The Science Behind Fresh Meat

Imagine the purity of New Zealand’s wilderness— pristine, abundant, and teeming with life. That’s the freshness we capture in every bag of Addiction Pet Foods. We believe that food is medicine: it must be nutritious and delicious! Just how we do we deliver the bountiful provenance of New Zealand along with delicious flavor in each bite? It is through painstaking process of science and thoughtfulness with each step.  

At Addiction Pet Foods, we ensure that the meat used in our recipes meets the highest standards for both taste and nutrition. This article explores how oxidation affects palatability, the role of peroxide values in freshness testing, and the importance of nutrient-rich meat in delivering both taste and health benefits. 

The Hidden Enemy – Oxidation  

In food preservation, oxidation is a hidden challenge, degrading flavor and nutrients. Oxidation occurs when fats and proteins in meat interact with oxygen, causing chemical changes that reduce flavor and nutritional quality. 

Impact of Oxidation on Flavor and Nutrition

Oxidation is a natural process where oxygen interacts with fats and proteins in food, slowly reducing its flavor and nutrition. 

• Impact on Palatability: Oxidation creates off-flavors and unpleasant odors that dogs and cats are quick to detect. Even minor oxidation can discourage pets from eating, especially in cats, which are highly sensitive to changes in smell. 

• Nutritional Degradation: Oxidation breaks down essential fats, like omega-3s, and depletes vitamins such as A and E. As a result, the food loses both flavor and important nutrients. 

• Formation of Biogenic Amines: As oxidation progresses, compounds like histamine and cadaverine—known as biogenic amines—are produced. These not only affect flavor but can also pose safety concerns if they accumulate in high levels. 

Freshness Testing: Using Peroxide Value (PV) and Quality Checks At Addiction Pet Foods, we’re committed to keeping each meal fresh and flavorful. One of our methods is Peroxide Value (PV) testing. At Addiction Pet Foods, we rigorously monitor meat quality through a range of tests, including the peroxide value (PV) test and a biogenic amine screening.  

• What is Peroxide Value? Peroxide value measures the early byproducts of fat oxidation. A low PV indicates that the meat is fresh, while a high PV suggests the fats are starting to break down. This helps us guarantee that only the freshest ingredients are used. 

• Biogenic Amine Screening We also test for compounds like histamine and putrescine, which are signs that the meat is starting to degrade. Any batch that exceeds our strict limits does not proceed to production. 

Fresh Meat Retains Nutrients and Enhances Taste

Freshly sourced meat offers many advantages, both for health and palatability such as:  

• Superior Nutritional Content Fresh meat retains its natural proteins, fats, and vitamins, ensuring that every meal offers both taste and essential nutrients. 

• Moisture and Texture: High moisture content enhances the texture and aroma of the food, making it more appetizing for pets. Pets are naturally drawn to moist, tender food, which mimics the texture of prey.

Sensory Testing: Guaranteeing Fresh Taste in Every Batch

We don’t just rely on machines; our experts conduct sensory testing on every batch to check taste, aroma, and texture. Pets, especially cats, are highly sensitive to taste and aroma. Our sensory testing ensures every meal is one they’ll eagerly enjoy, with a taste and texture that keeps them coming back. This careful approach means each meal meets our high standards for freshness and palatability, ensuring every bowl is something pets look forward to. 

• How Sensory Testing Works: Our experts evaluate each batch of meat for smell, texture, and appearance—just as a chef would taste food in a kitchen. This helps us confirm that the meat is fresh and has the right characteristics to make our pet food irresistible. 

• Continuous Improvement through Feedback: Sensory testing allows us to fine-tune our processes by identifying subtle changes in flavor profiles, ensuring that pets enjoy a consistent eating experience with every bite. 

New Zealand Meat: A Higher Standard of Quality

Addiction Pet Foods sources many of its meats from New Zealand, known worldwide for its high animal welfare and sustainable farming practices. 

• Sustainable and Ethical Farming: New Zealand livestock are raised in free-range, low-stress environments, leading to tender, flavorful meat. These practices ensure animals are hormone-free, antibiotic-free, and naturally fed on grass pastures. 

• Quality from Farm to Plant: By working with trusted suppliers, we ensure that meat is carefully handled and promptly delivered to our facility to maintain its freshness and nutritional integrity. 

Addiction Pet Foods is committed to giving pets the quality they deserve, with a focus on freshness and irresistible taste. By using only premium New Zealand meat and prioritizing freshness, we ensure that each meal is packed with the nutrients and flavors pets love.

Our dedication to quality and palatability means pet owners can feel confident that every bowl of Addiction is a delicious, wholesome choice that supports your pet’s well-being Through these efforts, we give pet owners the confidence that their companions are getting the best-tasting, highest-quality food available. Addiction Pet Foods delivers uncompromising quality and irresistible taste, capturing New Zealand’s unmatched freshness in every bowl.  

Find out more about Addiction Pet Foods today and discover how Addiction can help you provide the best nutrition and delicious food for your best friend.

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