Freshpac Ice Packs for Dry and Wet Pet Food

Let’s take a moment to think about Max, a golden retriever with a keen nose and a love for his fresh nutritious meals. Last summer, Max’s owner switched to a new pet food brand that didn’t use proper temperature-controlled packaging. By the time Max’s food arrived, it was warm and started spoiling. Max’s enthusiasm for mealtime dwindled, and his owner had to throw away the spoiled food. We feel for Max. No furry friend deserves to go through this. So, what can be done to prevent fresh pet food from spoiling during transportation? 

Enter Hydropac’s Freshpac Ice Packs: Max’s owner switched to a brand that used these reliable ice packs, and Max’s food arrived fresh and full of flavour. Max’s tail-wagging approval was all the proof needed. 

Maintaining the quality and nutritional value of both dry and wet pet food during transport is crucial. As pet owners become more discerning about the food they feed their pets, it’s important to ensure that the product arrives fresh and intact. This is where Hydropac’s Freshpac Ice Packs come into play. By emphasising consistent temperature control and integrity, these ice packs are designed to keep pet food fresh and flavorful from the manufacturing facility to the pet’s bowl. 

 

The Importance of Consistent Temperature Control and Integrity

Transporting pet food, especially during the warmer months, presents a unique set of challenges. Pet food is particularly sensitive to temperature fluctuations because they contain nutrients that can degrade when exposed to inappropriate conditions. Consistent temperature control is essential to prevent spoilage, preserve flavour, and maintain the nutritional value of the food. 

 

Impact of Temperature on Pet Food Quality 

Dry Pet Food Quality

• Nutrient Degradation: Dry pet food is particularly susceptible to nutrient degradation when exposed to high temperatures. Important vitamins such as Vitamin A, Vitamin D, and several B vitamins are sensitive to heat and can lose their efficacy when exposed to temperatures above 25°C for prolonged periods. 

• Oxidation of Fats: High temperatures can accelerate the oxidation of fats in dry pet food. Oxidised fats not only lose their nutritional value but also produce rancid odours and flavours that make the food unappealing to pets. A report by the National Center for Biotechnology Information highlighted that exposure to temperatures above 30°C can lead to significant fat oxidation in pet food within just a few days. 

• Texture and Palatability: The texture of dry pet food can be compromised when exposed to high temperatures and humidity. The food can become stale, losing its crunchiness and becoming less palatable.  

 

Wet Pet Food Quality

• Bacterial Growth: Even more than dry food, wet pet food is highly prone to bacterial contamination if not kept at a stable, low temperature. This not only poses a health risk to pets but can also lead to recalls and damage to a brand’s reputation. No pet owner wants to support a brand that doesn’t provide their customers with safe, consumable food. 

• Nutrient Breakdown: Just like dry pet food, the vitamins and minerals in wet pet food can degrade when exposed to high temperatures. Wet pet food stored at temperatures above 25°C experience a significant reduction in essential nutrients such as taurine and thiamine within a week. 

• Spoilage and Shelf Life: Wet pet food has a shorter shelf life compared to dry pet food, and improper temperature control can exacerbate this issue. Wet pet food exposed to temperatures above 25°C has a spoilage rate that was 50% higher than food kept at recommended storage temperatures. 

 

How to Keep Dry and Wet Pet Food Fresh During Transportation?

Step-by-Step Packaging Process

Step 1: Choose the Right Packaging

Select the appropriate Hydropac insulated shipping box based on the volume and type of pet food. Options include: 

• Envirocool: Eco-friendly and ideal for temperature-sensitive shipments. 

• Freshpac Polystyrene Boxes: Durable and offers excellent insulation for both wet and dry pet food. 

• RecycleAir System for Chilled Goods: Perfect for maintaining a chilled environment during transit. 

 

Step 2: Prepare the Ice Packs

Hydropac’s ice packs should be pre-frozen to the recommended temperature: 

• EasiFreeze: Suitable for short to medium transport durations. 

• HydroFreeze: Maintains cooling properties for extended periods, ideal for long-distance shipping. 

• HydroFreeze+: Offers enhanced cooling for extra demanding shipments. 

Ensure the ice packs are evenly distributed to provide consistent cooling throughout the package. 

 

Step 3: Pack the Pet Food

For Wet Pet Food:

• Primary Packaging: Ensure the wet pet food is in sealed, leak-proof containers. 

• Layering: Place a layer of pre-frozen ice packs at the bottom of the shipping box. 

• Positioning: Arrange the containers of wet pet food on top of the ice packs. 

• Top Layer: Add another layer of ice packs on top of the food containers for optimal cooling.
  

 

For Dry Pet Food:

• Primary Packaging: Ensure the dry pet food is in airtight, moisture-resistant bags or containers. 

• Layering: Similar to wet food, start with a layer of ice packs at the bottom. 

• Positioning: Place the dry pet food containers or bags on top of the initial ice pack layer. 

 

Step 4: Seal and Label the Package

Secure the box with high-quality packing tape to prevent any air ingress. Clearly label the package with “Keep Refrigerated” or “Perishable” to ensure proper handling during transit. 

 

Freshpack Ice Packs: The Solution for Maintaining Quality

Hydropac’s Freshpac Ice Packs are engineered to provide reliable and consistent cooling, ensuring that pet food retains its quality and nutritional value throughout transport.

 

Our products offer:

Advanced Cooling Technology: Freshpac Ice Packs utilise advanced phase change materials that maintain a stable temperature range, crucial for both dry and wet pet foods. This technology ensures that the ice packs remain effective over long transit times, providing a consistent cooling effect. 

Designed for Durability and Efficiency: These ice packs are designed to withstand the rigors of transport. They are leak-proof and durable, ensuring that they can handle rough handling during shipping without compromising their cooling performance. 

Eco-Friendly and Reusable: In addition to their cooling efficiency, Freshpac Ice Packs are also environmentally friendly. Made from recyclable materials, they can be reused multiple times, reducing waste and contributing to sustainable logistics practices. 

Supplier and Partner Reliability: Ensuring that pet food remains fresh during transport is not solely about the packaging; it also involves choosing reliable suppliers and logistics partners who understand the importance of maintaining temperature-controlled environments. 

Reputation and Track Record: We have a proven track record in handling temperature-sensitive goods is critical. Hydropac, has experience in the pet food industry and can demonstrate the ability to maintain the necessary conditions for transporting pet food. 

Service Level Agreements (SLAs): Clearly defined SLAs are essential to ensure accountability and performance standards. SLAs should outline the expected conditions for transport, including temperature ranges and handling procedures, and specify the consequences of failing to meet these standards. This ensures that all parties are aligned in their commitment to maintaining the integrity of the pet food. 

 

The Hydropac Advantage

Choosing Hydropac’s Freshpac Ice Packs is more than just selecting a cooling solution; it’s about ensuring the highest standards of quality and reliability for your pet food products.  

Ensuring the quality and nutritional value of your products during transport is non-negotiable. Hydropac’s Freshpac Ice Packs provide the reliable and consistent cooling needed to maintain the integrity of both dry and wet pet foods. You can be guaranteed that your pet food arrives fresh and ready to delight your customers’ pets. Embrace the Hydropac advantage and secure the freshness and safety of your pet food products throughout their journey. 

Discover more about Hydropac’s Freshpac Ice Packs and how they can revolutionise your pet food transport logistics. Visit Hydropac’s Freshpac to learn more about our innovative solutions.