Why Freezing Raw Meat Doesn’t Kill Bacteria: A Guide for Dog Owners

Why Freezing Raw Meat Doesn’t Eliminate Bacteria: A Guide for Dog Owners

As dog owners become more conscious of their pet’s nutrition, many are turning to raw diets to mimic what dogs might eat in the wild. While raw diets can provide excellent nutritional benefits, they also come with potential risks if not handled properly—chiefly, the presence of harmful bacteria like Salmonella, Listeria, and E. coli. A common misconception is that freezing raw meat eliminates these pathogens. Let’s explore why this is not the case and what steps you can take to ensure your dog’s diet is safe and nutritious.

Why Freezing Doesn’t Kill Bacteria

Freezing raw meat slows bacterial growth but doesn’t destroy bacteria or their toxins. Here's why:

1. Dormancy, Not Death: Freezing puts bacteria into a dormant state. When thawed, these microorganisms “wake up” and can resume growth, especially if the meat isn’t handled or stored properly.

2. Bacterial Resilience: Freezing raw food is a common preservation method, but it does not kill Salmonella or Listeria. Instead, freezing only halts their growth temporarily. These bacteria are hardy and can survive freezing temperatures, becoming active again once the food thaws. Salmonella and Listeria are particularly concerning because they can cause severe gastrointestinal issues, fever, and, in some cases, life-threatening complications in both animals and humans, especially those with weakened immune systems.

3. Spoilage vs. Pathogens: While freezing slows spoilage (e.g., the breakdown of meat by enzymes), it doesn't neutralize pathogenic bacteria that can cause illness.

Thus, relying on freezing alone isn’t enough to make raw meat safe for consumption.

Kill Steps in Dog Food Production

To mitigate the risk of bacterial contamination, reputable raw dog food manufacturers use kill steps—methods that neutralize harmful microorganisms while preserving the food's nutritional integrity. Key kill steps include:

1. High-Pressure Processing (HPP):

HPP involves subjecting raw food to extremely high water pressure. This disrupts bacterial cell membranes, effectively killing pathogens without cooking the meat or altering its nutrient profile. It’s a popular method in raw pet food production because it retains the natural benefits of raw diets while enhancing safety.

2. Irradiation:

This process exposes raw food to ionizing radiation to kill bacteria. While safe and effective, irradiation is less common due to consumer misconceptions and concerns about the term “radiation.”

3. Chemical Washes:

Some manufacturers use food-safe antimicrobial washes (e.g., lactic acid rinses) to reduce bacterial loads on raw meat surfaces. These are commonly used in human meat production as well.

4. Cooking (Light Pasteurization):

Though not technically raw, lightly cooked diets are an alternative that can reduce bacteria while preserving much of the meat’s nutritional value. This may appeal to owners seeking a compromise between safety and raw feeding.

What to Look for in a Raw Dog Food Supplier

Choosing a trustworthy raw dog food supplier is critical to minimizing risks and ensuring your dog receives a safe, high-quality diet. Here’s what to consider:

1. Transparent Sourcing:

   • Look for suppliers who disclose where their meat comes from. Ideally, they should source from APHA inspected facilities or local farms with high standards for animal welfare and hygiene.

2. Kill Step Implementation:

   • Verify whether the supplier uses a recognised kill step, such as HPP or chemical washes, to reduce bacterial contamination. The only way to kill bacteria would be to cook the food to a temperature above 149°F (65°C)

3. Testing Protocols:

   • Reputable companies routinely test their products for pathogens and share test results with customers. Avoid suppliers who don’t openly discuss their safety practices.

4. Storage and Handling Standards:

   • Check whether the supplier maintains a strict cold chain (consistent freezing from production to delivery). Proper handling minimizes bacterial growth during transit.

5. Ingredient Transparency:

   • Opt for brands that clearly label all ingredients and avoid unnecessary additives. Single-source proteins are a plus for dogs with sensitivities.

6. Customer Reviews and Certifications:

   • Look for certifications from organizations like (FEDIAF) and ALL pet food companies selling food containing animal by products or animal parts MUST be DEFRA approved, ask for their approval number if unsure.

7. Educational Support:

   • A good supplier recognises risks associated with raw feeding and educates its customers on safe thawing, portioning, and feeding practices to reduce contamination risks at home.

Tips for Safely Handling Raw Dog Food at Home

Even when purchasing from a reliable supplier, proper handling at home is essential to maintaining safety:

• Thaw in the Refrigerator: Never thaw raw food at room temperature. Use the refrigerator to keep the food at a safe temperature while defrosting.

• Practice Hygiene: Wash your hands, utensils, and feeding bowls thoroughly with hot, soapy water after handling raw food.

• Feed Immediately: Once thawed, feed raw food promptly to limit bacterial growth.

• Use Separate Storage: Store raw pet food away from human food to avoid cross-contamination.

Conclusion

Freezing raw meat is not a substitute for proper bacterial control in raw dog food. To safely feed a raw diet, dog owners must rely on high-quality suppliers that prioritize pathogen reduction through effective kill steps and rigorous safety practices. By choosing wisely and handling raw food responsibly, you can provide your dog with the many nutritional benefits of a raw diet without compromising their health.