Frozen Food FAQ
Have Questions About Feeding fresh?
We Have Answers.
Is it a balanced diet?
Yes. The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) is the entity that sets ingredient definitions and sets the minimum and maximum allowance of everything going into animal feed. Commercially prepared diets must meet these standards.
Is it a hassle to deal with?
You might need to plan ahead just a little, and you will want to clean your pet’s bowl regularly. Most customers that feed frozen food have a system where a meal or two is in the refrigerator. Once one meal comes out then another moves up from the freezer.
PRO TIP: Use glass storage containers. They can double as a bowl for the meal. When your pet is finished, simply put the bowl in the dishwasher and the cycle can start all over.
TRAVELING:
Check your food company’s website to see if there is a store convenient to your destination. (Dolittle’s sees plenty of travelers feeding frozen food on their vacay!)
Feed freeze dried food. Freeze dried food is just as valuable as frozen they just need rehydrating. Freeze dried food is easier to take on the road.
Feed canned food. High quality canned food compares more closely to frozen food than does dry food.
Hey. You’re on vacation, try something new. A couple of days of new food won’t throw your pet off. Add a digestive enzyme or some sweet potato to make a troublesome transition easier.
Is it expensive?
Dolittle’s has found that feeding frozen foods costs less than feeding canned food. Not only does it cost less than canned food, you feed less as well. At Dolittle’s we talk to customers about how just a little frozen food can go a long way to improving general health. The question then becomes how much frozen food will fit in your budget?
Is it gross
Don’t forget that you are feeding a dog (or cat). Gross is the human equivalent of a wine’s “fine bouquet.” Thawed frozen pet food is really no different in taste, texture, or temperature than the typical canned food. Appearance and odor are also very similar to canned foods.
Is it safe?
Commercially prepared frozen food is safe. Commercial food has to comply with AAFCO standards (see above) and meet FDA safety standards (no Salmonella, Listeria, etc). Most commercial frozen foods use pasteurization and/or test and holding for safety. In SC, the Department of Agriculture visits stores like Dolittle’s to insure that pet foods are compliant to state regulations.
Do veterinarians approve?
Yes. A growing number of veterinarians approve of frozen diets that are properly balanced and safely made. Veterinarian nutritionists in particular understand the importance of fresh and natural diets. In fact, some fresh food manufacturers have a veterinarian on staff to make sure important criteria is being met. If your personal veterinarian remains skeptical, be sure to ask them why.