Raw Food Handling 101

Serving up a wholesome, raw meal for your furry friend should be stress-free. So, we’re here to help with some handy and healthy handling tips for hoomans. 

• Keep it separated.

Although our dogs think all food (even the bite I’m currently chewing) is their food, we huumans know best. It’s best to keep their food and yours separate (we use designated shelves in our fridge and freezer.)

• Keep it refrigerated.

For Fido’s next couple of meals (i.e. anything you plan to use within 24-48 hours), storing in the fridge is best until ready to feed. In the highly unlikely scenario that your pet does not scarf down every, last bite, it is ok to re-refrigerate raw food as long as it has not been sitting out for more than 30 mins. Place any uneaten raw food in an air-tight container (or seal your pet’s dish with cling wrap) and store in the fridge.

• Keep it frozen until ready to thaw/use.

For longer-term storage, it’s always best to keep raw pet food frozen. When you’re ready, thaw future meals in the fridge up to 24 hours ahead of time. It’s best not to thaw raw pet food in hot or warm water, or the microwave. If you’re crunched for time, place frozen package of raw food in a cool water bath in either a metal bowl on the counter or in the sink to thaw faster.

• Keep it clean.

You wouldn’t want to eat off a dirty plate on a grimy table, and neither does your dog. So, always wash your pet’s bowls (we love these) with dish soap and warm water and sanitize the area where they eat. We have found these silicon mats to be gamechangers for easy post-meal clean-up. And after prepping food, sanitize your prep space and tools (like utensils, food scale, etc).

• Keep yourself (and them) clean.

Hygiene is hands-down (pardon the pun) the most effective way to prevent the spread of illness-causing bacteria. So, always wash your hands after any contact with raw pet food, containers, and pet waste. The CDC recommends people wash their hands for at least 20 seconds with soap and warm water. I, personally, wear these gloves when handling our pooches’ food because I don’t care for the texture on my hands. How ever you approach it, always make sure to wash and dry hands thoroughly.

And when it comes to your pet’s hygiene, be sure to wipe your pet’s mouth after eating to prevent the spread of bacteria. We personally love these wipes!

 

We hope these tips and products* help you and your pet stay happy and healthy on your Rawsome feeding adventure. 

Your Friends at Rawsome Pet Pantry

Rawsome Pet Pantry exists to bring premium, nutritious and affordable raw pet food to as many pets as possible. Whether you want a BARF or PMR type of food for your pet, we have what you want. Plus, your dog or cat will love it! We’re located in Fair Oaks, CA, conveniently close to Orangevale, Folsom, Roseville and other cities in the Greater Sacramento area.

 *We do not receive any commission for our recommendations. These are simply products we use and find helpful. Be sure to read all product reviews before purchasing to make sure it’s right for you and your pet.