FAQ

We source the majority of our proteins locally in Colorado close to our facility in Loveland. Other areas we source from are California, Texas, Iowa, and Minnesota. But the standard is USDA Certified facilities in the United States we feel comfortable working with. 

Our process from start to finish begins with receiving the products in a frozen state. When we're ready to begin processing the proteins we start with a thawing process which can take as long as two weeks and is done in a refrigerated area. This ensures the safest and bacteria free product. Some companies will skip this step and speed thaw their product with hot water or at room temperature which can result in a high level of bacterial growth before cooking begins, which is why we take this extra step. Once the product is thawed, it's process and trimmed meaning we remove any fat or unnecessary parts. Once processing is complete we move the product into one of our 6 large ovens. This is where the magic happens. All of our ovens are designed with a unique ratio of heat and ventilation/air flow. All of our product will reach a minimum of 165 degrees internal temperature. Many companies will use just heat to dehydrate their product, which does not adequately remove moisture in some cases. Our ovens use a high level of air flow and ventilation to remove moisture during the dehydration/cooking process. Some product will remain in the oven for as much as 48hrs. Items like bone will go through a multi stage cooking process to ensure the bones integrity and to minimize splintering or chipping. The third step, is the cooling down and pathogen/moisture content testing. Every batch undergoes a randomized test to ensure there is no pathogens remaining and that the moisture content is low enough to ensure no mold growth. Once the product has been approved in this stage, it moves on to the packaging stage where all products are packaged in a GMP certified room.

You don't need to refrigerate our products due to the fact that the products are cooked and all live pathogens, microbes, and moisture have been removed. The only event in which refrigeration would be beneficial would be if you plan to store the products in excess of 18-24 months.

The product has a shelf life of 18-24 months. Once you have opened the bag, use the contents within a 6 month time frame.

Air flow is important in the air drying method. Other companies will put the product in an oven with limited airflow and cook the products at high temperatures to remove moisture and kill bacteria. We believe in cooking the product at a lower temperature for a longer period of time pulling out moisture with a combination of heat and air. All of our product will reach a minimum of 165 degrees internal temperature. Many companies will use just heat to dehydrate their product, which does not adequately remove moisture in some cases leading to mold. Our ovens use a high level of air flow and ventilation to remove moisture during the dehydration/cooking process. Some product will remain in the oven for as much as 48hrs. Items like bone will go through a multi stage cooking process to ensure the bones integrity and to minimize splintering or chipping. The benefit of air drying, is that it helps preserve the nutrients in products which make it more enjoyable for the dog. Often, when you see bone product or other proteins that were cooked at high heat they will be a more dark brown, almost burnt type of color. Our products tend to be more of a rich amber red and light brown more similar to what you would see when the product is raw because of this process. Doing this does limit how fast we can cook product in comparison to other companies, but we believe in quality over quantity.

We use a Chemical-Free, Peroxide-Free, Color-Free all natural air dry with a precise cook cycle to make sure our products are free of any harmful pathogens. The difference is in 3 factors: the air flow, the time and the temperature in which our cycle runs. It makes our products and it's texture premium, with years of perfecting those factors. 

Yes, we are inspected by the FDA and are held to high standards similar to human food, with CGMPs/HACCP plan, monitored by trained quality assurance staff and an ISO17025 accredited lab performing the testing.

No preservatives at all in the single ingredient products. We rely on what us called "water activity". At a certain water activity products become shelf stable without the need for preservatives. 

All our proteins are grassfed for majority of their life, but can/could be corn or grain finsihed for the final 3-6 months of their life. In order to be certified grass fed, a company must be AGA certified which is a very difficult certification to receive. If being grass fed for the entirety of the animal life is important to you, we recommend looking for an AGA certified producer or asking the company you're purchasing from is AGA certified.

For the most part our products are free of odor, due to our cooking/air drying process. As well as, any pre treatment with apple cider vinegar on our product like bully sticks that naturally contain more bacteria.

If the item is unopened, it can be returned within 10 days of receiving. Just contact and let us know the problem at dogs@theestespawco.com and we’ll get that taken care of for you. If the product has been opened unfortunately we can not return it but we are always eager to make things right with our customer so please-reach out and we will see if we can help you.