Frequently Asked Questions

Black Hawk kibble is made at our new state of the art facility in Parkes, New South Wales, using fresh local ingredients, ensuring nutritional excellence and superior quality.

Our kibble is gently roasted at a lower and more even temperature, which creates higher palatability. Put simply, our kibble is even tastier.

We undertake regular audits not only of our ingredient suppliers, but of the factories which make our foods, to ensure compliance to our product specifications.

These sites adhere to good manufacturing practices, dictated by organisations such as the PFIAA (Pet Food Industry Association of Australia), and the NZPFMA (New Zealand Pet Food Manufacturer’s Association). These organisations uphold and advocate for the highest standards of pet food production and PFIAA sets an Australian Standard (AS5812), acting as the ‘public face’ of the pet food industry.

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 0800 738 546.