Are you ready to revolutionize the way you feed your furry friend? Say goodbye to heavy cans of wet food and bags of kibble and hello to the future of pet nutrition: dehydrated food. In this article, we will explore the benefits of dehydration as a preservation method, the impact of commercial pet foods on natural nutrition, the sustainability benefits of dehydrated pet food, the simple process of making dehydrated pet food and finally, the opportunity to be the first to try ON!ST's vegan dehydrated dog food. So, join us on this journey as we discover how dehydrated pet food is the key to a healthier and more sustainable future for your furry companion.
Why Dehydration is the Key to Nutrition
Dehydration is a preservation method that removes moisture from food, allowing it to last longer without the use of chemicals or preservatives. This not only makes it more convenient for pet owners, but it also locks in nutrients that can be lost during the processing of wet food and kibble. A study published in the Journal of Animal Science (Johnson et al., 2015) found that dehydrated food retained up to 97% of its original vitamin and mineral content, compared to only 75% in canned food and approximately 60% in kibble (1).
The Drawbacks of Kibble and Wet Food
So why are the nutrients of the ingredients lost during the production process of kibble and wet food? This is because the food is heated above 100 Celsius, which can destroy much of the naturally occurring nutrition. In order to compensate for the loss of nutrients, manufacturers supplement the food with synthetic nutrition, which may not be as beneficial as naturally occurring nutrients. You can find out what your pets food is supplemented with by looking at the "nutritional additives" segment on the packaging.
Fortunately, there is an alternative: dehydrated food. ON!ST has carefully selected local plant-based ingredients to create a complete nutritional profile, which is then dehydrated to keep all of the nutrients in tact without the need for supplements. This process allows pets to enjoy a nutritious and complete meal without the risks associated with synthetic supplements. Dehydrated food is also more convenient for pet owners, as it has a longer shelf life and can be easily stored and transported. By choosing ON!ST's dehydrated food, pet owners can ensure that their pets are getting optimal nutrition in a safe and convenient way.
Sustainability for the Win
Not only is dehydrated pet food better for your pet's health, it's also better for the planet. The process of making wet food and kibble requires large amounts of water and energy. In contrast, dehydrated pet food uses significantly less resources during production. This makes it a more eco-friendly option. Additionally, dehydrated food takes up less space and weight, which reduces the carbon footprint during transportation. A study by the University of California (ref: Weber & Matthews, 2008) found that producing pet food generates up to 2.5 times more greenhouse gas emissions than producing human food (2).
Behind the Scenes: How it's Made
The process of making dehydrated pet food is simple yet effective. First, ingredients such as meats, vegetables, and fruits are sourced and prepared. Next, they are dehydrated at a low temperature to retain nutrients and flavor. This process removes up to 98% of the moisture from the food, leaving behind a nutrient-dense, shelf-stable product that can be stored without the need for refrigeration or preservatives. The food is then ground into a fine powder and formed into bite-sized pieces. When it comes time to serve the food, pet owners can simply rehydrate it with water, creating a delicious and nutritious meal for their furry friends. By contrast the wet pet food and kibble process involves cooking, grinding and heating ingredients at high temperatures, which causes nutrient loss.
How to Prepare Dehydrated Pet Food at Home
To prepare dehydrated pet food for your pet at home, you will need to rehydrate it with warm water (always under 40°C). Start by measuring out the indicated amount of dehydrated food for your pet's meal, and then add an equal amount of warm water to the food. Let the food sit for a few minutes to absorb the water and rehydrate. You may need to adjust the amount of water depending on your pet's preferences and the consistency of the food. Once the food is fully rehydrated, you can serve it to your pet.
Be the First to Try ON!ST's Vegan Dehydrated Pet Food
Don't wait to give your pet the best. Sign up for ON!ST's "Dehydrated, 100% plant-based, and human-grade dog food" presale waitlist and be the first to try it out. You'll be making a healthier and more sustainable choice for your furry friend, and for the planet.
Click here to sign up to the pre-sale waitlist
Articles:
- Johnson, L. N., Karr-Lilienthal, L. K., & Parsons, C. M. (2015). Nutrient retention of commercially available raw food diets for dogs. Journal of animal science, 93(5), 2970-2977.
- Weber, C. L., & Matthews, H. S. (2008). Food-miles and the relative greenhouse gas impacts of food choices in the United States. Environmental science & technology, 42(10), 3508-3513.
