Raw feeding precautions

[BanditSocks2]

I recently bought a NV bag of raw patties and the pups have been getting them occasionally as a "meal replacement treat" lol. I know the basics like to was the container it was stored in in the refridgerator and to give it to them in a glass/metal bowl and wash immediately (and I learned Nala needs a placemat when she eats). I've also cloroxed after they eat just in case.

What I'm wondering is how careful do I have to be? Do I have to change their water because their face hair may have touched the raw food and then it can get in their water and then get them sick? Can I not kiss them because it might be on their face hair? Or am I just nuts

[laci32]

I don't have much answers for you. Mainly wanted you to know I read your post. I know with Andy sometimes I have to wash his face after a meal. I don't feed him raw so I have no idea.

[BanditSocks2]

Thanks

[keokis mom]

I raw feed Keoki and have since he was about 8 months old. Basically if you are clean it is fine. I change his water twice a day but not because of the raw diet. I use a metal bowl for feeding and store it in a covered glass bowl in the fridge. He is not a messy eater so I don't scrub the floor after just wash his bowl. I also do wipe his face but not always and nothing has ever happened to me. You just have to be conscience about the bacteria but don't get too crazy- I'm a vegetarian and I give my baby the raw diet and meaty bones- go figure- lol

[BanditSocks2]

Thanks. I'll start changing their water twice a day too then. I've been a bit paranoid so I used the cheap tupperware containers to keep the raw in the fridge and have been throwing them out lol. I guess I can take it down a notch.

[keokis mom]

I did the same thing at first but I used ziplock bags- lol- now I use a glass continer that has an airtight lid- you can get one anywhere- I was super paranoid at first and then mellowed out as time went by Raw is so great for our babies and I bet they love it!!!!

[Britster]

I just text you this, but will post it in here anyways, lol. I have been putting the raw patty on a paper plate and then I just throw the plate away when he is finished, then I just wash my own hands, and that's it. Oh, and when I thaw it out overnight, I wrap up the patty in aluminum foil and then just take it out in the morning.

[TwoforFun]

Originally Posted by Britster

I just text you this, but will post it in here anyways, lol. I have been putting the raw patty on a paper plate and then I just throw the plate away when he is finished, then I just wash my own hands, and that's it. Oh, and when I thaw it out overnight, I wrap up the patty in aluminum foil and then just take it out in the morning.

Exactly what I do (paper plates)

[princessizzy]

I use snack size zip lock bags and small paper plates too...She eats it so fast it doesn't have time to get on the floors..lol..

[PrincessDiana]

We defrost the raw in special "dog food" designated tupperware. I feed in stainless steel bowls (or when we feed raw meaty bones, just outside) and wash with warm soapy water afterwards. I also wash my hands and wipe any surfaces that might have been contaminated with a vinegar/hydrogen peroxide (and every now and then I bleach). As long as you just remember that you are handling raw meat and follow the same precautions you would if you were handling your own food, you'll be fine! Everyone is overly cautious at first but it's really not so bad. We don't worry about their faces or water or anything like that. I used to wipe their paws but I don't even do that anymore.