Despite the evidence, many commercial pet food brands, including Science Diet, Iams, Eukanuba, and Pedigree, continue to use BHA, BHT, and/or ethoxyquin to extend the shelf life and reduce fat spoilage (rancidity) of their pet foods and pet treats. Flint River Ranch pet foods and pet treats, on the other hand, are Guaranteed Free of BHA, BHT, and Ethoxyquin.
Flint River Ranch uses tocopherols, a natural antioxidant and Vitamin E source, and human-quality ingredients to slow the oxidation process of fats and oils to ensure its premium pet food products remain fresh as in their initial state. Vitamin E is an antioxidant that retards the oxidation of other vitamins.
Vitamin E works as a natural preservative for a period of up to 12 months and as a peak preservative up to 6 months. Tocopherols used as preservatives in pet food do have a shorter lifespan than chemical preservatives, which can be a concern with some pet food brands that are warehoused or shipped to retail stores and left on store shelves for extended periods of time.
Unlike these retail pet foods, Flint River Ranch pet foods and treats are baked in small batches and are never "warehoused" or left for weeks (or months) to sit on a pet store shelf — they are delivered and prepped for shipping within two days of manufacture. Including manufacturing and shipping time, Flint River Ranch pet foods and treats are guaranteed to be in the hands of the pet owner within 1 month.
That means when stored out of direct heat, the pet owner has a guaranteed "fresh" product for a period of at least five months — with the ability to safely feed for 11 months. Of course, if your pet does not consume all of its Flint River food supply within that length of time, the food can be frozen to preserve freshness.
FAQs: Pet Nutrition and Pet Food Ingredients