To successfully implement a raw food diet for your pets, you need to plan ahead for each meal. Determining the necessary time for safe thawing may take some getting used to; it's not like feeding kibble or canned food. So, what's the best method for thawing raw food?

Thawing in the refrigerator compartment

There's no doubt that the best method is to thaw the food overnight in the refrigerator. Place the meat in a sealed container and store it in the bottom compartment overnight. Thawing a 500g portion using this method will take about 10-12 hours. It's best to prepare enough meals for 2-3 days, depending on the space available in your refrigerator. Raw meat should be consumed within 3 days if stored in the refrigerator using this method.

What about thawing on the countertop?

No, don't do this; it's too warm. What happens is that the outer layer thaws while the middle remains frozen. This encourages bacterial growth on the thawed portion when it reaches room temperature. The danger zone is between 40-140 degrees Fahrenheit (4-60 degrees Celsius), where bacteria start to multiply. Remember that you won't be cooking it afterward; they will eat it as it is.

Thawing with cold water

You can try thawing with cold water, which takes about 15-20 minutes. Place the raw food in a watertight bag and immerse it in a basin of cold water. Do not use hot water (this may even partially cook the outer layer of meat if it's too hot).

Is thawing in the microwave appropriate?

Thawing in the microwave has its pros and cons. When thawing using a microwave, for products that must be consumed raw such as FRESH MEAT or NUTRITIOUS MEAT, it's important to pay attention to the temperature and time to avoid overcooking the meat, which can lead to the loss of nutrients or changes in the food's structure.

Depending on your time management and the feeding schedule for your pets, calculate the thawing time and portion size in advance to ensure they are full and fed at the right time. Also, consider the appropriate thawing method to maintain the nutritional value of the raw food.

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