The Best Way To Store Cow Ears - A Retail Guide

Natural chews like cow ears are popular among pet owners for their durability, dental benefits, and wholesomeness. However, ensuring these chews remain fresh and safe for dogs is crucial for retailers. Proper storage techniques play a significant role in preserving the quality of these natural chews and maintaining customer satisfaction. And it’s the best way to prevent loss and returns. In this article, we will explore the best way to store cow ears and other natural chews.

Temperature Control

Maintaining the appropriate temperature is essential for preserving the freshness of natural chews. Ideally, store cow ears and other treats in a cool, dry environment to prevent spoilage and mold growth. Aim for a consistent temperature range of 50°F to 70°F (10°C to 21°C) to avoid fluctuations that could affect product quality.

Changes in temperature during shipping or during normal storage can cause a buildup of moisture inside the packaging. Furthermore, this can attract insects who love meaty moisture buildup. It can also cause any larva that was on these dried products to hatch.

Pro Tip: If you notice a bulk batch of chews having insects, you can freeze them to kill off any pests. Also, pass that tip along to your customer to be the real hero.

Air Circulation

Proper air circulation is crucial for preventing moisture buildup and maintaining the texture of natural chews. Individually wrapped chews should be checked for trapped moisture buildup. However, many of them do have ventilation holes. Bulk cow ears should be kept in a cool dry storage container away from pests like mice. Large plastic bags and shipping boxes can often harbor moisture that will soften your cow ears. And possibly grow mold in the packaging.

Hygiene and Cleanliness

Maintaining cleanliness in the storage area is paramount to prevent contamination and ensure the safety of natural chews. Regularly clean shelves, storage bins, and any equipment used for handling the treats. Additionally, utilize your first-in, first-out (FIFO) system to rotate stock and prevent products from lingering on the shelves. Cow ears are best served fresh. Furthermore, dust buildup might be a turn-off to some customers, so be sure to have an employee dust the shelves from time to time if your chews are not in a sealed bin.

Pest Control

Protecting natural chews from pests such as insects and rodents is essential for maintaining. Furthermore, you should keep your chews away from any type of pest treatment. If you have a regular chemical sprayed make sure your cow ears are safely stored away from the chemicals.

Store chews in sealed containers or bins to prevent rodent and insect access and inspect the storage area regularly for signs of pest activity. Implementing pest control measures, such as traps or deterrents, can help safeguard the inventory from infestations.

Proper Labeling and Packaging

Clear labeling is essential for informing customers about the contents and shelf life of bulk cow ears. Ensure that the product is labeled with its name, ingredients, expiration date, and any pertinent storage instructions. You can also have a branded brochure nearby to help customers. Additionally, consider using resealable packaging or portion-controlled bags to preserve freshness and make storage easy for customers.

Avoiding Cross-Contamination

To prevent cross-contamination and allergic reactions, store different types of natural chews separately. Especially if you have peanut butter-flavored chews. Keep cow ears, bully sticks, and other treats in designated areas to minimize the risk of accidental mixing. This practice also helps customers find specific products more easily, enhancing their shopping experience.

Regular Quality Checks

Regularly inspecting cow ears for signs of spoilage, discoloration, or unusual odors is essential for ensuring their quality. Remove any damaged or expired products promptly to maintain the integrity of the inventory. Encourage staff members to conduct thorough quality checks during restocking and inventory management processes.

Conclusion

By implementing these best practices for storing cow ears and other natural chews, retailers can maintain product freshness, uphold safety standards, and enhance customer satisfaction. Temperature control, air circulation, hygiene, pest control, proper labeling, and regular quality checks are key aspects of effective storage management. By prioritizing these practices, retailers can ensure that their natural chew inventory remains fresh, safe, and appealing to pet owners.

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