ROCKLIN, CALIF. — Natural dog treat manufacturer Campfire Treats on March 29 announced its certification by the Global Animal Partnership (GAP), an animal welfare food labeling program based in Texas.

Campfire Treats’ certification is part of its ongoing dedication toward improving the welfare of farm animals. According to the treat manufacturer, most animals raised for meat in the United States are not raised in appropriate environments nor are they treated with compassion.

“At Campfire Treats, we believe that loving our dogs should not come at the expense of other animals,” said Marko Wittich, co-founder and president, Campfire Treats. “We’re therefore proud to exclusively offer GAP-certified chicken and turkey products.”

GAP was founded in 2008 with the goal to improve farm animal welfare by setting comprehensive standards, which are species-specific and use the most recent research in agricultural science. Third-party certifiers audit each farm every 15 months to ensure GAP’s standards are followed.

“Pet owners are shopping for meaningful animal welfare claims,” said Diane McDade, business development manager, GAP. “Campfire Treats’ new line of certified single-ingredient dog treats are sourced only from farms and ranches certified to GAP standards. We are excited to partner with Campfire Treats — working together to support farms committed to animal welfare.”

GAP’s certified labeling system, which appears as Animal Welfare Certified™ on product packaging, allows companies to use different tiers of certification: Enriched Environment, Outdoor Access, Pasture Raised, Animal Centered and Entire Life on Farm. The different levels of GAP’s certification provides transparency for consumers, providing them with the knowledge on how animals used in different products were raised and treated.

The labeling system is also recognized by the ASPCA’s Shop With Your Heart program.

“We are thrilled to recognize Campfire Treats’ commitment to a more humane, accountable food system by welcoming them to the ASPCA’s Shop With Your Heart program,” said Nancy Roulston, senior director of corporate policy and animal scientist, ASPCA Farm Animal Welfare. “We know that so many pet owners’ concern for animals includes those raised on farms, and Campfire Treats’ welfare-verified products give those consumers another option in the marketplace.”

Campfire Treats’ certification comes after the company joined the Better Chicken Commitment in 2021.

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