NUTRITION
When formulating the recipes for Trail Dog Cuisine we looked at what the dietary requirements are for dogs so that they can thrive in the backcountry.
FAT AND PROTEIN
Providing high quality fat and protein sources in your active dogs’ diet is essential to ensure they are able to tackle the rugged backcountry terrain. Studies that analyzed the diets of sled dogs have demonstrated the benefits of a high fat and protein diet. Analysis of the dogs fed these diets revealed decreased muscle breakdown and sustained endurance. Trail Dog Cuisine centered their recipes around this data. In all three of our recipes high fat, human-grade, animal meat is the first ingredient. Fat is supplemented in our products with the addition of highly digestible oils. Oils are intentionally selected based on up to date veterinary nutrition research rather than "fad" pseudoscience. Corn, olive and coconut oil are used individually or in combination to ensure your dog is able to perform at their best!
MICRONUTRIENTS
Beyond the carefully selected macro nutrients in our pucks, we looked to ensure we were supplying the many important micronutrients (vitamins and minerals) working dogs’ bodies requires. These micronutrients were provided by adding sweet potatoes, vegetables and beef liver to all three of our pucks. Many people are aware of the high concentration of vitamins and minerals in sweet potatoes but lack the knowledge of the “super food” that is beef liver! Beef liver is an excellent source of Vitamin A, Vitamin D, Folic Acid, B-vitamins, Magnesium, Manganese, Choline, Iron, Copper and Zinc. Additionally, beef liver is an optimal source of favorably ratioed Omega fatty acids.
COMPLEX CARBOHYDRATES
Though not the most important part of an active dogs’ diet, carbohydrates are beneficial to include in the trail dogs’ meals. We added complex carbohydrates to each of our recipes. These carbohydrates will provide more than just a short burst of energy to your dog but will help provide sustained energy on the trail.
THINGS THAT ARE NOT INCLUDED
Something else important to note is the absence of fillers in our food. Our pucks are designed to provide the nutrition that your dog needs and nothing that they don’t!
FREEZE DRYING
How Freeze Drying Works
STEP ONE
Freezing
After preparing our products we place them in our puck molds and freeze them. Not only does this provide the packable puck shape but it also is the first step in the freeze drying process.
STEP TWO
Sublimation
After our pucks have reached a temperature well below 0℃ we are able to proceed to sublimation. With our pucks in our machine, a small amount of heat is applied to the bottom of the trays that our pucks are on. The heat is regulated by smart technology to ensure the product is not advancing to a temperature that would further cook our pucks. During this step a vacuum is applied, which lowers the pressure in the machine. The heat, combined with the lowering pressure, allows for the moisture to be pulled out of the product in the form of vapor. This vapor collects in the inside of the machine and forms an ice ring. The process continues until approximately 95% of the moisture is pulled from the product. This process can take upto 60 hours!
STEP THREE
Packaging
Following the freeze drying process the pucks are placed in bags with oxygen absorbers and heat sealed. This packaging process helps keep the pucks free of contact from oxygen and light.
Why freeze drying over other preservation methods?
The process of freeze drying has the unique ability to preserve food so that it maintains nearly all of the nutritional benefits that the original product had. Other preservation methods can not make this claim because they have to apply significantly more heat to preserve their product. Additionally, another unique characteristic of food that has been freeze dried is that it rehydrates to a form that is very similar to its original texture and flavor. For example, when rehydrating our chicken, oat and flaxseed recipe puck you can easily identify the shredded chicken and pieces of broccoli in the pucks.