This is hands-down our most-asked question! The answer lies in a mix of state laws and FDA regulations that view raw dairy as a higher risk due to its natural bacteria content. Since it’s not pasteurized, raw milk retains the good bacteria and enzymes that give it its living, nutritious quality, but this also means it doesn’t go through the heating process that kills off all bacteria, whether beneficial or harmful. Georgia, like many states, restricts raw milk for human consumption, classifying it as “pet food” to meet compliance with these safety guidelines.
Interestingly, these restrictions came into play back in the early 1900s when pasteurization was introduced as a way to reduce bacterial contamination, particularly in large-scale operations where cleanliness was harder to control. Over the years, pasteurization became the standard, partly as an easier way to handle large-scale dairy and to reduce any potential risks in supply chains. However, the regulations haven’t adapted much to today’s small-scale farms where cleanliness, animal health, and hands-on management are prioritized. While our raw milk for pets meets high standards of quality , we label it to meet State of Georgia regulations.
