Quick Answer
Keep Open Farm frozen dog food in your freezer at 0°F or below until you're ready to serve. Thaw only what your dog will eat in a day or two in the refrigerator, and never refreeze thawed portions. Always handle the pouches with clean hands and wash bowls after each meal to prevent bacterial growth.
Why Proper Storage Matters
Open Farm Gently Cooked recipes are made with human-grade ingredients and ship frozen in pouches to preserve freshness. The gentle cooking process retains nutrients, but like any fresh food, improper storage can lead to spoilage or bacterial growth. Keeping the food consistently frozen at the right temperature ensures it stays safe and nutritious for your dog.
Understanding the Freezer Requirements
Your home freezer should be set to 0°F (-18°C) or lower. If your freezer has a temperature dial, use a thermometer to verify it's cold enough. Avoid storing the pouches in the freezer door, where temperature fluctuates more. Instead, place them in the main body of the freezer, ideally on a shelf where they won't be crushed or punctured.
Step-by-Step Storage and Thawing Guide
- Check the Freezer Temperature: Use a freezer thermometer to ensure your freezer is at 0°F (-18°C) or lower. Place the pouches in the main compartment, not the door, to avoid temperature swings. Checkpoint: If the freezer is above 0°F, adjust the setting and wait 24 hours before storing the food.
- Store Pouches Flat and Protected: Keep the frozen pouches in their original box or in a freezer-safe container to prevent punctures. Stack them flat to maximize space and maintain even freezing. Mistake to avoid: Don't store pouches near sharp objects or in the door where they can be damaged.
- Thaw Only What You Need: Transfer one pouch from the freezer to the refrigerator 12-24 hours before serving. Never thaw at room temperature or in warm water, as this can promote bacterial growth. Checkpoint: Thawed food should be used within 2-3 days. Never refreeze thawed portions.
- Serve and Handle Safely: Wash your hands before handling the food. Serve the thawed food in a clean bowl, and discard any uneaten portion after 30 minutes to prevent spoilage. Mistake to avoid: Leaving food out for extended periods can lead to contamination.
- Clean Up Properly: Wash the bowl and any utensils with hot, soapy water after each meal. Sanitize surfaces that came into contact with the raw food. Checkpoint: Regular cleaning prevents cross-contamination and keeps your kitchen safe.
Product Storage Facts
- Limited Edition Winter Blend Gently Cooked for Dogs: Limited Edition Winter Blend Gently Cooked for Dogs comes in a 16lb box containing 16 x 16oz pouches, with humanely-raised chicken and non-GMO winter veggies like pumpkin, sweet potatoes, and butternut squash. Each pouch is a single serving, so you can thaw only what you need without refreezing leftovers. The seasonal blend is a limited-time treat, so stock up while it's available and store the extra pouches in the freezer.
- Chicken & Turkey Gently Cooked Variety Pack: Chicken & Turkey Gently Cooked Variety Pack ships frozen in pouches to preserve freshness and includes two recipes for mealtime variety. The variety pack lets you alternate flavors, but each pouch must be kept frozen until thawing. The resealable nature of the pack helps you manage portions and maintain freshness.
By following these steps, you can keep Open Farm frozen dog food fresh and safe from freezer to bowl. Always prioritize hygiene and temperature control to give your dog the best nutrition without compromise.
