Boosting Quality: Why Some All Barks Dog Treats Now Include Oxygen Absorbers

Oxygen Absorbers are small packets that remove oxygen from the packaging of food products. They are commonly used in a variety of food and pet products to keep them fresh by reducing the amount of oxygen in the sealed environment. This not only helps to maintain the product's quality but also prevents the growth of bacteria, mould, and mildew, which can thrive in oxygen-rich environments. The absorbers are designed to reduce the presence of oxygen to less than 0.1%, creating a sealed environment that ensures freshness and safety.

We’ve chosen to add Oxygen Absorbers to a select few of our All Barks dog treats that contain slightly higher moisture levels. These products include:

• Aussie Nibbles

• Bush Sticks

• Outback Nibbles

• Outback Sticks

• Farmer's Nibbles

By incorporating Oxygen Absorbers in these particular products, we are enhancing their quality and extending their shelf life while ensuring they remain safe and fresh for your pet to enjoy.

• Preservation of Freshness: Oxygen Absorbers help preserve the freshness of our treats by absorbing the oxygen inside the packaging. This creates an environment where the treats can maintain their flavour and texture, keeping them just as fresh as the day they were made.

• Extended Shelf Life: One of the key benefits of Oxygen Absorbers is that they extend the shelf life of our products. By limiting the exposure to oxygen, the treats stay fresh for a longer period, reducing the need for frequent reordering. This ensures you always have the best quality products for your pet.

• Quality Maintenance: Many of our treats, such as Aussie Nibbles and Bush Sticks , contain higher moisture levels to enhance their flavour and texture. Oxygen Absorbers help to maintain the right moisture balance, preventing the treats from drying out or becoming stale. This is especially important for treats like Outback Nibbles and Farmer's Nibbles , where freshness is crucial to their taste and quality.

• Moisture Control: Dog treats with higher moisture content are more prone to spoilage. Oxygen is one of the key elements that contribute to this. By using Oxygen Absorbers, we can control the moisture levels and ensure that our treats stay fresh and safe. The absorbers help maintain the moisture balance, ensuring the treats do not become overly dry or soggy over time.

• Reduced Oxidation: Oxidation can negatively affect the nutritional value, flavour, and appearance of dog treats. Oxygen Absorbers play an important role in reducing oxidation, which helps preserve the vitamins, antioxidants, and other beneficial ingredients in our products.

• Improved Safety: The use of Oxygen Absorbers reduces the risk of bacterial or fungal growth by limiting the oxygen available for these microorganisms to thrive. This makes the treats safer for your pets, reducing the chances of contamination or spoilage. The absorption of oxygen also reduces the risk of rancidity, ensuring the treats maintain their original flavour and texture for longer.

We understand that pet owners may be concerned if their dog consumes an Oxygen Absorber packet. While these packets are safe for their intended use, they are not meant for consumption. If you suspect your pet has ingested the Oxygen Absorber, it’s important to respond quickly.

Here’s what you should do:

1. Check the Area Thoroughly: Carefully search all the places where the treat packet was opened, and inspect your pet’s mouth (if safe to do so). Make sure the Oxygen Absorber packet is not still in the bag or surrounding area.

2. Support Your Pet: If the packet has been chewed or pierced open, the iron powder inside can cause health issues. Smaller pets, particularly those with empty stomachs, may be at greater risk. Keep an eye out for signs of trouble, such as:

   • Vomiting and/or diarrhoea (may be bloody)

   • Tenderness around the abdomen

   • Lethargy or changes in behaviour

3. Provide Hydration and Food: Ensure your pet has access to plenty of clean water. If your pet is not vomiting and seems otherwise well, offer them a small meal of their favourite quality pet food.

4. Call Your Veterinarian: If you are concerned, we strongly recommend reaching out to your vet immediately. Let them know the details of the incident, including the type of treat your pet consumed and any signs you’ve noticed. Your vet will assess the situation and may recommend inducing vomiting if necessary.

5. Gather Information: Be sure to gather as much information as possible, including the potential amount of iron your pet may have ingested (which is typically low in the small Oxygen Absorbers used in our packaging) and the product involved.

We want to reassure you that our Oxygen Absorbers are designed to be safe when used as intended. However, if ingested, it’s always best to err on the side of caution and seek veterinary advice. We are here to support both you and your pet in every way possible.

We understand that some pet owners may have concerns about the use of Oxygen Absorbers in pet food and treats. We want to assure you that the Oxygen Absorbers we use are completely safe and non-toxic. These packets are securely sealed inside the packaging and cannot be ingested by your pet.

To ensure the best possible experience with our treats, we recommend the following handling instructions:

• Do not consume the Oxygen Absorber packet. It is not food and should not be opened or ingested.

• Store treats properly. After opening, reseal the packaging as tightly as possible to preserve freshness.

• Dispose of the Oxygen Absorber properly. Once the packet has absorbed its maximum capacity of oxygen, it should be discarded safely, ensuring it stays out of reach of pets.