Pet owners want nothing more than to make their pets’ lives as comfortable as possible. They shower their furry friends with treats, toys and accessories. Some even throw birthday parties for their dogs or cats.
But you have to be careful of what you give to your canine or feline companion, especially treats. What they eat greatly impacts their health and behaviour. The right treats guarantee a happy and healthy four-legged friend.
Air-Dried or Dehydrated?
Manufacturers made pet feeding more convenient by inventing dehydrated and air-dried pet food. These foodstuffs do not require freezing or thawing before consumption. Owners, as a result, save time and money on food preparation and storage.
Dehydrated and air-dried pet food also have a longer shelf life. Without moisture, they are free from bacteria, yeast and moulds that cause spoilage. Dogs and cats are safe from potentially fatal food-borne diseases.
Although dehydrated and air-dried treats have similar benefits, they are processed differently. The awareness of how these treats are created helps you make better pet food purchases. You will know if the fodder type you are currently using meets your pet’s dietary needs. If it doesn’t, then you will be able to buy the food that matches your pet’s nutritional requirements. Properly addressing your pet’s nutritional demands maintains its overall health and wellbeing.
Dehydrated Pet Treats Contain Less Nutrients
Dehydration involves cooking raw pet food over low heat for a long period. Doing so removes moisture, inhibiting the growth of harmful microorganisms in the food and greatly reducing its size. The finished product is a crunchy feed that is safe for animal ingestion and is easy to store.
This process, however, cuts down the food nutrient content. Heat eliminates several vitamins and minerals, including Vitamins B, C, A, D and E, calcium, potassium and magnesium. Deficiencies in these nutrients stunt pets’ development, lower their quality of life and increase their susceptibility to illness.
Air-Dried Pet Treats Are More Nutritious
Air-drying desiccates uncooked animal fodder through evaporation and is prepared in small batches. Moisture and microbes are obviated while preserving vitamins, minerals and natural enzymes. The result is food that is naturally preserved without using artificial preservatives.
Air-dried pet food is at least 95% more digestible and nutritious than its dehydrated counterpart. It is a method that has been used for centuries to maximize protein.
Because air-dried pet treats are easily digestible, these do not accumulate in your pet’s stomach. Bloat, a painful intestinal condition that sometimes requires surgery, is prevented. Your pet’s intestinal system becomes healthier, saving you expensive veterinary bills.
A healthy gastrointestinal tract also improves nutrient absorption. Your pet fully absorbs the nutrients found in air-dried treats, boosting its immunity. It ends up less likely to get sick and will have a higher life expectancy.
B vitamins, Vitamin C, iron, calcium and manganese are just some of the nutriments in air-dried treats. B vitamins improve energy and appetite. If you own a senior dog or cat, fortify its diet with B vitamins. B vitamins ensure that your ageing pet will continue receiving the exercise and nutrition it needs to remain healthy.
A Healthy Diet for a Healthy Pet
Air-dried treats adequately meet your pet’s nutritional requirements. It will have the energy to run and play and enjoy a lower disease risk. Your dog or cat will live a long, healthy life as your faithful companion.
There are many options available in the market, so do look out for how treats are dehydrated and processed the next time you get some for your pets.
Earthmade pet food keeps dogs and cats of all life stages healthy and happy. Our air-dried treats are GMO-free, grain-free, hypoallergenic and contain natural and essential vitamins and minerals to optimize your pet’s strength and vitality. Check out our product range here.