Raw Dog Food Storage and Defrosting: A Safe Feeding Guide
By The Pets Larder | Published: 2026-10-16
Category: How-to Guides
Learn how to store and defrost raw dog food safely with our step-by-step guide. Keep your dog healthy and avoid common mistakes.
Quick answer
Store raw dog food in the freezer at -18°C or below, defrost in the fridge overnight, and use within 2-3 days once thawed. Never defrost at room temperature or refreeze thawed food. Always wash hands, surfaces, and bowls with hot soapy water after handling raw meat.
Why proper storage and defrosting matter
Raw dog food is perishable and can harbor bacteria like Salmonella and E. coli. Safe handling protects both your dog and your household. Correct storage maintains nutritional quality and prevents waste. Whether you feed a complete raw diet or mix in wet or dry food, these principles apply.
Understanding fridge and freezer timelines
In the fridge, raw dog food stays fresh for 2-3 days. In the freezer, it keeps for up to 6 months, though quality is best within 3 months. Always label containers with the date. For products like Nutriment Raw Chicken 500g, check the packaging for specific storage advice. If no guidance is provided, follow the general timelines above.
Step-by-step safe storage and defrosting
- Portion before freezing: Divide raw food into meal-sized portions using freezer-safe bags or containers. Flatten bags to speed defrosting. Label with date and contents. Mistake to avoid: Freezing a large block means it takes too long to defrost and may not thaw evenly.
- Freeze promptly: Place portions in the freezer at -18°C or below as soon as you get home. Keep raw meat separate from ready-to-eat foods. Checkpoint: Use within 3 months for best quality.
- Defrost in the fridge: Move the portion to the fridge 24 hours before feeding. Place it on a plate or in a container to catch drips. Never defrost on the counter. Mistake to avoid: Defrosting at room temperature allows bacteria to multiply rapidly.
- Use within 2-3 days: Once thawed, keep in the fridge and use within 2-3 days. If your dog doesn't eat it all, discard leftovers after 2 hours. Checkpoint: If it smells off, don't feed it.
- Clean thoroughly: Wash hands, bowls, utensils, and surfaces with hot soapy water after handling raw meat. Use a separate cutting board for raw food. Mistake to avoid: Using the same cloth or sponge for raw meat and other surfaces spreads bacteria.
- Never refreeze thawed food: Refreezing thawed raw food increases bacterial risk and degrades quality. If you have excess, cook it for your dog or discard. Checkpoint: Plan portions accurately to avoid waste.
Product facts
- Nutriment Raw Chicken 500g: Nutriment Raw Chicken 500g is a raw feeding solution made with human-grade quality raw meats and formulated by in-house canine nutritionists. Human-grade ingredients mean you can handle it with the same care as your own meat, and the formulation ensures balanced nutrition when stored properly.
- Canagan Wet Dog Food Can - Country Game: Canagan Wet Dog Food Can - Country Game is a complete and balanced grain-free food with organic vegetables and fresh meat, and the can is fully recyclable. If you mix raw with wet food, this can be stored in the cupboard until opened, then refrigerated for up to 2 days, simplifying your routine.
- Canagan Dry Dog Food Light / Senior: Canagan Dry Dog Food Light / Senior is formulated with lower fat and calories for older or overweight dogs, yet maintains protein levels for strong muscles. Dry food is shelf-stable and doesn't require defrosting, making it a convenient backup if you run out of raw food or need to travel.
