Frequently Asked Questions

Approximately 84% of meat protein can be found in each of the treats.

Sugar derived from sugar cane is used in Black Hawk treats in small amounts to come together and cook with the protein in our meat ingredients.

This mild 'caramelisation' step creates unique, natural flavours, a distinct aroma for each treat type, and helps stabilise the moisture content, making them soft, tender, and highly palatable.

Treats should make up no more than 10% of a dog’s daily calories. There is a feeding guide on the back of each pack to help you determine the approximate amount.

Iron-containing oxygen absorber sachets are included in the bags of Black Hawk treats listed below. They are essential to maintain food freshness, quality and safety.

As highlighted on the packaging and written on the sachet itself, they are not intended for consumption, so if you suspect that your pet has eaten an oxygen absorber or its contents, it’s important that you respond quickly:

• CHECK EVERYWHERE. Have a good search of all places where the opened bag has been, in the areas where your pet has consumed their treats and even around and in their mouth (if it’s safe!).

Confirm 100% that the sachet isn’t hidden at the bottom of the bag, under, or between remaining treats, and that it’s not present in their surroundings.

• SUPPORT YOUR PET. Exposure to the iron-containing powder inside the sachet may lead to health issues, so troubles are most likely to arise if the sachet is pierced open or chewed by your pet.

Degree of risk is dependent on the general health as well as the size (weight) of your pet, meaning that smaller dogs and cats are of greatest concern, particularly if they have an empty stomach. 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.

Another consideration is for the package itself. We call this a 'foreign body', meaning we need to 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 provided that they are not vomiting, offer them a small meal of their favourite good quality pet food if they have not recently eaten.

• CALL YOUR VET. If you have any concerns for the health and wellbeing of your pet, we recommend seeking veterinary attention as soon as possible. Absorption of iron generally occurs in the first few hours after ingestion, and your vet will make decisions on whether to induce vomiting according to the information you provide them…
• GATHER INFORMATION. Take note of what has occurred and record the facts relating to the information above. 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 ingested.  Below is a table listing the approximate iron content of various Black Hawk treats. Take note of this information and share it with your veterinarian.

Note:

• Older ‘spent’ oxygen absorbers will likely have reacted with oxygen and are harder and ‘clumped’ in a solid 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.

We recommend transitioning your puppy from puppy to adult dog food between 10 and 18 months of age. Different sized breeds of dogs grow at a different rates, and generally smaller dog breeds are transitioned at an earlier age than large breeds. 

For smaller breeds (under 15kg), transition at around 8-10 months of age.

For medium sized breeds between 15-25kg in weight, transition at around 12-15 months of age.

For large breeds above 25kg, we recommend transitioning at around 18-24 months of age.

We recommend transitioning your puppy from puppy to adult dog food between 10 and 18 months of age. Different sized breeds of dogs grow at a different rates, and generally smaller dog breeds are transitioned at an earlier age than large breeds. 

For smaller breeds (under 15kg), transition at around 8-10 months of age.

For medium sized breeds between 15-25kg in weight, transition at around 12-15 months of age.

For large breeds above 25kg, we recommend transitioning at around 18-24 months of age.

No matter the product, when feeding your dog or cat a new food it is important that you transition them gradually in order to ensure that they don’t get an upset stomach. 

We recommend that over a 5-7 day period, you increase the increments of the new food 25% at a time. So 25%, 50%, 75% and then eventually after 5-7 days, 100% of the new dog food.