Silica Gel Absorber and Moisture Absorber Sachets

Q: I am worried 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 VitaPet 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 VitaPet treats. Take note of this information and share it with your veterinarian.

VITAPET TREAT

APPROXIMATE SIZE OF OXYGEN ABSORBER SACHET (cm)

APPROXIMATE IRON CONTENT PER OXYGEN ABSORBER SACHET (mg)

Bakery Bites Mini Pretzel Chicken 10pc

4 x 5

1120

Bakery Brownies Chicken 5pk

4 x 5

2120

Bakery Chews Donut Chicken 2pk

4 x 5

1120

Bakery Chews Pretzels Chicken 2 pk

4 x 5

1120

Bakery Mini Bagel Chicken 5pk

4 x 5

2120

Beef Slices 70g

No oxygen absorber

No oxygen absorber

Chewz Beef Bone Medium

No oxygen absorber

No oxygen absorber

Chewz Beef Munchy Strips 20pk

No oxygen absorber

No oxygen absorber

Chewz Beef Superbone Lg

No oxygen absorber

No oxygen absorber

Chewz Beef Twists 6pk

No oxygen absorber

No oxygen absorber

Chewz Dental Bone Calcium 20pk

Silica gel absorber (see below)

Silica gel absorber (see below)

Chewz Dental Bone Original 20pk

Silica gel absorber (see below)

Silica gel absorber (see below)

Chewz Lamb Ears 200g

No oxygen absorber

No oxygen absorber

Chewz Pigs Ears 2pk

No oxygen absorber

No oxygen absorber

Chewz Pigs Ears 6pk

No oxygen absorber

No oxygen absorber

Chicken Muesli Bar 100g

4 x 4

1200

Chicken Tenders 100G

4 x 3

970

Chicken Tenders 200g

4.7 x 4.5

2000

CHICKEN TENDERS 500G

5.5 x 4

2520

Chicken Wrap Wht Twist 7pk

4 x 4

1200

Chicken: Cheese flavour Sticks 100g

4 x 4

1350

Chicken: Cookie flavour Sticks 100g

4 x 4

1350

Chicken: Peanut Butter flavour Sticks 100g

4 x 4

1350

Chicken: Strawberries & Cream flavour Sticks 100g

4 x 4

1350

DIGEST CHICK/VEG 100G

4 x 3

970

DUCK JERKY TENDERS 300G

4.5 x 4

1880

Duck Tenders 100g

4.7 x 4.5

1200

Gourmet Pick Curly Chew 85g

No oxygen absorber

No oxygen absorber

Jerhigh BBQ Chicken Chaser 100g

4 x 4

1350

Jerhigh Chicken & Bacon 100G

4 x 4

1350

Jerhigh Chicken & Bacon 400G

6 x 5

3150

Jerhigh Chicken & Veg 100G

4 x 4

1350

Jerhigh Chicken Stick 100G

4 x 4

1350

Jerhigh Chicken Stick 400G

6 x 5

3150

Jerhigh Chicken Strip 100G

4 x 4

1350

Jerhigh Chicken Tender 100G

4 x 4

1350

Jerhigh Chicken Tender 200G

6 x 5

3150

Jerhigh Cookie 100g

4 x 4

1350

Jerhigh Duck Stick 80G

4 x 4

1350

Jerhigh Liver Stick 100G

4 x 4

1350

Jerhigh Milky Stick 100G

4 x 4

1350

Jerhigh Milky Stick 400G

6 x 5

3150

Jerhigh Sampler Pack 400G

6 x 5

3150

JOINT CARE CHICK/VEG 100G

4 x 3

970

Lamb Puffs 50g

No oxygen absorber

No oxygen absorber

Liver Chips Veal 85g

No oxygen absorber

No oxygen absorber

Morsomes CHICK/SWEET POTATO 100G

4 x 3

970

Morsomes CHICK/SWEET POTATO 350G

4.5 x 4

1880

Morsomes CHICKEN BISCUIT 100G

4 x 3

970

Morsomes CHICKEN BISCUIT 350G

4.5 x 4

970

Morsomes Chicken Nibbles 100G

4 x 3

970

Morsomes CHICKEN TENDERS 100G

4 x 3

970

Morsomes CHICKEN TENDERS 300G

4.5 x 4

1880

Morsomes DUCK JERKY 100G

4 x 3

970

Morsomes VARIETY PACK  300G

4.5 x 4

1880

Pocket Rewards Chicken 70g

4 x 4

1200

Pocket Trainers Sweet Potato 70g

4 x 4

1200

PS-VP JH Chicken Tender 200G

6 x 5

3150

Rabbit Ear w Chicken 220g

4.7 x 4.5

2000

Rawhide Alternative Bones Rings Chicken 12pk

Silica gel absorber (see below)

Silica gel absorber (see below)

Rawhide Alternative Chewin Bone w Chicken Paste

3.5 x 3.8

480

Rawhide Alternative Chewin Chips Chicken 8pk

Silica gel absorber (see below)

Silica gel absorber (see below)

Rawhide Alternative Chewin Curls Chicken 6pk

4 x 4

960

Rawhide Alternative Chewin Roll w Chicken Paste

3.5 x 3.8

480

Rawhide Alternative Chicken Wrap KBone 7pk

4 x 4

960

Rawhide Alternative Med Rolls Chicken 2pk

Silica gel absorber (see below)

Silica gel absorber (see below)

Rawhide Alternative Twist Stick Peanut Butter 10pk

Silica gel absorber (see below)

Silica gel absorber (see below)

Rawhide Barrels w Chick Liver 400g

5 x 6

3990

Rawhide Chick/Wrap Minibone 7pc,85g

No oxygen absorber

No oxygen absorber

Rawhide Chicken Wrap Bone 20cm, 90g

4 x 5

2120

Rawhide Spiral Chicken Wrap 18pc, 162g

4 x 5

2120

Rawhide Spiral Chicken Wrap 5pc, 45g

4 x 5

2120

Rawhide Spiral Duck Wrap 5pk,45g/bag

4 x 5

2120

Salmon Sticks 80g

4 x 4

1200

SKIN/COAT CHICK/VEG 100G

4 x 3

970

Soft Chicken Tenders 100g

4 x 4

1200

SOFT CHICKEN TENDERS 100G

4 x 3

970

Tuna Fillets 80g

4.7 x 4.5

1200

 

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 suspect that your dog has eaten a silica gel absorber, please see this FAQ.

If you would like further information or advice, please contact our Consumer Care team online, or via [email protected] or ph 1300 651 111.

 

Q: I am worried that my pet has eaten a moisture-absorbing silica gel sachet from a treat packet. Should I be concerned? What can I do?

Silica gel absorbers (contained in the VitaPet treat products listed below) are often confused with iron-containing oxygen absorbers as they can look similar. Both absorbers are used to maintain product freshness and safety and ensure that your pet’s treats retain their quality for the duration of their shelf life.

The contents of silica gel sachets are relatively inert and non-toxic compared with iron-containing sachets. They contain a porous form of silicon dioxide that has the ability to absorb moisture from the air or other materials. This function is important in certain formats of treat where condensation within the packaging is a concern, and preservation of colour, flavour, texture and odour is a priority.

Silica gel sachets contain small white beads and come in sachets that read ""Do Not Eat/Not for Consumption."

Their contents are inert, meaning that it is not highly reactive or toxic upon ingestion. However, it is still recommended to keep the sachet away from pets and to dispose of them carefully after opening a bag of treats.

If the sachet is pierced or open, the silica can cause some physical irritation to a dog’s stomach and gut if eaten, which may result in signs of gastro-intestinal upset, such as nausea, vomiting, and reduced appetite.

If large volumes are eaten by very small dogs, fluid shifts can occur as silica pulls water into the gastrointestinal tract from surrounding tissues which can result in dehydration and diarrhoea. In such cases, the effect of the silica can be diluted by offering water or food.

If sachets are swallowed whole, there is also a concern for its physical presence in the gastro-intestinal tract, which is of greater concern for smaller pets.

In any instance, if you have any concerns for the health and wellbeing of your pet, we recommend seeking veterinary attention as soon as possible.

If you would like further information or advice, please contact our Consumer Care team online, or via [email protected] or ph 1300 651 111.

VITAPET TREAT PACKETS CONTAINING SILICA GEL MOISTURE ABSORBERS

Rawhide Alternative Twist Stick Peanut Butter 10pk

Rawhide Alternative Chewin Chips Chicken 8pk

Rawhide Alternative Bones Rings Chicken 12pk

Chewz Dental Bone Original 20pk

Rawhide Alternative Med Rolls Chicken 2pk

Chewz Dental Bone Calcium 20pk