Often, pet parents tend to overlook the significance of treats in their pet’s nutritional intake. Regrettably, this oversight can have detrimental consequences.
Treats contribute to your pet’s overall calorie intake, and while they constitute a small fraction of your pet’s diet, it’s crucial to exercise caution when it comes to the ingredients present in the treats you choose and also the way these treats are processed.
The approach used for producing pet treats.
Pet treats are made through a variety of processes, depending on the type of treat, its ingredients, and the manufacturer’s methods. There are several different approaches used to make these treats, like extrusion, air-drying, freeze-drying, baking, moulding and others.
Both freeze-drying and air-drying have gained recognition for their capacity to prolong the shelf life of a variety of products, including fruits, vegetables, meat, and even pet treats.
The terms ‘dehydrated/air-dried’ and ‘freeze-dried’ are frequently used interchangeably, yet there are more distinctions between them than one might initially realise. Comprehending the variances between them is essential for making informed decisions regarding pet snacks.
Understanding Freeze-Drying
Freeze-drying, also known as lyophilization, is a preservation technique that involves extracting moisture from food or other substances by freezing the product and then exposing it to a low-pressure environment, causing the ice to change directly into vapour.
Understanding Air-Drying
Air-drying, also known as dehydration, is a more traditional method of preserving food. This technique involves eliminating moisture from food by exposing it to warm, circulating air.
Dehydration, an ancient technique for preserving food, was employed by early humans who sun-dried seeds. The North American Indians preserved meat by sun-drying slices, the Chinese dried eggs, and the Japanese dried fish and rice.(Source: britannica.com)
Key Distinctions
| Freeze-Dried | Air-Dried | |
| Additives | No additives needed | Very often salt and sugar are added unless DIY |
| Shelf Life | Have a considerably extended shelf life, often spanning several years. | Shelf life, generally extending from several months to a year. |
| Nutrition | Conserves 97% original nutrients in the food, including vitamins and minerals. | Loses up to 40% of nutrients, including certain vitamins and minerals during the process |
| Texture | When hydrated, it maintains the original texture of the food. | The change in the original cell structure makes the food chewier, adding water does not return the food to its original texture. |
| Taste | Preserves the product’s initial taste | Taste differs after dehydrating |
| Weight & Volume | Produces lightweight and space-efficient products, making them ideal for outdoor activities. | Typically yields bulkier products that necessitate more storage space |
| Cost | $$$ | $ |
Freeze-drying excels in nutrient preservation and retaining the original texture and taste, making it suitable for long-term emergency meals and lightweight outdoor treats. It is also a healthier option.
Conversely, air-drying provides a cost-effective approach to pet treats.
Your choice between these methods hinges on your specific objectives and preferences.
A comprehensive understanding of their distinctions empowers you to select your pet’s treats, from reputable manufacturers that prioritise quality and safety.
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