Guidelines for Handling Raw Pet Food

Many people worry that their pets will get sick from the bacteria found in raw meat. After all, humans do. Let’s not forget that canines and felines have thrived on all meat diets for centuries. Wild dogs bury their prey in the dirt and dig it up later to eat. There are physiological reasons why they do not get sick from most bacteria. The digestive juices in their stomachs are much more acidic than in humans. In addition, they have an enzyme in their saliva that also destroys harmful bacteria.

*Please take note of the recent dry and canned commercial pet food recalls. Cooking alone does not prevent bacterial food contamination.

Our Safe Handling Suggestions:

• Make sure your raw products come from reputable suppliers using human –grade quality meat. 
• Store raw food in the freezer until ready to be used. Place one day's worth of food in a container with a lid in the refrigerator to thaw.
• Keep raw meats and poultry separate from other foods.
• Keep raw meats and poultry away from children.
• Wash all work surfaces and utensils with hot, soapy water before and after handling raw meat.
• Do not forget to wash your own hands thoroughly - especially before eating your own food.
• Fresh raw meat will stay good in the refrigerator about 4-5 days.
• After thawing frozen meat, it is only good 2-3 days in the fridge.
• Give it a whiff before feeding it to your pets. If it smells “bad”, toss it!  
• We recommend using a stainless steel food dish for your pet and washing it in hot soapy water or the dishwasher after EACH meal.

Against The Grain Pet Nutrition is a company that does things differently. We are a small business that is excited about offering pet owners better choices in pet nutrition. We believe that choosing appropriate pet food (be it commercial, raw or home prepared) is the most important factor in any pet's preventative health, convalescence and longevity.  Our name - Against The Grain - reflects our strong passion to provide pet owners with the knowledge to make healthy decisions about pet care even if we go ‘against the grain' of popular thinking.