Air Dried Dog Food Oxygen Absorber

Iron-containing oxygen absorber sachets are included in 450g and 2kg bags of Black Hawk Air Dried food. They are important to maintain the food’s freshness, quality and safety.

Please take note of the warning on the bag and written on the sachet itself, the oxygen absorber sachet is not intended for consumption.

I you suspect that your pet has eaten an oxygen absorber or its contents, it’s important that you respond. We recommend that you:

Check everywhere: Search all places where the opened bag has been, where your pet has consumed their Air Dried food and even around and, in their mouth (if it’s safe!).

Confirm that the sachet isn’t hidden within the remaining food:, at the bottom of the bag, and that it’s not present in their surroundings.

Support your pet: Exposure to sachet itself is not an issue, but if it is chewed and opened, the iron-containing powder inside the sachet may be consumed, and it may lead to health issues.

Level of concern is dependent on your pet’s general health as well as the size (weight) of your pet. Smaller dogs are of greatest concern, particularly if they have an empty stomach before eating the contents of a sachet. Large and medium sized dogs are less likely to experience adverse signs, however it is always wise to monitor and report the incident to your vet.

Signs that you should look out for include:

• Vomiting and/or diarrhoea (may be bloody)
• Tenderness around the abdomen
• Behaviour changes
• Lethargy

Another consideration is for the package itself. We should be mindful of it becoming stuck in a pet's gastro-intestinal tract if accidentally swallowed.
On all occasions, TLC goes a long way. Keep your pet well hydrated with ample access to clean water and if they are not vomiting, offer them a small meal of their favourite food if they have not recently eaten.

Call your vet: If you have any concerns for the health and wellbeing of your pet, we always recommend seeking veterinary attention. Absorption of the iron inside the sachets generally occurs in the first few hours after ingestion, and your vet will make recommendations according to the information you provide them.

Gather information: Take note of what has occurred and record what has happened, along with the details in the table below. It’s important that you provide these to your vet.

The powder inside the oxygen absorber is a combination of clay and iron. As the iron component is potentially harmful, it is important that you know the amount of iron that your pet has potentially eaten.  Below is a table listing the approximate iron content of each Black Hawk Air Dried bag. Take note of this information and share it with your vet team.

 
Note:

Older ‘spent’ oxygen absorbers will likely have reacted with oxygen and are harder and ‘clumped’ in a solid (sometimes brown/red) mass. These are less likely to cause problems if eaten.

If you would like further information or advice, please contact our Consumer Care team online, or via [email protected] or ph 1300 651 111