Safe Handling of Raw Dog Food (& Kibble)

Last Updated: June 11, 2026

Keeping Your Family and Pets Safe 

Every few months, headlines about Salmonella and pet food seem to make the rounds again.

And if you’ve ever wondered whether feeding raw is safe, you’re certainly not alone. It’s one of the most common questions we hear.

The truth is, bacteria such as Salmonella and E. coli aren’t exclusive to raw diets. They’ve been found in kibble, treats, and even many foods we prepare for ourselves.

The good news?

Safe food handling doesn’t have to be complicated.

Whether your dog eats raw, canned, freeze-dried, gently cooked, or kibble, a few simple habits can help keep both your furry family members and the humans in the house safe.

After all, preparing your dog’s dinner shouldn’t feel scarier than preparing your own.

Is Salmonella a Risk?

Like any food, pet food carries some level of risk.

Healthy dogs have highly acidic stomachs and shorter digestive tracts than we do, which provides some natural protection against harmful bacteria. However, dogs can still become ill, and they may shed bacteria in their stool even without showing symptoms.

That’s one reason why proper food handling and hygiene matter, regardless of what type of food you feed.

Fortunately, the same common-sense practices you use in your own kitchen can go a long way.

1. Good Handwashing Is Your Best Friend

It sounds simple because it is.

Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water before and after handling pet food, treats, bowls, or waste.

A few seconds at the sink can make a big difference.

2. Keep Pet Food Equipment Separate

Dedicated scoops, cutting boards, utensils, and food bowls help reduce the risk of cross-contamination.

Stainless steel and ceramic bowls are easy to clean and make excellent choices.

And yes, your kibble scoop deserves its own career path and should avoid moonlighting in the silverware drawer.

3. Store Food Properly

Raw Food

Keep raw food frozen until you’re ready to use it.

Thaw it in the refrigerator or in cold water rather than on the countertop.

Many dogs enjoy their meals partially frozen, especially during warmer months.

Kibble

Kibble is generally best stored in its original bag, which is designed to help preserve freshness.

If you prefer using a storage bin, consider placing the entire bag inside the container instead of pouring the food directly into it. Regular cleaning of the container is also important.

For the best quality, use opened kibble within the time frame recommended by the manufacturer.

4. Treat Pet Food Like Any Other Food

If you’d clean up after making chicken for your family, you’ll already have most of the skills needed for handling pet food safely.

Wash preparation surfaces with hot soapy water, sanitize when appropriate, and avoid leaving food sitting out for extended periods.

Nothing fancy required.

5. Don’t Forget the Bowls

Food bowls and water dishes deserve regular cleaning.

Water bowls, in particular, are easy to overlook and can develop a slippery biofilm over time.

Thankfully, dishwashers are wonderfully unbiased and are happy to clean dog dishes too.

6. Avoid Leaving Food Out All Day

Whether you’re feeding raw, canned food, or kibble, meals are generally best served fresh.

If your dog isn’t interested right away, refrigerate leftovers and offer them again later.

Monitoring meals can also help you notice changes in appetite, which is often one of the earliest signs that something isn’t quite right.

7. Special Considerations for Young Children and Vulnerable Family Members

Homes with babies, elderly individuals, pregnant women, or anyone with a compromised immune system should take extra care with food hygiene.

Keeping feeding areas clean and discouraging enthusiastic post-dinner kisses for a little while can help reduce unnecessary exposure.

8. Choose Brands You Trust

One of the best ways to reduce risk is to buy food from reputable manufacturers that prioritize quality control and food safety.

Many companies follow HACCP (Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point) programs, which are widely used throughout human food production to identify and manage potential risks.

At Poochie Moochie, food safety is one of the many things we consider when choosing the brands we carry.

The Bottom Line

Raw food doesn’t need to be feared, and kibble doesn’t need to be demonized.

No matter how you feed your dog, safe handling practices matter.

Wash your hands.

Keep bowls clean.

Store food properly.

Choose brands you trust.

And then get back to the fun part: enjoying life with your dog.

Because that’s what really matters.