Frequently Asked Questions
Are The Hidden Barn treats safe for both dogs and cats?
Yes! Each treat is naturally wood-smoked at 170°F and held for several hours to ensure bacteria are eliminated, then slowly dried to remove excess moisture and lock in flavor.
Our process creates a safe, shelf-stable product — no preservatives or artificial flavoring needed. Every batch is monitored during the smoking and drying process and manually inspected for quality before packaging..
Moreover, each and every batch passes inspection from our in-house taste testers — our dogs and cats are very committed to quality control.
Why smoked instead of freeze dried or roasted?
Because we prefer flavor and safety.
Freeze-drying sound neat, but it doesn't actually kill bacteria — it only removes moisture. Roasting kills off bacteria but it also burns off flavor and substantially reduces nutrients.
Our slow, natural wood-smoking process eliminates bacteria safely and locks in real flavor and aroma while gently drying the treat for shelf stability. It's the old-school way — and still the best way.
What's the difference between smoked and cooked?
Cooking is hot and fast; smoking is low and slow. Our natural wood smoke gently cooks the treats while infusing them with that irresistible BBQ aroma.
Unlike high-heat cooking, this method keeps any bones firm but not brittle — reducing splinter risk and preserving natural nutrients.
How many treats can my pet have?
Experts generally recommend that treats make up no more than 10% of a pet's total daily calorie intake—this applies to both dogs and cats. For instance, if your dog needs 600 calories per day, about 60 calories should come from treats. The same rule applies to cats: a cat that requires 200 calories per day should have no more than 20 calories from treats.
With dogs and cats, the ideal amount of treats can vary based on several factors. A highly active or playful pet may burn more calories than a more sedentary indoor pet. Age, breed, health status, and activity level all play a role in determining how many treats are appropriate for your pet—whether they bark or meow.
Your pet's digestive systems need time to adjust to new foods. As a general rule, start with tiny portions and increase gradually. Consult your veterinarian for puppies and kittens under 3 months or pets with special dietary needs.
What are the health benefits of each treat?
❯ Chicken Hearts:
Rich in taurine, iron, and B vitamins, supporting heart health, muscle strength, and overall vitality for both dogs and cats.
❯ Chicken Gizzards:
Packed with lean protein, zinc, and iron, helping build strong muscles and support healthy energy levels. Their natural chewiness also helps scrape plaque and promote dental hygiene.
❯ Chicken Feet:
A natural source of collagen, glucosamine, and chondroitin — nutrients that support joint health, bone strength, and mobility. Their crunch also helps clean teeth and gums while your pet chews.
How should I store these treats?
For maximum freshness and longevity, we recommend that you keep treats refrigerated and sealed after opening. They are best if fed within 30 days after opening.
If they ever seem greasy or soft, that just means the natural oils have surfaced — they're still safe and tasty.
Can these replace my pet's regular food?
No — these are treats, not a complete diet. Feed in moderation as a reward or supplement to a balanced meal.
Even healthy treats like ours should make up no more than 10% of your pet's daily calories.
What if my dog or cat has allergies or a sensitive stomach?
You're in luck — since our treats are single-ingredient, they're great for pets with food sensitivities arising from those highly processed alternatives.
However, if your pet has a known chicken allergy, steer clear for now. We'll have other proteins coming soon.
Any new treat comes with a chance of digestive upset. Just start slow with smaller pieces and monitor as you would with any new food.
Can humans eat these treats?
We get it — the smoke aroma can be enticing. These might be the first pet treats that make you wonder if you should try one yourself. But while they're made from the same human grade USDA inspected meat you'd feed your family, they're processed and tested under pet-food standards, not human-food regulations.
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