Freeze dried salmon makes an irresistibly appealing snack or training reward, adding much-needed meat into their diets while simultaneously satisfying an aesthetic palate.
Salt curing uses water-soluble proteins to form an opaque gel on the surface known as a “pellicle,” helping fish retain moisture and allow smoke penetration during cooking. According to Peter Bechtel from ARS Food Technologist at SARU, this quicker, less energy-demanding method could be applied to lower-value portions of fish muscle for improved results.
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Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Freeze dried salmon is an excellent natural source of Omega-3 fatty acids, which have many important health benefits and help support heart health. According to the American Heart Association, eating two servings of fish per week to increase your EPA and DHA intake will do just that.
Researchers from UAF and ARS discovered that by manipulating temperature and time during freeze drying, they could remove up to 97% of moisture from salmon fillets in only 9 hours compared with 20 or more hours with traditional techniques. Furthermore, the resultant cubes were delicious, easy to rehydrate quickly, retained their shape, color, shape retention.
ALA, EPA, and DHA are known collectively as omega-3 fatty acids because their carbon chains contain three or more double bonds. They compete with linoleic acid (C18:2n-6) and arachidonic acid (C20:4n-6) for conversion into eicosanoids that regulate inflammation, vasoconstriction, and platelet aggregation; several epidemiological and prospective studies have linked diets rich in these PUFAs with reduced risks of prostate cancer, Alzheimer’s disease as well as inflammation conditions like rheumatoid arthritis.
Antioxidants
Freeze dried salmon is naturally full of antioxidants – nature’s way of combatting oxidation and prolonging food’s shelf life. Furthermore, it serves as an important source of important vitamins and minerals like Vitamin B12, Niacin, Riboflavin and Selenium.
An innovative freeze-drying process provides more efficient processing of fresh fish into edible products. ARS researchers utilized this technology to produce freeze-dried salmon cubes that maintain color retention, rehydrate quickly, and shrink less than traditionally processed seafood products.
Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine (TCVM) views salmon treats as very beneficial in supporting both Qi and Blood aspects of a pet’s health, Qi being the body’s life force and Blood being dense body fluid that provides oxygen for cells and performs many other vital functions. Salmon treats provide essential nutrition for brain, eye, heart, skin & coat health and joint/hip comfort which make these ideal treats for dogs and cats of all ages!
High in Protein
Enhancing the protein intake of your pet is a fantastic way to promote skin and hair health, muscle development and tissue repair. Freeze dried salmon offers an easy way to incorporate more protein into their diet.
Freeze dried salmon differs from most frozen seafood by remaining vibrantly hued and quickly rehydrating, making it an excellent treat for pets with allergies to fresh or canned seafood.
Scientists at the University of Alaska-Fairbanks and Peter Bechtel, food technologist of USDA’s Subarctic Agricultural Research Unit in Kodiak developed the new technique, which requires less energy and processing time than traditional freeze drying techniques. Working alongside Chuck Crapo of UAF Marine Advisory Program and Duy Nguyen from Vietnam University Nha Trang Khanh Hoa, this team established drying parameters that produced cubes with less than 10 percent moisture content during drying process.
Low in Fat
Salmon provides a healthy source of protein without all the fat and calories found in other treats, making this treat ideal for pets with sensitive stomachs or weight issues. Plus, its natural low-calorie nature means it’s a delicious choice! This treat makes an excellent way to address food allergies.
ARS scientists developed an innovative freeze-drying method to quickly extract more moisture from salmon fillets in less time, cutting nine hours off their traditional drying time and leaving cubes with their original colors intact, ready to be quickly rehydrated with water by seafood technology specialist Chuck Crapo from UAF.
These nutritious treats are the perfect complement to a raw diet and can help encourage picky eaters by increasing appetites or serving as food toppings. Crafted with wild-caught salmon that is free from preservatives, additives, artificial colors, gluten and grain; this product may be fed dry or rehydrated with just a splash of warm water for an appetizing meal topper!