Heating pet foods via consumer microwaves

Surveys show that some pet owners heat up their pets’ food, but where are they getting their instructions?

George Collings, Ph.D.
June 10, 2026
Pet owners may microwave their pets’ food without understanding the potential downsides or how to do it properly at all.
Pet owners may microwave their pets’ food without understanding the potential downsides or how to do it properly at all.
mister Big I iStock.com
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The processes of making pet food vary greatly. Foods can be extruded, baked, dried, retorted, freeze-dried, refrigerated, powdered, frozen and even processed raw. Some advocates and brands state that their specific food process is far superior to other processes because of better nutrition, control of negative compounds being formed or even safety issues.

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