Can I defrost raw dog food on the counter?

The safest way is overnight in the fridge — just place the sealed roll on the bottom shelf. A 454g roll usually takes 10-12 hours to thaw this way.

Once defrosted, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and use within 2-3 days.

Can I defrost raw dog food on the counter?

No, we do not recommend defrosting raw food on the countertop. It may seem convenient, but it can actually be unsafe. The outside of the food thaws quickly while the inside stays frozen, which creates the perfect environment for harmful bacteria to grow, especially as it reaches room temperature.

What if I forget to take it out the night before?

If you forget to defrost the food in the fridge, you can use the cold-water method:

• Keep the food sealed or in a waterproof bag.
• Submerge it in cold or lukewarm water (never hot).
• Change the water every 20 minutes to speed up the process.
• It should thaw within 1-2 hours depending on portion size.

Avoid using hot water as it can start cooking the outside of the meat, especially if bone is present, which may make it brittle and unsafe.