Handling your dog’s food safely is more important than many owners realise. Just like human food, pet food and treats can harbour bacteria such as Salmonella and Listeria, which can make both pets and people ill. By following a few simple precautions when buying, preparing, and storing dog food, you can help keep your furry friend—and your household—healthy and safe.

A Jack Russell Terrier is eagerly waiting for its meal — always handle and serve dog food safely to keep pets healthy.

How to Choose Dog Food Safely: Buying Tips Every Pet Owner Should Know

• Buy pet food products (cans, pouches or bags) in good condition. Check the packaging for visible signs of damage, such as dents, tears and discolouration.

Safe Dog Food Preparation: Hygiene Tips for Feeding Your Pet

• Start and finish with clean hands. Before and after handling dog food and treats, wash your hands thoroughly with warm water and soap for at least 20 seconds.
• After each use, wash pet food bowls and treats with warm, soapy water.
• Do not use your pet’s food bowl as a digging utensil. Instead, use a clean scoop, spoon or cup. Use the scooping utensil only for scooping pet food.
• Throw away old or spoiled food safely, for example, by placing it in a tightly closed plastic bag in a covered bin.

Best Practices for Storing Dog Food and Treats Safely at Home

• Refrigerate in a timely manner or discard unused or leftover canned and bagged pet food. Cover the refrigerated pet food well. Set the refrigerator to 40°F or lower.
• Store dry pet food in a cool, dry place. The temperature should be below 80°F. Excess heat or humidity can cause nutrients to break down.
• Store dry pet food in its original bag, keeping the top tightly folded.
• Store pet food safely to prevent your pet from eating an entire supply at once.

The Truth About Raw Dog Food: Risks and Safe Handling Guidelines

Raw pet food poses significant health risks to both pets and their owners. Since raw pet food is more likely to contain harmful bacteria, such as Salmonella and Listeria monocytogenes, than processed food, the best thing you can do to prevent infection with these food-borne bacteria is not to feed your pet a raw diet.

However, we understand that some people prefer to feed their pets raw food diets. Therefore, it is essential to be aware of the risks associated with feeding raw pet food.

Thank you for reading this article. Your engagement means the world to us at Frenchie Breed.

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