pesticides.  Ranchers must be committed to sustainability and responsible land management. NO ingredients from Feedlots or “FACTORY FARMS” will be allowed into Clear Conscience® treats under any circumstances.
  4. We won’t buy ingredients from ranchers or farmers who use added growth hormones, steroids, or unnecessary antibiotics   
  5. We help the earth and actively increase sustainability by reducing waste. This is done by purchasing previously underutilized ingredients such as wholesome organ meats, tendons, and cartilage that are excellent for pets. This cycle of extended use and reduced waste is an example of comprehensive ecosystem thinking and action. Just as Native Americans used EVERY part of the animals they harvested, Clear Conscience Pet® uses our nutritional expertise to treat pets with select healthy ingredients not commonly found in pet treats.
  6. We help independent ranchers and processors to stay independent by creating a new income stream through our purchases of ingredients and manufacturing services.

Processing and Formulation Rules 

  1. All treats are made in the U.S.A. in USDA inspected human food level production environments, strictly according to human food handling safety and sanitation standards, including handling of all ingredients exactly as they would be for use in human food.
  2. We minimize our carbon footprint in shipping of ingredients by partnering as much as possible with independent local natural food processors in the same regions as the ranchers. In this way, Clear Conscience Pet® treats support the “Slow Food” movement
  3. Our cooking methods and formulations are all in accord with human natural food manufacturing standards.  We use very simple cooking methods such as slow oven roasting and smokehouse cooking.  These methods help preserve nutrients by cooking more slowly at lower temperatures than typical baked “cookie” and biscuit type treats or dry and canned pet foods. 
  4. If a process, method, or ingredient is not used in human food production, Clear Conscience Pet® won’t use it for our treats. Period.

*Clear Conscience Pet® is not affiliated with Temple Grandin, her companies, or her foundation.  However, we are supporters of her philosophy and have been successful in finding ranchers and processors who are familiar with and follow her principles.