Our Superfood 65® range includes a variety of fantastic animal protein sources, including British Free Range Chicken.
This protein source is becoming increasingly popular in the human food sector, but what about pet food? The below article looks at what Free Range Chicken is and how this is great protein source is beneficial to dogs.
Free-Range Chicken Defined
According to the RSPCA, a Free Range chicken must have a defined amount of space (no more than 13 birds a square metre) and be 56 days old before they are slaughtered. This type of poultry is provided with continuous daytime access to the open air. This type of living condition helps to reduce stress and aggressive behaviour amongst chickens. Free-range chickens can roam and have contact with other chickens whilst acquiring the correct nutrition such as worms to help them develop correctly. Free-range poultry generally has a higher protein content than commercially raised chickens. Happier, healthier chickens are thought to produce tastier meat due to lower cortisol levels which toughen up meat.
Free Range compared to Intensively Farmed.
There is a big difference when it comes to Free Range and Intensively Farmed Chickens. The welfare of chickens is based on three factors, these are:
- Physical well-being
- Mental well-being
- Living Conditions
Free Range Chickens
Free-range chickens are given continuous outdoor access to help reduce stress. These types of chickens are provided with better living conditions and are bred at a reduced growth rate, and are given opportunities to live a more natural life with behaviours including pecking, scratching, and exercise. Therefore, free-range chickens have better health and a much higher quality of life.
What are the benefits of Free Range Chickens?
Free-range chickens provide a variety of benefits to dogs. Firstly, they are a great source of lean protein, which helps to grow and repair body parts such as fur and muscle and produce energy for a dog. It is also a good source of vitamins & minerals, including B vitamins & iron which help contribute to overall health & well-being. Free-Range Chicken is also known for containing less saturated fat and more omega-3 than other types of chickens.
One of our seven fantastic Superfood 65® recipes contains British Free Range Chicken to provide dogs with a fantastic healthy protein source that will help support everyday health and well-being. With a total 35% Freshly Prepared British Free Range Chicken and a blend of carefully selected superfoods, each with their own unique benefits it provides you with a super opportunity to tell your customers about the welfare and provenance of this fantastic recipe.