• Defrosting:
  • Best Method: Defrost in the fridge to maintain quality and safety.
  • Timing: Tubs may take 36-72 hours; patties take 6-12 hours.
  • Placement: Defrost in the middle or top of the fridge, and consider moving between front and back for even thawing.
• Food Handling:
  • Replace Tubs: Swap out defrosting tubs for frozen tubs as needed to ensure a steady supply.
  • Surface Area: Minced meat has more bacteria growth potential; but you should defrost whole meat products in the fridge too.
• Temperature Awareness:
  • Danger Zone: Food temperatures between 5°C and 60°C are risky for bacterial growth.
  • Safe Range: Keep food between 0°C and 5°C in the fridge to maintain quality. Food can spoil quickly if temperatures exceed 5°C.

• Storage and Freezing:
  • Unfrozen Products: Store in the fridge for 2-3 days at most.
  • Frozen Products: Store in the freezer until needed.
  • Power Outages: Food should stay safe in the freezer for up to 72 hours if the door is kept closed.
• Hygiene:
  • Hand Washing: Always wash hands before and after handling food to avoid contamination.
  • Contamination Risk: Little risk to humans from pets consuming the food, but proper handling is crucial.

• Pet Sensitivity:
  • Young pets and smaller animals are more sensitive to bacterial loads so handle their food especially carefully.

• Overall Tips:
  • Ensure proper defrosting and storage to maintain food safety and quality.
  • Practice good hygiene to prevent contamination.
  • Be aware of temperature impacts on food quality and safety.

This guide aims to help you manage your raw pet food effectively and safely.