Storage and Safety
Can You Refreeze Raw Dog Food After Thawing?
May 20, 2024
Can you refreeze raw dog food after thawing? It depends on how it was thawed and how long it has been out. Here is what Edmonton raw feeders need to know.
Refreezing is one of the most commonly asked questions among people new to raw feeding. The short answer is: it depends on how the food was thawed and how long it has been thawed.
Raw dog food that was thawed in the refrigerator and has been kept consistently cold (below 4 degrees Celsius) can generally be refrozen safely within a day or two of thawing, provided it still smells fresh and has not been left out at room temperature.
The key factor is temperature. If the food has stayed cold throughout, bacterial growth will have been minimal and refreezing is not a significant safety concern. For the safest thawing method, see our guide on how to thaw raw dog food safely.
If the food has been sitting at room temperature for more than an hour or two, refreezing is not recommended. At room temperature, bacteria multiply quickly in raw meat, and refreezing does not eliminate bacteria that have already developed. Our post on raw dog food left out too long covers what to do in that situation.
Similarly, if the food has been partially thawed and then refrozen multiple times, the texture and quality will decline noticeably even if the food is technically safe.
The simplest way to avoid the refreezing question is to thaw only as much as your dog will eat within the next few days. Hound and Bone products come in 1LB tubes, which makes it easy to pull out exactly the right portion from the freezer and thaw only that.
Keep a couple of tubes thawing in the fridge at all times, and rotate from the freezer as needed. This rhythm means you will rarely, if ever, find yourself with more thawed food than your dog can eat. For more on managing your supply, see our guide on how long raw dog food lasts in the fridge.
This article is for general information only and is not veterinary advice. Every dog is different — consult your veterinarian before making changes to your dog’s diet. Individual results may vary.