Feeding a raw diet can provide excellent nutrition for your dog, but safe handling is just as important as choosing a high-quality food. Because raw food is uncooked, it requires careful storage, preparation and feeding to maintain its nutritional value while reducing the risk of bacterial contamination.
Follow these simple guidelines to ensure every meal is handled safely from freezer to bowl.
Storage
Raw food should always be stored in a freezer at -18°C or below until you're ready to use it. Keeping the food frozen helps preserve its freshness, nutritional value and quality. Exposure to air over time can cause the food to dry out, potentially reducing its nutritional benefits.
To minimise the risk of cross-contamination, store your dog's raw food separately from human food.
Thawing
The safest way to thaw raw pet food is in an airtight container in the refrigerator, keeping it seperate from human food to prevent cross-contamination. This helps keep the food at a safe temperature while preventing contamination of other foods and reducing dehydration.
Once thawed, keep refrigerated and use within two days. If the pack contains more raw food than your dog will eat during this time, divide it into smaller portions while it is still partially frozen and return the unused portions to the freezer.
Never refreeze raw food once it has fully thawed.
Preparing Raw Food
Good hygiene is essential when preparing raw meals.
After handling raw food, thoroughly clean all work surfaces, utensils, bowls and packaging that have come into contact with the food using hot, soapy water or a suitable disinfectant.
It's equally important to wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water after preparing your dog's meal, and avoid touching your face until your hands have been cleaned.
Feeding
Once served, raw food should be offered in a cool, shaded area away from direct sunlight, as warmer temperatures allow bacteria to multiply more quickly.
Any uneaten food should be discarded within one hour, particularly during warmer weather, rather than being saved for later.
To maintain good hygiene, keep your dog's feeding area protected from flies and other pets, which can spread bacteria easily. It's also sensible to ensure raw food is kept out of reach of young children at all times.
Safe Handling Makes All the Difference
Raw feeding doesn't need to be complicated, but it does require good food hygiene. By storing, thawing, preparing and serving meals correctly, you can help protect both your dog and your household while ensuring your pet enjoys all the nutritional benefits of a balanced raw diet.
A few simple precautions go a long way towards making every mealtime safe, nutritious and enjoyable.
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