Feeding raw food
Raw meat and prey animals contain natural bacteria. For healthy animals these bacteria are harmless. For people, especially young children, elderly and people with a weakened immune system, the bacteria can cause problems.
Therefore, it is important that raw food products are handled in the correct way. Consider, for example, the raw chicken that you prepare for your own meal. This meat can also contain harmful bacteria, which is why it is handled with care and hygiene in mind.
A number of guidelines apply when handling and feeding raw food to your dog or cat.
Guidelines
Storage
Thawing
Preparing
Feeding
Storage
Store the sealed product in a freezer at -18°C. When the product comes in contact with air, the product can slowly dry out which reduces its nutritive value.
Store the products separate from human food items in the freezer, to prevent cross contamination.
Thawing
Thaw it in an air tight container in the refrigerator so it will not be in contact with your own food and dehydration will be prevented
Do not store the meat product longer than two days in the refrigerator. When a package is too big to feed in two days, you can make portions when the product is still frozen and put it back in the freezer.
Preparing
Prevent cross-contamination by cleaning everything which has been in contact with the meat product, or the packaging of the meat product, with warm water and detergent or a disinfectant.
Wash your hands carefully with soap and water and avoid contact with your face.
Feeding
The higher the temperature, the faster the bacteria will multiply. Make sure you feed your pet in a cool space, out of the sun. When the food has not been eaten within an hour, remove it and throw it away.
Make sure flies can’t get close to the food. Flies can spread bacteria. Make sure small children can’t get close to the food either.
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