Frequently Asked Questions

Do you have a question about our Australia made pet treats? We have done our best to listen to the most frequently asked questions by our valued customers and answer them for your convenience. 

Can't find an answer to your question? Please head over to our Contact page and send us an email and we will get back to you as soon as we can.

Dried Treats

Can dehydrated treats spoil?

Dehydrated foods with least moisture content last the longest and typically can last for up to five year or more if properly prepared, dehydrated and stored.

Dogs

It's More Nutritious and Healthier Than Kibble
In many cases, gently-processed dehydrated food is often easier for dogs to digest because it doesn't contain the artificial preservatives, by-products, fillers, and other ingredients that often give dogs with sensitive stomachs a hard time.
Why is chewing good for dogs?

Chewing is normal behaviour for puppies and dogs who use their mouths to explore. Puppies may chew to relieve the pain of teething and for adult dogs, chewing keeps teeth clean and helps to keep jaws strong. 

For both puppies and dogs, chewing is an excellent enrichment activity, helping to keep boredom at bay and relieve anxiety. 

Does my dog enjoy chewing?

Yes, your dog REALLY enjoys chewing. It's a relaxing activity that makes him feel good. If you used chew toys and treats to redirect unwanted puppy behaviour, it will also have built up positive association - when pup stopped whatever they were doing, and took the chew, the verbal praise which you gave will still be remembered.

What is the best chew treat for dogs?

Some of the best chew treats for dogs are beef pizzles, paddywacks and cow hooves. We've even put together a Big Dog Chew and Little Dog Chew bag for your dog so they can try lots of different chews to see which they enjoy best.

We have also put together a Puppy Pack featuring the best chews and treats for puppies.

Can dogs have bones?

Yes, your dog can have RAW bones. However, they should not be weight bearing bones, as these are too hard and may cause a painful slab fracture of one or more teeth. 

Safe RAW bones to feed include chicken frames and necks, turkey necks, lamb necks, brisket bones, ribs, kangaroo tails and beef tails.

All DEHYDRATED bones are safe to feed as the bones are dehydrated very slowly over a long time to preserve nutrients, and the bone does not splinter it shreds. 

Cooked bones should NEVER be fed to dogs! Cooked bones can splinter causing internal damage, a lot of pain and big vet bills. Smoked bones fall into this category as they are also not safe and at Farmer Pete's we do not sell anything unsafe and anything we personally would not feed our own beloved pups. 

NOTE: It is advised to always supervise your pups when feeding bones. 

Is it safe to give rawhide to chew?

ABSOLUTELY NOT! - see our blog post here about why rawhide is dangerous. Also, visit our Beef Skin product page for a healthy alternative. 

Are treats healthy?

Not all treats are created equally! All Farmer Pete's meat, offal and fish treats are very healthy and nutritious. They contain NO PRESERVATIVE, NO ADDITIVES, NO COLOURS, NO FLAVOURS, NO SUGARS and NO SALTS.

Are Farmer Pete's treats safe for puppies?

Yes. Our treats are perfect for teething pups, allowing you to redirect inapropriate chewing and encourage proper chewing habits. Our Training Treats are small or can be broken easily, so perfect for training behaviours with no risk of overfeeding.

Where are your dogs treats made?

All of our dog treats and chews are 100% Australian sourced and made, with the raw product coming from Australian abattoirs and fisheries. All treats are made by us on our little hobby farm so we know exactly where we source our product and what goes in it. Which is absolutely nothing but love! We would never import treats from other countries with lower standards and we only sell what we'd feed our own dogs!

How are your dog treats made?

Our treats are made through the drying process of dehydration which aims to retain as much nutritional value the raw product has. Ensuring that the nutrients are locked in makes our treats so yummy and healthy too!

What are your treats made of?

Our treats are made from 100% the single protein on the product page. We DO NOT include any fillers, preservatives, additives, salts, flavours or sugars in our treats. The best way to see the ingredients is the read the name - that's how natural our treats are!

How to store my treats?

All our treats are 100% natural and as such some care is needed. If packaging is unopened you can store your bags in a cool dry place away from direct sunlight or heating. If your bag has been opened and you pet has started to enjoy these magnificent treats, place the remaining treats in an airtight container still away from heat. If the treat you have chosen for your pet is oily or has a little fat on it, for longevity store it in your fridge or even your freezer. Treat your treats the same way you would your own fresh food. After all there is no preservatives, salts, sugars or additives to promote an extended shelf life. Keep this in mind and you will always have the best treat available for your pet.

How often should you give your dog dental chews?

Most dental chews are designated to be given to dogs on a regular basis - typically every day or a few times per week. Plaque takes three days to harden into tartar. Offer dental chews daily or every other day to reduce plaque and thus, tartar. "Dental chews are proven to be effective in reducing the amount of oral bacteria in dogs by 60-70%" - Claudine Sievert, registered veterinary doctor and veterinary consultant.

Rabbits

What type of hay should I feed my bunny?

If your bunny is normal weight, has good teeth, and is otherwise healthy, then Oaten, Timothy or Orchard/Grass hays are an obvious choice. Many rabbits prefer a mixture of these hays, if you can provide it. However, the simplest option is for a diet of mainly Oaten Hay. Lucerne hay can be used for lactating does, or rabbits needing extra calcium or to put on some weight. If this is the case, contact your vet for more specific advice.

What should I look for when buying hay?

Hay should look and smell great! Hay that is damp, dusty or moldy should be avoided as is hay with any obvious mites or insects present (there is a slight risk of myxomatosis transmission through insect contaminated hay).

How much hay should you feed your bunny?

Ideally, a rabbit should eat a pile of hay a day roughly the size of its own body. You should provide fresh new hay every day - even if they haven't finished all of yesterdays. Rabbits have such a great sense of taste that they can tell the difference between hay from the same field that has been harvested late in the day vs first thing in the morning (the later hay has a higher sugar content, which bunnies prefer!). Presenting your rabbit's hay in the litter tray is a great way to contain some mess and encourage hay intake. Alternatively, a 'hay sack' above the litter tray can also work well.

What can I do if my bunny does not like hay?

Some rabbits don't like hay as much as their pellets and veggies and treats, so they will eat everything else before doing so. In this case, give then the hay first, and reduce the amounts of other foods (but if your rabbit stops eating contact your vet). Some rabbits stop or reduce the amount of hay they eat as an early sign of dental disease - if your bunny used to love how but now doesn't - get your vet to check them over. Providing a mix of different hay types, spraying hay with apple juice, or hiding their pellets/treats in the hay often increases a bunny's consumption! Chaff is also an option for rabbits which is cut up hay and this can be added into a bowl of 'pellets or mixes' to encourage hay intake and a good transitional option.

Are dehydrated treats safe for small pets?

Short answer is yes! Something to consider when feeding dehydrated treats to small pets though is the amount and how often. When fruits and vegetables are dehydrated the sugar content is concentrated. Follow the recommended serving sizes and regularity of treats and accompany with a healthy balanced diet of fresh hay, grasses and fruits and vegetables to maintain health.

Guinea Pigs

What dries fruit can guinea pigs have?

Adult Guinea Pigs can eat all dehydrated dried fruits. Just bear in mind that the sugar content in dehydrated fruit is more concentrated than in fresh fruit.

Shipping in Australia

How much is shipping?

Shipping is $11.95 for Standard Shipping Australia wide or free for orders over $120. Express Shipping orders are priced by weight. Please note that we are located outside the Express Post network, therefore, next day delivery is NOT guaranteed.

How long will it take to get my order?

We try to ship orders within 2 working days. The rest is up to the post.

Which carrier do you use?

All our orders are sent via Australia Post, to ensure remote areas, P.O Boxes, Parcel Lockers and RMBs can be serviced.

How can I track my order?

All orders have a tracking number which can be tracked here. Once your order has been dispatched, you will receive an email from us which includes the tracking number. We also arrange for tracking updates to be provided to you by email and/or SMS.

Where's my package?

Your order may be awaiting collection at your local post office if you weren't home, and the postman didn't feel it was safe to be left. Please check your tracking number here.

Is it safe to give my credit card details?

Absolutely. We never see your credit card details, and our entire website is protected by SSL encryption technology. Our website is also verified by McAfee Security.

What is your privacy policy?

In short, we will never give your details to anyone. You can read our entire policy here.

Payment Options

What payment options are available?

We currently offer the following payment options: Secure credit card payments; Afterpay; Applepay; Paypal & Paypal Express

Questions about stocking our treats in your shop/wholesaler or buying in bulk?

Click on the Wholesale Inquiry page and fill in the form or alternatively send us through an email at farmerpetes@hotmail.com and we'd be more than happy to help!