At ardam, formerly CDK9 Raw, we hear this question often from new customers: is raw dog food actually safe? It is a fair question, and one worth answering properly rather than brushing aside. With the right sourcing, handling and storage, raw feeding is a safe and nutritious way to feed most dogs. Here is what actually matters when it comes to safety.
Why does sourcing matter most?
The biggest safety factor in raw feeding is not the concept of raw meat itself, it is where that meat comes from and how it is handled before it reaches your dog's bowl. Human-grade sourcing, proper cold-chain storage and hygienic preparation are what separate a safe raw diet from a risky one. This is why we control our supply chain closely rather than leaving it to chance, sourcing our Beef, Chicken and Duck ranges from trusted Australian suppliers.
Traceability matters too. Knowing exactly where each protein comes from, how it was processed, and how it's stored before delivery gives you a much clearer picture of safety than relying on generic reassurances. This is part of why we're transparent about our supply chain rather than treating sourcing as a black box.
How do I handle raw food safely at home?
- Keep it frozen or refrigerated: store raw food in the freezer until needed, then thaw in the fridge rather than at room temperature.
- Use clean bowls and utensils: wash your dog's bowl after each meal, the same way you would with your own dishes.
- Wash your hands: after handling raw meat, wash your hands as you would when preparing any raw meat for your own meals.
- Feed promptly: do not leave raw food sitting out for extended periods, particularly in warm weather.
- Separate surfaces: use a dedicated chopping board or tray for preparing your dog's raw meals if you also prepare food for the rest of the household in the same kitchen.
None of this is complicated once it becomes routine. Most owners find it takes only a few days before these steps feel like second nature, no different to any other kitchen habit.
These are the same commonsense practices most people already use when handling raw meat in their own kitchen at home in Sydney or anywhere else in Australia.
Should I be worried about bacteria in raw food?
Dogs have a shorter, more acidic digestive tract than humans, which is well suited to processing raw meat efficiently. That said, sensible hygiene still matters, both for your dog and for your household. Following the handling steps above significantly reduces any risk, and a reputable raw food supplier will already be testing and handling product to a high standard before it reaches you. The CDC's pet food safety guidance outlines similar hygiene principles for handling any raw pet food at home.
It's also worth noting that commercial kibble has had its own well-documented recall history over the years, so raw feeding isn't uniquely risky, it simply requires a different, hands-on approach to storage and handling than pouring food from a bag.
What changes should I expect when I first switch to raw?
When you first move your dog onto raw food, you may notice a few short-term changes such as drinking less water or a shift in stool consistency. These are normal signs of adjustment rather than causes for concern, and they typically settle within one to two weeks. For a fuller breakdown of what to expect, see our guide on switching to raw.
What common mistakes make raw feeding less safe?
Most safety issues with raw feeding come down to a handful of avoidable habits rather than the food itself. Leaving a portion out on the bench for a whole afternoon, especially during a Sydney summer, gives bacteria far more time to multiply than a fridge-thawed serving fed promptly. Refreezing meat that has already been thawed is another common misstep, since each freeze-thaw cycle degrades texture and increases the window for bacterial growth.
Skipping bowl hygiene is another one worth flagging. A raw food bowl left unwashed between meals, or reused straight from the freezer without a rinse, undoes a lot of the good practice happening everywhere else in the routine. Treating your dog's bowl and utensils the same way you would your own dinner plate closes this gap easily.
Finally, rushing the transition can create the appearance of a safety issue when it is really just a normal adjustment period. Introducing raw food too quickly, in large portions from day one, sometimes causes digestive upset that owners mistake for a food safety problem rather than a pacing issue.
How much raw food should I feed to keep portions safe and balanced?
Getting portion size right matters for both nutrition and safety, since underfeeding or overfeeding can both cause problems over time. A commonly used starting guide is around 2 to 3% of your dog's ideal body weight per day for an adult dog, split across one or two meals, with more active or working dogs sitting toward the higher end and less active dogs toward the lower end.
Puppies typically need a higher percentage relative to body weight, often starting around 8 to 10% for very young puppies and gradually reducing as they approach adult size. Because these figures vary by breed, age and activity level, our feeding plan quiz is the more precise way to land on a starting portion for your specific dog before fine-tuning from there.
Is raw food safe for puppies and senior dogs?
Raw feeding can suit dogs at most life stages, though portion sizes and ratios differ for puppies, adults and seniors. Puppies generally need more frequent, smaller meals to support growth, while senior dogs may benefit from softer cuts if they have dental wear. If you're unsure where to start, our feeding plan quiz can help tailor a plan to your dog's age and size.
How do I get started safely?
Ready to see what safe, human-grade raw feeding looks like? Browse our full range, try a sample pack, and use our feeding plan quiz to find the right portion for your dog. A gradual transition, starting with a smaller trial, is the easiest way to build confidence before committing to a full subscription.
Many Sydney households find that once the first week or two has passed, raw feeding becomes just another part of the routine, no different from preparing any other meal in the kitchen. The initial hesitation almost always comes from unfamiliarity rather than any real ongoing risk.
Talk to a vet about your dog
Every dog is different, and general guidance is not a substitute for advice tailored to your dog's specific health history. If your dog has an existing health condition, is very young, senior, or you simply want peace of mind before switching, speaking with a vet first is always a sensible step.
Reviewed by the ardam team.
Is raw dog food safe for all dogs?
Most healthy dogs do well on a properly balanced raw diet. Dogs with certain existing health conditions may need tailored advice, so check with your vet if you are unsure.
Do I need to worry about bacteria in raw meat?
Dogs are well equipped to process raw meat, and following basic hygiene practices when storing and handling the food keeps risk low for your household too.
Is it normal for my dog to drink less water on raw food?
Yes. Raw food has a much higher moisture content than kibble, which reduces the need for extra drinking.
What should my dog's stool look like on raw food?
Small, firm and low-odour stools are typical once your dog has settled onto a raw diet.
Can I mix raw food with kibble?
It is best to transition gradually and avoid combining raw and kibble in the same meal, to make digestion easier during the switch.
How do I store raw dog food safely?
Keep it frozen until needed, thaw in the fridge, and feed within the recommended timeframe once thawed.
How much raw food should I feed my dog each day?
A common starting point is around 2 to 3% of an adult dog's ideal body weight per day, with puppies needing a higher percentage that reduces gradually as they grow.
Is it safe to refreeze raw dog food after thawing?
It is best avoided. Refreezing previously thawed meat can affect texture and increases the window for bacterial growth, so only thaw what you plan to feed within a day or two.
