Storage and Safety
How to Handle Raw Dog Food Safely at Home
May 27, 2024
Handling raw dog food safely at home comes down to consistent habits: wash hands, keep surfaces clean, store correctly, and clean your dog's bowl after every meal.
Handling raw dog food safely is straightforward if you treat it the same way you would handle raw meat in your kitchen. The same food safety principles apply, and building good habits early makes the whole process feel routine quickly.
Wash your hands with soap and warm water before and after handling raw dog food. This is the single most important habit to build. It applies whether you are portioning food from a tube, preparing your dog's meal, or cleaning up after feeding.
Any surface that comes into contact with raw dog food should be cleaned with hot soapy water after use. A dedicated cutting board for raw pet food is a practical addition to your kitchen. Keep it separate from the surfaces and tools you use for preparing human food.
Keep raw dog food frozen until you are ready to thaw it. Thaw in the refrigerator, not on the counter. Once thawed, keep it in the refrigerator and use within 3 to 4 days. Our guides on how to thaw raw dog food safely and how long raw dog food lasts in the fridge cover both steps in detail.
Do not leave raw food sitting at room temperature for extended periods. If your dog does not finish their meal within an hour or so, remove the bowl and refrigerate or discard the remainder. See our post on raw dog food left out too long for guidance on that situation.
Wash your dog's food bowl after every meal. Raw food residue left in a bowl can harbour bacteria if not cleaned regularly. Our guide on raw dog food storage containers has recommendations for easy-to-clean bowl options.
Extra care should be taken in households with young children or people with compromised immune systems. Ensure that raw food and feeding areas are kept separate from areas where food for human consumption is prepared, and wash hands thoroughly after any contact with raw pet food.
With consistent habits, handling raw dog food is no more complicated than cooking a meal at home. If you have any questions about the products we carry, Hound and Bone is always happy to help — and is raw dog food safe for dogs covers the safety question in full detail.
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.