Because real food has a real shelf life — here's everything you need to know to keep your dog's meals at peak freshness from delivery to bowl.
Keep sealed in original container. Store at 40°F (4°C) or below. Keep toward the back of the fridge where it's coldest.
Transfer to a freezer-safe, airtight container or zip bag. Best used within 3 months for optimal nutrition and flavor.
Our containers are designed to maintain freshness. Only open the seal right before feeding. If you use your own container, choose glass or BPA-free plastic with an airtight lid.
Your refrigerator should be set at or below 40°F (4°C). Warmer fridges dramatically reduce shelf life. Store food toward the back, not in the door where temperature fluctuates most.
Refrigerated food should be used within 4 days of opening. We print the batch date on every container. If you're not sure when it was opened, when in doubt — freeze or discard. Never risk it.
When you receive a new delivery, move older containers to the front and newer ones to the back. Use the older food first to avoid waste.
Most dogs prefer food at room temperature or slightly warm. Remove the portion from the fridge 10–15 minutes before serving, or gently warm it with a small amount of warm water stirred in. Never microwave — it can create hot spots and degrade nutrients.
If your order is larger than you'll use in 4 days, freeze the extra portions immediately upon delivery — not after they've been sitting in the fridge. Freshly frozen food retains more nutrition than food frozen after sitting.
Transfer to freezer-safe glass containers or heavy-duty zip-lock freezer bags. Remove as much air as possible before sealing to prevent freezer burn. Label with the freeze date.
Frozen food remains safe to eat indefinitely at 0°F, but quality (texture, taste, and nutrient retention) begins to decline after 3 months. For the best experience, use within this window.
Once food has been fully thawed, do not refreeze it. Partial refreezing significantly increases bacterial risk. Thaw only the amount you'll use in the next 24–48 hours.
Use a permanent marker or freezer label tape. Note the recipe name, freeze date, and dog's name if you have multiple pets on different recipes. Organization prevents waste.
Move the frozen portion from the freezer to the refrigerator the evening before you plan to use it. Allow 12–24 hours for a full 1-lb container to thaw completely. This is the safest method — it keeps the food cold throughout the thawing process and prevents any bacterial growth. Food thawed this way can be stored in the fridge for up to 24 hours before use.
Place the sealed container in a bowl of cold water. Change the water every 30 minutes. A 1-lb portion typically thaws in 1–2 hours this way. Important: the water must stay cold — do not use warm or hot water, as this raises the food surface temperature into the bacterial danger zone (40°F–140°F). Feed immediately after thawing — do not refrigerate afterward.
If you need to serve a portion immediately and it's still partially frozen, place the sealed container in warm (not hot) water for 5–10 minutes to loosen the food. Serve immediately. This method is for warming a partially thawed portion only — not for fully thawing frozen food.
❌ Do not thaw at room temperature on the counter — the outside warms quickly while the inside stays frozen, creating perfect conditions for bacterial growth.
❌ Do not use the microwave — hot spots can burn your dog's mouth and destroy heat-sensitive nutrients.
❌ Do not refreeze partially thawed food.
❌ Do not leave thawed food in the bowl for more than 2 hours. Discard anything your dog doesn't eat within that window.
Natural, savory aroma consistent with cooked meat and vegetables. Firm, moist texture that holds its shape. No visible mold or discoloration beyond the natural colors of the ingredients. Broth, if present, is clear to lightly golden. Your dog is eager and excited to eat.
Sour, sharp, or "off" smell that differs from when first opened. Slimy or excessively wet texture. Visible mold (any color). Significant color changes — graying of proteins, unusual yellowing. Your dog shows disinterest or sniffs and walks away. When in doubt — throw it out. Your dog's health is worth more than one meal.
Now that you know how to keep it fresh, let's get your dog's first order started. Free delivery anywhere in Katy.
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