We at Sweet Licks Barkery care about you and your pets. This is why we first lightly-bake our treats before freeze drying them.
The Science Behind Our Process: Lightly Baked & Freeze-Dried
We use a unique hybrid method—lightly baking for safety, then freeze-drying for quality. This gives you the best of both worlds: the pathogen safety of a cooked treat with the nutrient density and texture of a freeze-dried one.
Here is why this method is scientifically superior to standard dehydration:
Optimal Nutrient Retention: While high-heat dehydration can "cook out" vitamins and minerals, our freeze-drying process (lyophilization) uses a vacuum to remove moisture at low temperatures. This preserves a significantly higher percentage of the heat-sensitive vitamins (like Vitamin B) found in our lightly baked ingredients compared to traditional air-drying [1].
Unmatched Shelf Stability: Our process removes the vast majority of original moisture, significantly lowering the "water activity" (aw) of the treat. This inhibits the growth of bacteria, mold, and yeast without the need for artificial preservatives, creating a safe, shelf-stable product [2].
Clean Handling & Structure: Because the water is removed via sublimation (ice turning directly to vapor), the treat keeps its physical structure rather than shriveling. This results in a non-greasy treat that is easy to handle and break for training without crumbling into dust [3].
Superior Flavor Profile: By avoiding the prolonged high heat of dehydrators, the natural savory aromatics of our ingredients are locked in. This creates a high-value reward that is far more palatable to picky eaters than hard, over-processed alternatives [4].
Rapid Rehydration: The porous structure left behind by the freeze-drying process allows these treats to absorb water almost instantly. This makes them excellent food toppers for hydration or soft-chew options for senior dogs [5].
Why is freeze dried raw meat bad for canines and humans?
Freeze-dried “raw” meat can be problematic for both canines and humans due to the potential presence of harmful bacteria and parasites. We are not against use of raw meat, but for our treats, we choose to lightly-bake first to help with consistency and texture of our treats while still retaining nutrients. Remember it is always best practice to wash your hands after handling of any food derived product. Here are some key risks for raw meat:
For Canines:
Bacterial contamination: Raw meat, even when freeze-dried, can harbor bacteria like Salmonella, E. coli, and Listeria, which can cause foodborne illnesses in pets. Symptoms can include vomiting, diarrhea, fever, and lethargy. In severe cases, these infections can be fatal, especially in puppies/kittens, senior pets, or pets with weakened immune systems.
Parasites: Raw meat can also contain parasites like Toxoplasma gondii, which can cause toxoplasmosis, a potentially serious disease in pets. Symptoms can include fever, muscle weakness, seizures, and neurological problems.
For Humans:
Cross-contamination: Handling freeze-dried raw meat can lead to cross-contamination of kitchen surfaces,utensils, and hands, potentially spreading harmful bacteria to other foods or people. This is especially concerning for young children, pregnant women, older adults, and people with compromised immune systems, who are more susceptible to foodborne illnesses.
Zoonotic diseases: Some bacteria and parasites found in raw meat, like Salmonella and Toxoplasma gondii, can be transmitted from animals to humans, causing zoonotic diseases. These diseases can range from mild gastrointestinal upset to more serious complications like neurological problems or even miscarriages for pregnant women.
Important Considerations:
Sourcing and handling: The safety of freeze-dried raw meat depends largely on the quality of the sourcing and handling practices.
Consult your veterinarian: Before feeding your pet any raw meat products, consult your veterinarian. They can advise you on the potential risks and benefits, and help you make informed decisions about your dog's diet.
Storage, Shelf Life & Safety To ensure the highest quality and safety for your pet, please follow these guidelines for storage and handling.
Shelf Life Estimates Because our freeze-drying process removes the water that causes spoilage, our treats are naturally shelf-stable without artificial preservatives.
Unopened: Our treats are shelf-stable for up to 18 months when stored in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight.
Once Opened: For optimal texture and freshness, we recommend using the treats within 30 to 60 days.
Storage Tip: Moisture is the enemy of freeze-dried treats! Always reseal the bag tightly immediately after removing a treat. If moisture gets in, the treats may lose their crunch and become soft.
Quality Assurance: Every bag is stamped with a Batch Number. This allows us to track our ingredients and production date to ensure strict safety standards are met.
Safety Notices & Disclaimers
Oxygen Absorber Warning: Our bags contain a non-toxic oxygen absorber or desiccant packet to maintain freshness. Do not feed this packet to your pet. It is a choking hazard. If the packet is accidentally ingested, please contact your veterinarian immediately.
Intended Use: These products are intended for intermittent or supplemental feeding only. They are not designed to be a complete meal replacement.
Supervision: Always supervise your pet while they are eating any treat to prevent choking, and ensure plenty of fresh water is available.
Not for Human Consumption: While we use human-grade ingredients, these treats are manufactured for pets and legally classified as pet food.
References:Ratti, C. (2001). "Hot air and freeze-drying of high-value foods: a review." Journal of Food Engineering, 49(4), 311-319. (Demonstrates superior nutrient retention of freeze-drying vs. air drying).U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA). "Water Activity (aw) in Foods." Inspection Technical Guides. (Defines how low water activity prevents microbial growth).Bhatta, S., et al. (2020). "Freeze-Drying of Plant-Based Foods." Foods, 9(1), 87. (Discusses structural integrity and porosity of freeze-dried goods).Valentina, V., et al. (2016). "Sensory evaluation of freeze-dried products." Journal of Food Processing. (Confirms higher palatability and flavor retention).Ciurzyńska, A. & Lenart, A. (2011). "Rehydration properties of freeze-dried strawberries." Polish Journal of Food and Nutrition Sciences. (Explains the mechanics of rapid rehydration due to porous structure).