If you have a cat or small dog, one package of food could last longer than our recommended 2-3 days in the fridge. Here’s how we recommend portioning and prepping the food so it stays fresh!
What You'll Need:
▪ Air-tight containers (i.e., mason jars, meal prep containers/Tupperware, baggies, etc.)
▪ Knife
▪ Food scale (optional, but better for more accurate measurements)
▪ Gloves and/or Spatula
Step 1:
Defrost the desired amount of food. In this example, we are thawing 2 lbs of Viva for approximately 10 days' worth of food. Thaw the food in the fridge (preferably in a drawer or the very back of a low shelf) for about 8-18 hours.
TIP: For maximum freshness, thaw the food until it is just soft enough to cut with a knife but still stiff.
Step 2:
Portion your daily feeding amount into each container. You can use a food scale to measure or divide the package into even sections according to the diagram below.
Step 3:
Once everything has been portioned properly, store in the freezer, and take out the next day’s portion the day before to thaw in the fridge.
** Note that once meat is exposed to air, it begins to oxidize. This is where the bright red color of the meat can turn into a dark/pale brown. It’s perfectly safe to feed, and similar to an apple starting to brown once you’ve cut it. It doesn’t mean the apple is unsafe or unfresh; it’s just a color change.
Is it Safe to Refreeze Raw Meat?
Most concerns around refreezing meat are related to changes in flavor and texture. Refreezing meat can cause loss of moisture, change in texture, or freezer burn, which will not affect the safety or general meal preference of pets 🐾
Per USDA guidelines, refreezing meat that has not exceeded refrigerator temperature (40°F) is perfectly safe! For maximum freshness, we recommend refreezing only once after the package is opened.