How to Store Raw Dog Food: Keep It Safe & Fresh

Have you ever wondered how to keep your dog’s food fresh and safe? If your dog eats raw food, you need to make sure it’s stored the right way. Raw dog food, like chicken, beef, or veggies, requires special care to stay fresh and not get harmful bacteria. Just like how we keep our food in the fridge to stop it from worsening, your dog’s food needs careful storage, too. This article will show you the best ways to store raw dog food, so your furry friend stays healthy and happy.

We’ll also give you tips on how to keep everything clean and safe. Let’s dive in and learn how to keep your dog’s food fresh! If you’re curious about whether raw dog food is healthy for your pet, check out this post on raw dog food benefits.

What is Raw Dog Food?

Raw dog food is precisely what it sounds like—food for your dog that is not cooked. It might include meat, bones, vegetables, and sometimes fruit. Some people believe feeding their dogs raw food can be healthier because it’s more natural, like what wild dogs eat.

However, because raw food isn’t cooked, it can spoil quickly if not stored properly. Therefore, it’s essential to keep it fresh and safe.

Why is Storing Raw Dog Food Important?

When raw food isn’t stored correctly, it can go bad and make your dog sick. This can happen because raw food, like meat, can grow harmful bacteria if left out or not cold enough. You’ve probably heard of germs like salmonella or E. coli. These bacteria can grow in raw food if not kept in the fridge or freezer.

If you don’t store the food right, your dog could get stomach problems or even more serious illnesses. That’s why proper storage is super important!

How to Store Raw Dog Food? 

Now, let’s discuss how to store raw dog food safely. We’ll go step by step so you can ensure your dog’s food stays fresh and safe to eat.

Keep It Cold

The most important thing when storing raw dog food is to keep it cold. Raw meat, especially, needs to stay in the fridge or freezer. Here’s what you should do:

• Fridge: If you use raw food within a few days, store it in the refrigerator. It should stay below 40°F (4°C). Put it in an airtight container or tightly wrapped plastic to keep it from touching other foods.
• Freezer: If you don’t use the food for a while, store it in the freezer. Freezing raw food helps it stay fresh for longer, sometimes months. Make sure to use freezer-safe luggage or bins. You can freeze portions in smaller bags to quickly thaw what you need.

Use Separate Containers for Raw and Cooked Food

Raw dog food can contain harmful microorganisms, so storing it one at a time from any cooked food inside the fridge or freezer is a superb concept. Use different containers and preserve uncooked dog meals far from your food.

Label the Food

Labeling the containers with the date you put the food in the fridge or freezer is always a good idea. This helps you keep track of how long it is stored. Raw meals shouldn’t be stored too long, so look at the labels to ensure you operate them earlier than they spoil.

Thawing Raw Dog Food

If you’ve frozen uncooked dog food, you must thaw it before feeding it to your canine. Here’s how to do it accurately:

• In the fridge: The first-rate way to thaw frozen dog meals is by means of placing it within the refrigerator. This can assist it stay cold and safe as it thaws. It might take a day or two to melt completely, so plan ahead.
• Quick thawing: If you need to thaw the food quickly, place the container in a sealed plastic bag and put it in cold water. Change the water every 30 minutes to keep it cool.

Avoid Thawing on the Counter

Never thaw raw dog food by leaving it on the Counter at room temperature. This can let harmful bacteria grow, and your dog could get sick. Always thaw the food in the fridge or in cold water.

How Long Can Raw Dog Food Be Stored?

Raw dog food ought to be saved in the fridge for a quick time. Here is a short manual on how lengthy you can save it:

• In the fridge: Raw food can stay fresh for 1-2 days, depending on the type of food. After that, throwing it away or freezing it if you haven’t used it yet is better.
• In the freezer: Frozen raw food can stay fresh for 3-6 months, depending on the type of food. Label the food with the date to know how long it’s been in the freezer.

Tips for Keeping Everything Clean

While coping with uncooked dog meals, preserving everything clean is essential so bacteria do not spread. Here are a few smooth guidelines that will help you live safe:

• Wash your hands: Always wash your hands with soap and water after touching raw dog food. This helps keep germs from spreading.
• Clean surfaces: After you’ve handled raw dog food, clean the Counter, cutting board, or any surface you used with soap and hot water.
• Use separate utensils: It’s a good idea to use different utensils for raw dog food and food that you eat. This helps keep things safe and clean.

What to Do if Raw Dog Food Smells Bad

If the raw food smells bad, it could be a sign that it has gone bad. Here’s what you should do:

• Don’t feed it to your dog: If the food smells off, don’t risk giving it to your dog. It might make them sick.
• Throw it away: If you think the food is spoiled, it’s best to throw it away. Never take chances with raw food, especially if it looks or smells strange.

Can You Store Raw Dog Food in a Pantry?

No, storing raw dog food in the pantry or at room temperature is unsafe. Raw meat must stay cold in the fridge or the freezer to prevent harmful bacteria from growing. Ensure the food remains at the right temperature to keep your dog safe.

What If You Feed Your Dog Raw and Cooked Food?

Some dog owners mix raw food with cooked food. If this is the case, you’ll need to store both types of food properly:

• Raw food: Always store raw food in the fridge or freezer, just like we’ve discussed.
• Cooked food: Cooked dog food can be stored in the fridge for 3-4 days. If you make extra cooked food, you can freeze it for up to 6 months.

Keep the two types of food separate and always follow the storage tips we’ve discussed to keep both safe.

Conclusion

Storing raw dog food is an imperative part of feeding your canine correctly. You can ensure your dog receives healthy, sparkling food by preserving the food cold, using separate packing containers, and following correct hygiene practices. Continuously don’t forget how long the meal has been saved; if it looks or smells terrible, throw it away.

So, store your dog’s food properly to keep it fresh and safe. Your dog will be satisfied, wholesome, and ready to enjoy each meal!