Huon Aquaculture has partnered with Forager Food Co to develop 'Omega Treats' - a sustainable and healthy pet product utilising freeze drying technology.

The treats are the result of almost two years of collaboration between the Tasmanian businesses, aimed at finding a new use for excess byproducts.

Huon's Tasmanian business manager Luke Cavanagh said the idea came about from a desire to approach a more sustainable option for pet foods.

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"Years ago the hatchery workers identified there was excess products, from overage. So, we were needing to cull a certain amount because there was just too much fish at a certain stage of the life cycle," he said.

"We had this waste that could be much better utilised - that's where the idea began."

Based at Red Hills, near Deloraine, Forager Food Co is a family-run business that specialises in freeze-drying and food preservation.

Working with Huon, and after about a year of tests and trials, they developed Omega Treats - a pet product made from 100 per cent salmon.

Forager director John Ranicar said the process was about adding value to something that might otherwise go to waste.

"We take a raw product - so a perishable product with a defined shelf life. We then take all the moisture out of it using the freeze driers, which preserve all the nutrients," he said.

"It effectively gives it a shelf life of two years or more. By freeze drying it you also don't need to keep it refrigerated.

"For a lot of products ... there's a limited market. So we can take it and add value to it. Give it a new life."

While Forager has collaborated with other Tasmanian businesses in the past, working mostly with meats and fruits, Mr Ranicar said this marked a first for fish.

In the context of COVID-19 and the challenges facing many businesses, he said working with Huon had been a win-win.

"Doing these types of collaborations, it works really well for both sides," he said.

"We are able to concentrate on our part with products and then we share the brand beyond that."

With Omega treats suitable for both cats and dogs, Mr Cavanagh said feedback so far had been overwhelmingly positive.

"Omega Treats are beneficial for pets due to salmon's healthy fats and Omega-3 content, and following a sample trial, we have reassurance that pets - both cats and dogs - absolutely love them too," he said.

A trial run of Omega Treats are now available in a Hill Street Grocer or Animal Tuckerbox.

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