The 82°C Freshlock™ Process: Cooking for Life, Not Just Shelf-Life

At Ultimate Pet Foods (UK), our commitment to "Honest Science" culminates in how we cook. While the vast majority of the pet food industry uses high-pressure, high-heat extrusion—often reaching temperatures well above 200∘C—we have pioneered the 82°C Freshlock™ Process.

By gently cooking our freshly prepared ingredients at a precise, lower temperature, we protect the biological integrity of the food, ensuring your dog receives the nutrition promised on the bag.

Why 82°C? The Science of Protein Integrity

Proteins are the building blocks of your dog's body, but they are incredibly sensitive to heat. When meat is subjected to extreme temperatures (the industry standard), the proteins "denature" and the natural enzymes are destroyed.

• The Sweet Spot: Research shows that 82°C (180∘F) is the optimum temperature to safely neutralise bacteria and pathogens while keeping the delicate amino acids and proteins intact.
• Maximum Bioavailability: Because the proteins are not "burnt" or hardened by high heat, your dog’s digestive system can break them down with minimal effort. This means more nutrients go into their bloodstream and less comes out as waste.

Freshlock™ vs. Standard Extrusion

The Benefit of Single-Stage Cooking

Most UK dog foods are "double-cooked." First, the meat is rendered into a powder (meat meal) at high heat, and then it is cooked again at high heat to create the kibble.

With our Freshlock™ process, we use Single-Stage Cooking. We take our freshly prepared meat and fish and cook it once, and only once, at 82°C. This unique method ensures that the natural fats and oils remain stable, preventing the rancidity and "heavy" smells associated with lower-quality dog foods.

Better Digestion, Better Health

The 82°C process is the secret behind why our Ultimate Plus Hydrolysed range and our 50+ Grain-Free recipes are so effective for sensitive dogs.

1. Lower Gut Stress: Highly digestible protein doesn't sit and ferment in the gut, reducing gas and bloating.
2. Nutrient Density: Because we don't "cook out" the goodness, your dog can eat less while receiving more nutrition.
3. The Taste Test: Freshly prepared ingredients, gently cooked, retain their natural moisture and aroma. Even the fussiest dogs can tell the difference between a Freshlock™ kibble and a standard "burnt" biscuit.

Try, Prove, Commit

The only way to truly understand the Freshlock™ difference is to see the results. Use our Sample Packs to witness the immediate palatability, and our Trial Bags (1.5kg–2kg) to see the long-term benefits in your dog’s coat, energy, and stool quality.