When it comes to dog treats, there’s one detail most people never think about – moisture content. It might sound boring, but this small number plays a huge role in how fresh, tasty, and safe your dog’s treats are.
At K9 Katering, we’re a little obsessed with getting this right, because it’s one of the reasons our treats stand out in a crowded market.
Moisture content is simply the amount of water in a product. In dog treats, it’s usually expressed as a percentage.
High moisture = softer texture, shorter shelf life, higher chance of mould.
Low moisture = longer shelf life, more concentrated flavour, and better nutrient retention.
The pet industry standard for most dried treats sits around 10–15% moisture. But here’s where we’re different.
We dehydrate our treats to a very low moisture level – often below 8%. This careful drying process means:
Better Freshness – With less water, there’s less opportunity for bacteria or mould to grow.
Longer Shelf Life – No need for artificial preservatives – nature takes care of it.
Richer Flavour – Water dilutes flavour; remove the water, and the natural taste intensifies.
Less Odour for You, More Aroma for Dogs – Low moisture minimises lingering smells in your pantry, but still bursts with scent when your dog takes a bite.
In Australia, pet food safety is guided by national food standards and enforced by state and territory regulators. Here in Victoria, that authority is PrimeSafe – the statutory body responsible for licensing and auditing businesses involved in pet food production under the Victorian Meat Industry Act 1993.
One of PrimeSafe’s key requirements is that any product with a moisture content above 30% is not considered safe to be shelf stable. Higher moisture creates a perfect environment for bacteria and mould growth, making it unsafe to store at room temperature.
Unfortunately, there are still many brands that don’t fully dehydrate their treats. Why? Because proper dehydration removes more water – and water adds weight. Less water means lighter treats, which can reduce margins.
These brands often produce soft, chewy treats with high moisture content, which may look appealing but:
Carry a higher spoilage risk
Are unlikely to meet PrimeSafe or other pet food safety guidelines
Put pets at unnecessary risk
At K9 Katering, we follow every requirement to the letter – and often exceed them – because nothing matters more than your dog’s health.
Some drying methods can “cook out” valuable nutrients. That’s why we use a gentle, low-and-slow air-drying process. It keeps proteins, vitamins, and minerals intact while still achieving that low moisture content we’re known for.
This means your pup gets maximum goodness from every bite – with nothing added and nothing taken away.
Unlike many mass-produced treats that rely on preservatives, artificial flavours, or fillers to maintain shelf life, we trust our drying process and premium ingredients.
It’s why our treats:
Stay fresh naturally
Are safe to store at room temperature
Retain their flavour for months without refrigeration
Moisture content might not sound exciting, but it’s the quiet hero behind the quality, safety, and taste of our treats. And when you choose K9 Katering, you’re choosing treats made with the same care we’d give our own dogs.
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