What are the white dots found on Serrano ham bones? What is tyrosine? In this post we will analyze why they appear and why it is related to the quality of the ham.

 

Some of our customers send us their doubts about what are the white dots that appear on our Serrano ham bones for dogs. On occasions, it can even be confused with mold and associated with the fact that the product is in poor condition, even though it’s not that way, the bone is in perfect condition for consumption.

How are ham bones for dogs? What benefits do they bring to the animal?

Our Serrano Ham Bones are a 100% natural and hypoallergenic product; also gluten free, artificial colors or trans fatty acids free. Coming from the human food chain, it is characterized by its high palatability and for being a natural source of oleic acid (monounsaturated fatty acid, also known as Omega 9, which reduces the risk of suffering from cardiovascular diseases, among other properties).

In addition, Mediterranean Natural Ham Hones are ideal for strengthening teeth and removing tartar. A very attractive chew for the dog that, because it contains pieces of ham meat, is rich in protein and helps to improve the skin and coat.

 

How are the Serrano Ham Bones for dogs made?

 

Our Serrano Ham Bones, once subjected to a drying process that sterilizes the product without affecting its nutritional properties and minimizing the risk of splintering, are vacuum packed in order to keep it in perfect condition until it is consumed by the dog.

At the time of vacuum packaging, there may be a leakage of liquid from the bone. It is part of the fat from it, which comes out due to pressure, being something completely normal and which also indicates that the product is natural and that its properties continue intact.

 

 

In addition, once packaged, small white specks can be seen on some bones: these are tyrosine crystals. The appearance of these dots does not mean that the product is in poor condition.

What are tyrosine crystals?

Tyrosine crystals are small white dots about the size of a grain of rice and have a chalky appearance. It is one of the amino acids present in proteins and that do not pose any type of risk to the health of dogs.

It is important to know this information since it is common for it to be confused with mold, even though it is not.

Commonly, tyrosine crystals appear in long-life hams (more cured and of better quality). Thus, the number of white dots appear in proportion to the curing time of the product and, therefore, the longer the curing time of Serrano Ham, the more white dots we can find.

 

 

How are tyrosine crystals formed in Serrano Ham Bones?

During the curing and drying process of Serrano ham, its proteins are hydrolyzed, breaking down into amino acids. It is at that moment when the tyrosine, due to the PH, humidity and salt conditions of the product, begins to form the largest crystals (the most stable from the thermodynamic point of view).

 

 

The appearance of tyrosine crystals is due to several causes:

-. The decrease in the amount of salt, a characteristic element of Iberian ham, whose product has little amount of it, thanks to the cold climate. For example, from the “Guijuelo, Trevelez” area…

-. The ingestion of acorns and the breeding of animals in complete freedom: favors the development of the bone and muscle structure of pigs, giving rise to a high quality product.

-. Artisanal curing process, which is generally long and is increased by low levels of salt, cold, and high amounts of oleic acid.

In short, the white dots on serrano ham (tyrosine crystals) are safe for dogs and indicate the high quality of the product. In no case should they be confused with mold or interpreted as the Serrano Ham Bone is in poor condition.

Mold cannot appear in our Serrano Ham Bones if the vacuum in the container is not lost and/or the vacuum seal is correct. Mold is a bacterium that needs oxygen and vacuum-packed products do not have it. As a result, mold cannot grow because the bacteria cannot grow and live.

 We invite you to take a look at our wide range of Serrano Ham Bones for dogs. We have chews for dogs of all sizes!