Frozen Raw Dog Food: How to Store, Thaw and Serve It Safely
Frozen raw dog food can be a practical way to feed a natural diet. It also makes planning easier because meals can be stored safely until they are needed.
The important point is that raw food should be handled like raw meat intended for human consumption. With sensible storage, careful thawing and good hygiene, raw feeding for dogs can fit smoothly into an everyday routine.
This guide explains how to store, thaw, portion and serve frozen raw dog food safely in a UK home.
Store frozen raw dog food properly
Keep frozen raw dog food in the freezer until you are ready to thaw it. Always follow the storage instructions on the packaging, as products may differ.
A domestic freezer is generally kept at around -18°C or below. This is a useful benchmark for keeping food properly frozen, although there is no specific legal freezer temperature for raw pet food. The product should remain solidly frozen and should not be allowed to repeatedly thaw and refreeze.
Keep raw dog food:
- In its original packaging or a sealed, leak-proof container
- Away from food for people, where possible
- On a separate freezer shelf, drawer or section
- Away from ready-to-eat foods
- Clearly labelled if you have divided a larger pack into portions
Do not store an open raw food packet directly above other food. This helps prevent leaks and cross-contamination.
Make sure you have enough freezer space
Freezer space is one of the main practical points to consider before starting raw feeding for dogs.
Measure the available space before ordering. Leave enough room for cold air to circulate and avoid over-packing the freezer. A tightly packed freezer can make it harder to see what you have and may make stock rotation less convenient.
A simple freezer plan can help:
- Keep newer food behind older food.
- Write the purchase or delivery date on packs if it is not already clear.
- Group food by dog, protein or pack size.
- Keep one area available for food that needs to be used next.
- Check that packs remain fully frozen.
Only order what you can store safely. Riker’s Pet Food offers frozen raw food from a range of suppliers, including Durham Raw Dog Food, Natural Instinct and Natures Menu raw nuggets. Product sizes and availability are shown on the individual listings.
Thaw frozen raw dog food in the fridge
The safest way to thaw frozen raw dog food is in the refrigerator.
Place the food in a sealed, leak-proof container on the bottom shelf of the fridge. This prevents raw juices from dripping onto other foods and keeps the food away from ready-to-eat items.
Plan ahead. Many frozen portions need several hours or overnight to thaw, depending on their size and packaging.
Follow these steps:
- Remove the amount needed from the freezer.
- Put it in a clean, sealed container.
- Place the container on the bottom shelf of the fridge.
- Allow the food to thaw fully.
- Use it within the time stated on the packaging : commonly within 24 hours of fully thawing.
Do not thaw raw food on the kitchen worktop. Room temperature allows the outside of the food to warm before the centre has thawed.
Avoid using warm water or a microwave to speed up thawing. These methods can create uneven temperatures, with some areas becoming warm while other areas remain frozen.
Never refreeze raw dog food once it has fully thawed. If you do not think you will use the whole pack, portion it while it is still frozen or partially frozen, if the packaging allows this.
Portion meals carefully
Portion sizes depend on your dog’s age, weight, activity, health and the food being fed. Use the feeding guidance on the product packaging as a starting point and speak to your vet if you are unsure.
A kitchen scale can help keep portions consistent. This is especially useful when:
- Feeding a puppy or growing dog
- Managing your dog’s weight
- Feeding more than one dog
- Combining raw food with another diet
- Monitoring how much your dog eats each day
If a pack contains several portions, separate them in advance where practical. Keep unused portions frozen and thaw only what your dog needs.
Do not assume that every raw product is nutritionally identical. Some foods are designed as complete meals, while others may be intended for complementary feeding. Check the label and feeding instructions before making a food the main part of your dog’s diet.
Homemade raw diets can be difficult to balance correctly. If you are changing your dog’s diet, ask your vet or a qualified pet nutrition professional for advice.
Serve raw food in a clean area
Once thawed, serve the food promptly in a clean bowl. Stainless steel is a practical choice because it is durable and easy to clean.
Keep the feeding area away from food preparation areas used by people. A wipe-clean mat can make cleaning easier, particularly for dogs that move their bowl or spill food.
After feeding:
- Remove uneaten food promptly.
- Wash the bowl with hot, soapy water.
- Clean and disinfect any surface the food touched.
- Wash your hands with soap and hot water.
- Dispose of empty packaging carefully.
Do not leave thawed raw food sitting out for long periods. If your dog eats slowly, supervise the meal and remove leftovers as soon as reasonably practical.
Handle leftovers safely
It is best to serve the amount your dog is likely to eat. This reduces waste and limits the time raw food is left at room temperature.
If food remains after the meal, do not return it to the original pack or refreeze it. Dispose of it safely and clean the bowl and feeding area.
Keep children away from raw food and used bowls. Government guidance states that children under five should not touch raw pet food or treats. Take extra care in households with young children, older people, pregnant people or anyone with a weakened immune system.
Some dogs may also carry bacteria on their mouths or in their faeces after eating raw food. Wash your hands after handling your dog, particularly before preparing or eating your own food.
Read the UK Government guidance on handling raw pet foods for further information.
Take frozen raw dog food travelling
Travel requires extra planning because frozen raw dog food must remain cold.
For a short journey:
- Use an insulated cool bag or cool box.
- Add sufficient frozen ice packs.
- Keep the food sealed.
- Keep the cool box out of direct sunlight.
- Return the food to a freezer as soon as possible.
For longer journeys, use a properly insulated cool box and check that the food remains fully frozen or suitably chilled. If the food has thawed, follow the storage instructions on the packaging. When in doubt, contact the manufacturer or discard the food rather than taking a risk.
For holidays, consider whether your accommodation has a reliable freezer and fridge. You may also wish to contact a local pet food supplier at your destination.
Common mistakes to avoid
These are some of the most frequent problems when storing and serving frozen raw dog food:
Thawing food on the worktop
This can allow the outside of the food to warm too quickly. Use a sealed container in the fridge instead.
Refreezing fully thawed food
Once raw food has thawed, use it within the stated time and do not refreeze it.
Leaving food out all day
Remove leftovers promptly and clean the bowl after feeding.
Using the family chopping board
Keep bowls, containers and utensils used for raw food separate from equipment used for people’s food.
Overfilling the freezer
An overfilled freezer makes stock rotation difficult and can restrict airflow. Buy an amount that fits comfortably.
Ignoring the packaging
Storage and feeding instructions can differ between products. Check the label before opening a new product.
Forgetting to wash hands
Wash hands with soap and hot water after handling raw food, packaging, bowls and feeding surfaces.
Buying frozen raw dog food from Riker’s Pet Food
We are an independent, family-run pet food business based near Ringwood. Our range includes frozen raw dog food alongside wet food, dry food, natural treats, supplements and everyday pet supplies.
We aim to make raw feeding for dogs practical and accessible, whether you are trying frozen raw food for the first time or already have an established routine. Product availability, pack sizes and prices are listed on the relevant product pages.
🚚 Free local delivery with no minimum order is available to Ringwood, Fordingbridge, Verwood, Alderholt and Three Legged Cross.
🚚 Free 48-hour delivery on orders over £54.99 is available across England and Wales : excluding horse and farm feeds.
For advice about available products or delivery, contact our team through the Riker’s Pet Food website.
A simple safe-feeding checklist
Before serving frozen raw dog food, check that:
- The food has been stored frozen as directed.
- It was thawed in a sealed container in the fridge.
- It has not been refrozen after thawing.
- The portion is suitable for your dog.
- The bowl and feeding area are clean.
- The food is kept away from human food preparation areas.
- Leftovers will be removed promptly.
- Hands and surfaces will be washed afterwards.
Raw feeding does require planning, but the routine is straightforward once established. Keep food frozen, thaw it safely, serve sensible portions and clean thoroughly after every meal.