How Long Can Raw Dog Food Stay In The Fridge? Raw dog food, also known as a natural, fresh, or raw diet is usually made of meat, bones, vegetables, and fruits. Raw dog food is not only tasty but also very nutritious. Many dog owners prefer giving their dogs raw dog food as it is healthy and safe for them. No matter how beneficial this food is, storing it is a major concern among pet owners.
There is no certain answer to the amount of time a dog food can stay in the fridge, but most dog owners believe that raw dog food stays good in the fridge for around 4 to 5 days.
What I Will Learn?
How Long Can Raw Dog Food Stay In The Fridge
Many dog owners are concerned about how long raw dog food can stay in the fridge. If you too are interested in knowing the answer to this question then make sure to read this article.
Can You Keep Raw Dog Food In The Fridge?
Yes, you can keep raw dog food in the fridge. But, there are certain things that you need to take care of while keeping it in the fridge. They are:
- Make sure to check the expiry date of the food before storing it.
- Place raw dog food inside a freezer bag so that it does not touch other food items in the fridge.
- Store raw dog food away from human foods, as this could decrease the shelf life as well as the nutritional value of raw dog food.
- Keep raw dog food away from raw meat as your dog can catch diseases by consuming this kind of food.
How Long Can Raw Dog Food Stay In Fridge Normally?
Under normal circumstances, you can store raw dog food inside the refrigerator for 4 to 5 days. However, temperature, ingredients of food, and many other such things play a vital role in determining the duration of storage.
For areas where the climate is warm, you can store raw dog food inside the refrigerator for 2 to 3 days. If the ingredients present in raw dog food are vegetables then they can stay fresh inside the fridge for 6 to 10 days. Also, if the raw food is packed well then it is safe to store it for 8 to 10 days.
How Do You Know If Refrigerated Raw Dog Food Is Bad?
You can simply judge the freshness and quality of raw dog food by checking its smell, color, and texture. If it smells bad then you should immediately throw it away. If it has lost its color or has changed the texture then most probably it has gone bad.
Make sure to check for the smell, texture, and color of food before serving it to your pooch. If you think that the food has gone bad then immediately discard it, as it can be harmful to your dog.
Is It Necessary To Refrigerate Raw Dog Food?
Yes, it is necessary to refrigerate raw dog food. If you do not store raw food inside the refrigerator then bacteria and other microorganisms can grow in it, which can be injurious to your pet’s health. In addition, if you keep this food outside the fridge for a long time then it can lose its freshness and nutritional value thus making it unfit for your dog.
Can Dogs Eat Cold Dog Food?
Yes, your dog can eat cold raw food. However, if the food is too cold then there are chances that your dog may experience health issues. For this reason, make sure to adjust the temperature of the food before feeding your pet. You can add warm water to the food so that your dog does not have any problem while consuming it.
What Are The Benefits Of Refrigerating Raw Dog Food?
There are several benefits associated with refrigerating raw dog food. Some of the benefits that you will get after keeping this food inside the refrigerator are:
- It can stay fresh for a longer period
- It does not lose its nutritional value
- It can keep your dog safe from diseases like salmonella.
- It prevents the growth of harmful bacteria, mold, and yeast.
Conclusion
With this, we hope that all your queries regarding how long can raw dog food stay in the fridge have been answered now.
Normally raw food can stay in the fridge for around 4 to 5 days. But if the food is packaged properly then it can stay safe for around 10 days. Also, you must check the food every day so that it does not go bad. If your dog is moody about his food then make sure to adjust its temperature before feeding it.
FAQs
Can you freeze raw food for dogs?
Yes, you can freeze raw dog food. It is the best way to store this food for a longer time. After freezing, make sure to thaw it out at room temperature or in the fridge before feeding your pet.
How long can thawed raw dog food stay in the fridge?
Normally thawed raw food can stay fresh in the fridge for around 5 days. However, it would be better if you check the expiry date before storing it.