FAQ
What’s the Difference Between Freeze-Dried and Dehydrated Treats?
Both freeze-drying and dehydration remove
moisture to preserve food, but they do so in different ways, affecting
nutritional value, texture, and shelf life:
Freeze-Dried:
- Uses a low-temperature vacuum process to remove moisture while keeping the food structure intact.
- Preserves more nutrients since there’s no heat involved.
- Creates a light, airy texture that rehydrates quickly.
- Longer shelf life compared to dehydrated foods.
Dehydrated:
- Uses low heat over time to slowly remove moisture.
- Some heat-sensitive nutrients may be lost during the process.
- Results in a chewier, denser texture that takes longer to rehydrate.
- Shorter shelf life than freeze-dried products.
While both options are great for our pets, freeze-dried treats offer maximum nutrition and convenience.
Where Are Your Products Made?
Our manufacturing facility is located in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. We
prioritize sourcing our ingredients from Canada whenever possible.
However, certain items, such as fish, are imported from other countries.
The country of origin for each ingredient is listed in the Ingredients & Nutritional section of the product description.
Why Are Freeze-Dried Treats Considered Raw?
Freeze-dried treats are considered raw because
they undergo a low-temperature vacuum process that removes moisture
without cooking the food. Unlike traditional cooking methods that use
heat, freeze-drying preserves the natural enzymes, vitamins, and
minerals found in raw ingredients.
Since the treats are never
exposed to high temperatures, their nutritional integrity remains
intact, making them as close to fresh raw food as possible—just in a
lightweight, shelf-stable form.
Do You Use Any Artificial Ingredients or Preservatives?
No! Our treats are 100% natural, single-ingredient, and free from artificial additives, preservatives, or fillers.
How Do You Keep Your Treats Fresh Without Preservatives?
To ensure maximum freshness and shelf stability, we include a silica
pack and an oxygen absorber in our bags. These help prevent moisture
buildup and oxidation, keeping your treats fresh and safe until they’re
ready to be enjoyed. Please do not consume these packets—they are not
edible
What is BPI packaging and why should I care?
We’ve been committed to eco-friendly solutions since 2018 through our compostable poop bags under Pawsitive Solutions. TucTucs continues that same mission, offering products that are better for dogs and better for the planet.
All TucTucs packaging is BPI-certified compostable, meaning it meets rigorous standards for safe breakdown in industrial composting facilities. In fact, many Canadian municipalities require the BPI logo to accept items in their green bins.
Packaging: What’s the Difference Between Biodegradable and Compostable?
The term biodegradable isn’t legally regulated, which means many products labeled as such often contain EPI additives that only partially break down the material. These products leave behind microplastics and toxic residues, posing a risk to wildlife and the environment.
Compostable products, on the other hand, are designed to break down fully and naturally in composting environments, leaving no harmful residues or microplastics behind. Our packaging is BPI-certified compostable, ensuring it meets strict standards for safe and complete decomposition.
What is the Shelf Life of Your Treats?
Unopened, freeze-dried treats can typically last
several years due to the moisture-removal process. However, because we
use compostable bags, the packaging itself will begin to break down
after about one year.
Once the bag is opened, the treats will be
exposed to oxygen, causing them to slowly rehydrate. To maintain
freshness, keep the bag tightly sealed and store it in a cool, dark
place, such as a cupboard. Even moving them into an air-tight container
can help keep our treats fresh. The treats should be consumed within one
month of opening.
For extended shelf life, you can store the treats in the refrigerator, which can help them last up to three months.
Always inspect the treats before feeding and use your best judgment to ensure they are still safe for your pet.
Shipping
We strive to process and ship orders as quickly
as possible, typically within a few days to a week. To ensure freshness,
we maintain a small inventory and may need extra time to prepare your
order, especially during busier seasons. Please allow up to 2 weeks for
processing in these cases, your patience helps us maintain the quality
and care your furry friend deserves.
Free Shipping: We offer free shipping on orders over $50! Shipping rates for smaller orders will be calculated at checkout.
Once shipped, delivery times may vary depending on your location. For more details, please visit our Shipping Policy page.
What is Your Refund/ Return Policy?
We accept returns of unopened, unused products within 30 days of
purchase for a full refund. If your item arrives damaged or defective,
please contact us immediately, and we’ll replace it or issue a refund.
Shipping fees are non-refundable, and proof of purchase is required.
Wholesale
If you have a retail store and would like to carry our products, we’d love to hear from you. Please reach out to us at hello@tuctucs.com.
Are you insured?
Yes, we carry full product and liability insurance to ensure the safety of our customers, their pets, and our retail partners. If you require a copy of our certificate of insurance, feel free to contact us at hello@tuctucs.com.