Raw and minimally processed pet foods can be nutritious, but they also carry risks of contamination with Salmonella, Listeria monocytogenes, and other pathogens. The following checklist can help pet owners minimize risks for both their animals and their household.
1. Before You Buy
- Check for recalls: Look up the brand on the FDA recall page or Dog Food Advisor recall list.
- Buy from reputable sources: Choose manufacturers with transparent safety protocols and testing practices.
- Inspect packaging: Avoid products with torn, damaged, or leaking packaging.
2. Safe Storage
- Freeze raw products immediately: Keep pet food frozen until use to slow bacterial growth.
- Separate from human food: Store raw pet food in a dedicated freezer bin or sealed container to prevent cross-contamination.
- Label & rotate: Note the purchase date and lot number. Use older products first.
3. Safe Handling
- Wash hands thoroughly: Use warm, soapy water for at least 20 seconds after handling.
- Designate utensils & bowls: Use separate scoops, knives, and cutting boards for pet food.
- Avoid thawing on counters: Thaw in the refrigerator, never at room temperature.
- Clean preparation surfaces: Sanitize countertops and sinks with a bleach solution (1 tablespoon bleach per gallon of water).
4. Feeding Safely
- Serve in designated bowls: Don’t use household dishes or kids’ bowls.
- Remove leftovers quickly: Discard uneaten food after 30 minutes (indoors) or sooner (outdoors).
- Keep pets from licking prep areas: Prevent access to counters, sinks, and food containers.
5. Cleaning & Sanitizing
- Wash bowls daily: Use hot, soapy water and sanitize regularly.
- Disinfect food prep areas: Use an EPA-registered kitchen sanitizer after each meal prep.
- Wash cloths & sponges often: Use disposable towels or wash cloths on hot cycles to avoid bacterial buildup.
6. Monitoring Pets
- Watch for symptoms: Diarrhea, vomiting, lethargy, fever, or appetite loss may signal illness.
- Vet checkups: Seek veterinary care if symptoms appear—especially in puppies, kittens, or older pets.
- Be mindful of silent carriers: Pets can shed bacteria without showing symptoms, spreading pathogens through saliva or feces.
7. Protecting Humans in the Household
- High-risk individuals: Children, elderly, pregnant, and immunocompromised people should not handle raw pet foods.
- Avoid kisses: Prevent pets fed raw diets from licking faces or open wounds.
- Practice good hygiene: Wash hands after cleaning litter boxes, yards, or pet waste.
- Stop feeding immediately: Do not serve recalled products.
- Dispose safely: Seal the food in a plastic bag before placing it in the trash—where pets, children, or wildlife can’t access it.
- Sanitize: Clean and disinfect all surfaces, containers, and bowls that touched the recalled food.
- Monitor pets & people: Report illnesses to your veterinarian or healthcare provider.
Final Note
Raw and minimally processed pet foods require extra caution. By following this checklist, pet owners can enjoy the benefits of specialized diets while reducing the risks of foodborne illness for both pets and their families.
