If you feed your dog a raw diet, your freezer is your best friend. But have you ever pulled out a pack of frozen raw dog food, only to find it covered in icy patches with dry, discoloured spots? Thats freezer burn a common issue that affects frozen raw meat.
While freezer-burned meat isn't harmful, it loses nutrients and flavour, making it less appetising for your dog. In this guide, we explain what causes freezer burn, how to store raw dog food properly, and how to prevent freezer burn to keep your pets meals fresh and nutritious.
What Is Freezer Burn?
Freezer burn happens when frozen food is exposed to air. The cold, dry environment of the freezer draws moisture out of the meat, causing dehydration. The affected areas turn white, grey, or brown, and when thawed, they may have a tough, dry texture.
For dogs on a BARF diet (Biologically Appropriate Raw Food), fresh, nutrient-rich meals are essential. Freezer burn reduces the quality of raw meat, so preventing it is key for keeping your dogs meals at their best.
However, improper storage can cause freezer burn much sooner.
How to Prevent Freezer Burn on Frozen Raw Dog Food
Keeping your freezer at the right temperature is essential to preserving raw dog food. The temperature should be set to -18c or lower to maintain the quality of the meat. A stable, cold environment helps prevent moisture loss and ice crystal formation, reducing the risk of freezer burn.
The first in, first out method prevents meat from sitting in the freezer too long, reducing the risk of freezer burn.
Avoid thawing and refreezing raw dog food multiple times, as this causes moisture loss and increases the chances of freezer burn. Instead, portion meals before freezing so you only thaw what your dog needs. Once thawed, raw meat should be stored in the fridge and used within 1-2 days to maintain freshness.
Can Dogs Eat Freezer-Burned Raw Meat?
Yes, freezer-burned raw meat is safe for dogs to eat, but it may have lower nutritional value due to vitamin loss and a dry texture that some dogs might find unappealing.
If raw dog food has minor freezer burn, soaking it in warm water or bone broth before feeding can help rehydrate it. If the freezer burn is severe, mixing it with fresher meat can improve taste and texture.
Keep Your Dogs Raw Food Fresh and Nutritious
Freezer burn doesn't have to be a problem if you store your frozen raw dog food properly. By keeping the freezer temperature stable, labelling and rotating stock, and avoiding repeated thawing, you can ensure your dogs meals stay fresh, flavourful, and packed with nutrients.
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