In an industry where natural ingredients and sustainability are paramount, the use of eco-friendly, and dog friendly ingredients takes center stage. One such ingredient that has gained prominence across industries, including in thousands of the food products you and I eat, is PEFC wood flour, aka wood pulp or cellulose. This blog post explores the natural, health, and sustainable characteristics of PEFC wood flour or cellulose, its FDA approval for human consumption, and its diverse applications in human foods and now the BetterBone dog chews. Specifically, we delve into how BetterBone, the leading provider of natural and sustainable dog chews, incorporates PEFC wood flour to create their innovative and eco-friendly dog chews to give dog owners a better option for their best friend. Join us as we embark on a journey to uncover the versatility of PEFC wood flour in the realm of dog chews.
Don't take our word for it. Wood flour aka wood pulp aka cellulose was written about in NPR:
https://www.npr.org/sections/thesalt/2014/07/10/329767647/from-mcdonalds-to-organic-valley-youre-probably-eating-wood-pulp
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The Sustainability Features of PEFC Wood Flour AKA wood pulp, or cellulose: PEFC wood flour stands out as an environmentally conscious ingredient. With PEFC certification ensuring responsible forest management, wood flour derived from PEFC-certified sources promotes sustainable practices, forest preservation, and biodiversity conservation. By using PEFC-certified wood flour, BetterBone demonstrates their commitment to sourcing materials from responsibly managed forests, reducing their environmental impact, and contributing to a greener future for our planet.
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FDA Approval and the Use of Wood Flour in Human Foods: Wood flour has been extensively used in human food products for a significant period. Approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as a safe ingredient, wood flour holds the Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) status. This long-standing approval and acceptance highlight the ingredient's safety and suitability for consumption in various food items.
Cellulose finds its way into a wide range of human foods, including baked goods, processed foods, and sauces. Its unique properties enhance texture, moisture retention, and overall quality, making it a valuable ingredient in numerous culinary applications including:
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Baked Goods: Wood flour/Cellulose contributes to the texture, moisture retention, and overall quality of baked goods like bread, pastries, and muffins.
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Meat Products: In meat-based products like sausages and burgers, wood flour helps to improve texture, bind ingredients, and enhance juiciness.
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Soups and Sauces: Wood flour acts as a thickening agent in soups, sauces, and gravies, providing a smooth and consistent texture.
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Coatings and Batters: Wood flour is used in coatings and batters for deep-fried foods like chicken nuggets and fish sticks, giving them a crispy and golden exterior.
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Processed Foods: Wood flour is utilized in various processed foods, including snacks, cereals, and convenience meals, to enhance texture, stability, and shelf life.
- PEFC Wood Flour in BetterBone Dog Chews: BetterBone, known for its natural and sustainable dog chews, integrates wood flour into their innovative products. By incorporating this eco-friendly ingredient, BetterBone ensures that their chews are not only safe for dogs but also environmentally responsible. The use of cellulose in BetterBone dog chews provides several benefits:
- A natural & healthy alternative to petroleum based products like nylon, rubber, rope and many other products. Wood flour is safe enough for your kids, you, and I to ingest. It's why we make it our main ingredient in our chews so you know that your pup is safe, healthy, has something delicious to chew on.
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Sustainability: By sourcing PEFC-certified wood flour, BetterBone upholds their commitment to sustainable manufacturing practices and supports responsible forest management.
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Enhanced Texture: PEFC wood flour contributes to the texture and durability of BetterBone chews, providing a satisfying chewing experience for dogs. TRY OUR SUPER DURABLE BETTERBONE TOUGH HERE
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Non-Toxic and Dog-Safe: BetterBone dog chews made with PEFC wood flour are hypoallergenic and non-toxic, ensuring the health and well-being of dogs. **Non-flavored versions only.
- CO2 Reduction: PEFC Wood Flour vs. Petroleum-Based Alternatives: One of the significant environmental advantages of using PEFC wood flour lies in its lower carbon footprint compared to petroleum-based alternatives by 85% (3rd party LCA verified). The production of wood flour requires significantly less energy and emits fewer CO2 emissions when compared to the production of petroleum-based materials used in dog chews. (we more than offset the left over c02 by planting trees with our partners at tree-nation!)
By choosing BetterBone dog chews made with our natural compounds, dog owners contribute to health & safety of their dogs while reducing the overall carbon emissions and environmental impact associated with their dogs' products.
Wood flour emerges as a sustainable and versatile ingredient, showcasing its potential in various applications, including BetterBone dog chews. With its FDA approval, long-standing use in human foods, and eco-friendly features, wood flour exemplifies BetterBone's dedication to providing natural and sustainable pet products.
By incorporating cellulose into our dog chews, BetterBone not only offers safe and enjoyable chewing experiences but a better option your family and the planet.
