Handling raw dog food safely is one of the most common questions we get from new customers at ardam, formerly CDK9 Raw. Raw feeding has grown quickly across Sydney and the rest of Australia, and with that growth comes sensible questions about hygiene. The good news is that with a few straightforward habits, raw feeding can be just as safe as handling any raw meat in your kitchen for a family meal.
Is raw dog food safe to handle at home?
Yes, when handled with the same care you would use for raw meat prepared for human meals. Raw dog food should be treated like any raw protein: kept cold, prepared on clean surfaces, and stored properly before and after serving. The main risks are the same ones associated with any raw meat handling, namely cross contamination and improper storage, both of which are easy to manage with good habits.
How should I store raw dog food?
- Keep a few days' worth of meals in the fridge and freeze the rest in portioned servings
- Thaw frozen portions in the fridge rather than on the counter, ideally in a sealed container on the bottom shelf away from other food
- Use thawed raw food within the timeframe recommended on the packaging, generally a couple of days once fully thawed
- Never refreeze raw food that has already been thawed unless it has been cooked first
What hygiene practices matter most?
Simple, consistent habits go a long way:
- Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before and after handling raw food
- Use a dedicated cutting board or container for your dog's food, ideally colour coded and separate from your own kitchenware
- Clean and sanitise surfaces, bowls, and utensils after each feeding
- Wash your dog's bowl daily rather than leaving residue to build up
- Keep raw food away from areas where human food is prepared, particularly if young children or immunocompromised family members are in the house
Can raw dog food make my dog or my family sick?
Dogs have a more acidic stomach environment and a shorter digestive tract than humans, which helps them process raw proteins more efficiently than we do. This does not mean raw food carries zero risk, which is why sensible hygiene still matters, particularly for protecting the humans in the household who are more susceptible to foodborne bacteria such as salmonella or listeria. Following the same food safety habits you would use with raw meat for your own dinner covers most of the risk.
The CDC's guidance on pet food safety and general food handling principles from health authorities both emphasise handwashing, surface cleaning, and proper storage as the most effective ways to reduce risk when handling any raw protein at home.
Do I need special equipment for raw feeding?
Not necessarily, but a few small additions make life easier. A dedicated set of feeding utensils, a lidded container for thawing in the fridge, and a stack of resealable portion bags for freezer storage are all inexpensive and help keep raw feeding tidy and low mess. If you are new to raw feeding and want a properly portioned starting point, our sample pack is designed to make the first few weeks simple.
How do I know which raw food is right for my dog?
Choosing the right protein and portion size makes safe handling easier, since a well-matched diet means less waste and fewer leftovers sitting in the fridge. Our meal planner quiz can help you work out a suitable starting point, and browsing our full range of raw dog food gives you a sense of the proteins and cuts available.
What if I am still nervous about switching to raw?
That is completely understandable, and it is worth taking things slowly. Our guide on whether raw dog food is safe covers the bigger picture questions, while our switching to raw guide walks through a gradual transition so both you and your dog can adjust with confidence.
What about travelling or feeding raw away from home?
If you are heading away for the weekend or travelling with your dog, a small insulated cooler bag with ice packs can keep portioned raw meals safely chilled for several hours. Freezing portions solid before a trip and letting them thaw gradually in the cooler is a simple way to keep food safe without needing access to a fridge the moment you arrive. Always check that any accommodation or boarding facility is comfortable with raw feeding, and bring a few extra frozen portions in case plans change.
How does delivery and home storage work with a raw food service?
Home delivered raw dog food, like the meals we prepare at ardam, typically arrives frozen or well chilled and packed to stay cold in transit. As soon as your order arrives, move it straight into the freezer or fridge depending on how soon you plan to use it. Keeping a simple system, such as always thawing the oldest portions first, helps avoid waste and ensures nothing sits in the fridge longer than it should.
What should I do with packaging and offcuts after preparing a meal?
Dispose of any packaging, plastic wrap, or bone offcuts promptly rather than leaving them on the counter or in an open bin where pets or young children could access them. A lidded kitchen bin, emptied regularly, reduces the chance of a curious dog getting into discarded packaging. If you compost at home, check whether raw meat scraps are suitable for your particular compost system, since many household compost setups are not designed to handle raw animal products safely.
Are there extra precautions for households with young children or elderly family members?
Households with young children, elderly relatives, or anyone with a weakened immune system benefit from a slightly more cautious approach to raw handling. This might mean an adult always handles preparation and cleanup, keeping raw food and feeding areas off limits to young children, and being extra diligent about handwashing after any contact with raw food, bowls, or feeding areas. These are sensible precautions rather than a reason to avoid raw feeding altogether, and they mirror the same care most households already take when preparing raw meat for their own meals.
Frequently asked questions
Can raw dog food make my pet sick?
When handled and stored properly, raw dog food is generally well tolerated by dogs, who have a digestive system suited to raw proteins. Good hygiene practices further reduce any risk.
Is raw dog food safe for my family?
Yes, as long as proper hygiene and handling practices are followed, the same way you would handle any raw meat prepared for human meals.
How should I store raw dog food?
Keep a few days' worth in the fridge and freeze the rest in portions. Thaw in the fridge, not on the counter, and use within the recommended window once thawed.
Do I need special utensils for raw feeding?
It helps to use a dedicated board or container for your dog's food, separate from your regular kitchenware, to reduce any risk of cross contamination.
Should I wash my dog's bowl every day?
Yes. Daily washing helps prevent bacterial buildup and keeps mealtime hygienic for your dog.
Can I refreeze raw dog food after thawing?
It is best not to refreeze raw food once thawed unless it has been cooked, as this can affect both quality and safety.
Is it safe to prepare raw dog food near where I cook my own meals?
It is best to use a separate area, board, and utensils for raw dog food preparation, and to clean and sanitise all surfaces thoroughly afterwards to avoid cross contamination with human food.
How long can raw dog food safely stay out at room temperature?
Raw dog food should not be left out at room temperature for more than about twenty to thirty minutes. Refrigerate or discard any uneaten portion promptly to reduce bacterial growth.
Reviewed by the ardam team. For veterinary advice on your individual dog, contact Dr. Anna Huynh at Greystanes Veterinary Clinic (26 Carnation St, Greystanes NSW 2145, (02) 9609 1500).
