Packaging and serving meals
Food Safety First
Always use clean hands and sterilized bowls, utensils, and equipment, preferably solely used for raw food preparation.
Raw feeding requires careful attention to hygiene.
How to handle and package the meat
meat handling
- Prepare food within 24 hours of getting the meat.
- Store meat in the coldest section of the refrigerator when awaiting preparation.
- Never use meat that smells unusual or appears discolored.
Better safe than sorry.
Packaging Meals
- Place a freezer-safe bag on a food scale.
- Portion the correct amount of food.
- Flatten the bag.
- Remove as much air as possible.
- Seal the bag tightly.
- Freeze all packets immediately.
Tip: The flatter the packets, the faster they will defrost.
How to safely freeze and defrost the food
Proper storage is essential for maintaining freshness and food safety.
Freezer Storage
It is preferable to freeze the meat for 3 days before serving it to your cat.
Removing excess air when packaging helps prevent freezer burn and preserves food quality.
Placing fresh packets directly on top of already frozen packets also causes freezer burn.
The food can remain frozen for up to six months.
Refrigerator Storage
Move one packet from the freezer to the refrigerator the day before feeding. If you forget follow the instructions under quick defrosting methods below.
Store it in the coldest part of the refrigerator.
Once thawed, food should ideally be used within 24 hours, although it can generally remain refrigerated for up to three days.
Room Temperature Guidelines
Do not leave raw food at room temperature for extended periods.
If food has been sitting out for more than two hours, discard it.
Quick Defrosting Method
If you forget to thaw a meal overnight:
- Keep the package sealed.
- Place it in a bowl of cold water.
- Replace the water as the package warms.
- Continue until thawed.
Never use hot water, as it can cause the outer layers of the food to warm too quickly and create conditions that allow bacteria to multiply.
How to serve the meals
Serve food at a cool or slightly warm temperature.
If needed:
- Add warm water.
- Never use hot water.
- Never microwave raw food.
Microwaving can damage nutrients and partially cook ingredients.
Portioning Meals
If one package contains a full day's food:
- Divide it equally between your cat's daily meals.
- Two meals per day = divide into halves.
- Three meals per day = divide into thirds.
Perfect precision is not necessary at every meal as long as your cat receives the entire daily portion.
Trust Your Cat
Cats are often sensitive to changes in food quality. If your cat suddenly refuses a meal they normally enjoy, inspect the food carefully before offering it again.
