Silica Gel Absorber and Moisture Absorber Sachets

I suspect that my pet has eaten an oxygen absorber from a treat packet. Should I be concerned? What can I do?

Iron-containing oxygen absorber sachets are included in the bags of Yours Droolly 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.

Signs that you should look out for include:

- Vomiting and/or diarrhoea (may be bloody)               - Tenderness around the abdomen

                - Behaviour changes                                                            - Lethargy

 

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 Yours Droolly treats. Take note of this information and share it with your veterinarian.

YOURS DROOLLY TREAT

APPROXIMATE SIZE OF OXYGEN ABSORBER SACHET (cm)

APPROXIMATE IRON CONTENT PER OXYGEN ABSORBER SACHET (mg)

Adult Variety Pack 450g

4 x 4

1200

Beef Rawhide Barrels 100pack

No oxygen absorber

No oxygen absorber

Beef Rawhide Bone 10in 12pack

No oxygen absorber

No oxygen absorber

Beef Rawhide Bone 13in 12pack

No oxygen absorber

No oxygen absorber

Beef Rawhide Bone 18in 10pack

No oxygen absorber

No oxygen absorber

Beef Rawhide Bone 4in 40pack

No oxygen absorber

No oxygen absorber

Beef Rawhide Bone 5in 20pack

No oxygen absorber

No oxygen absorber

Beef Rawhide Bone 8in 20pack

No oxygen absorber

No oxygen absorber

Beef Rawhide Munchy Stick 300pack

No oxygen absorber

No oxygen absorber

Beef Rawhide Pieces 1kg

No oxygen absorber

No oxygen absorber

Beef Rawhide Twists 500pk

No oxygen absorber

No oxygen absorber

Chick Wrap MilkBiscuit 100g

4.5 x 3.5

1200

Chicken & Sweet Potato 110g

4.5 x 3.5

1200

Chicken Sticks 120g

4.5 x 3.5

1200

Chicken Tenders 100g

4.5 x 3.5

1200

Chicken Tenders 500g

4 x 4

1200

Chicken Tenders 500g

4.5 x 5

6000

Chicken Training Sticks 500g

4 x 4

1200

Chicken/Fish Sticks 100g

4.5 x 3.5

1200

Duck Sticks 110g

4.5 x 3.5

1200

Duck Sticks 500g

4.5 x 5

6000

Duck Tenders 450g

4.5 x 5

6000

Duck Tenders 90g

4.5 x 3.5

1200

KnotBone Chick/Liver 25cm,130g

5 x 5.7

3300

KnotBone Chick/Liver 2pk 15cm,160g

5 x 5.7

3300

KnotBone Chicken Wrapped 25cm,145g

5 x 5.7

3300

KnotBone Chicken Wrapped 2pk,160g

5 x 5.7

3300

KnotBone Chicken Wrapped 7pk,85g

No oxygen absorber

No oxygen absorber

Milky Veg Knot Bone w Chicken 450g

4 x 4

1200

Mix Ups Treats 500g

4.5 x 5

6000

NZ Chicken Kumara 100g

4.4 x 4.5

1815

NZ Chicken Kumara 220g

4 x 6

3300

NZ Hip/Joint Beef with Blueberry 100g

4.4 x 4.5

1815

NZ Hip/Joint Beef with Blueberry 220g

4 x 6

3300

NZ Skin/Coat Chicken Mackerel 100g

4.4 x 4.5

1815

NZ Skin/Coat Chicken Mackerel 220g

4 x 6

3300

NZ Venison/Lamb/Kiwifruit 200g

4 x 6

3300

NZ Venison/Lamb/Kiwifruit 90g

4.4 x 4.5

1815

Pig Ears 30pack

No oxygen absorber

No oxygen absorber

Pipe Chicken Wrapped 6pk,75g

4 x 5

2120

PressBone Sweet Potato 2pk,330g

5 x 6

4000

PressBone Sweet Potato 6pk,180g

5 x 5.7

3300

Puppy Duo Pack 450g

4 x 4

1200

Rawhide Bones Puppy 24pk,900g

No oxygen absorber

No oxygen absorber

Rawhide Variety 10pk Lg

No oxygen absorber

No oxygen absorber

Soft Chicken Tenders 500g

4 x 4

1200

Twist Chicken Wrapped 7pk,55g

4 x 5

2120

 

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.