How to Choose the Best Freezer for Storing Raw Dog Food
If you're feeding your dog a raw diet, whether it's Bones and Raw Food (BARF) or Prey Model Raw (PMR) finding the best freezer for raw dog food is more important than you might think. Proper freezer storage not only preserves the freshness of your dog's meals but also keeps harmful bacteria at bay.
At Raw Dogs Dorset, we know how much thought goes into raw feeding, and choosing the right freezer can make all the difference. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know — from freezer types and features to frozen storage tips that keep your raw dog food safe and organised.
Why Freezer Storage Matters for Raw Dog Food
Storing raw food correctly is key to maintaining its nutritional value and ensuring it’s safe to eat.
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Raw meat can spoil quickly if not frozen properly, leading to health risks like salmonella or E. coli.
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According to DEFRA guidelines, pet food must be kept below -18°C to prevent bacterial growth.
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Freezing raw dog food ensures a longer shelf life, especially for bulk buyers.
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It helps retain the nutrients in raw meat, bones, and offal.
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It makes portioning and daily feeding much more manageable.
What Type of Freezer Is Best for Raw Dog Food?
When it comes to choosing between a chest freezer and an upright freezer, it depends on how much you feed, your available space, and how often you access the food.
Freezer Type Comparison Table
|
Feature |
Chest Freezer |
Upright Freezer |
|
Space Efficiency |
Larger capacity for bulk storage |
Smaller but better organised |
|
Access |
Harder to reach items at the bottom |
Easier to access shelves |
|
Footprint |
Requires more floor space |
Compact, fits in tight areas |
|
Cost |
Generally more affordable |
Usually higher price point |
|
Ideal For |
Multiple dogs, bulk raw feeding |
Daily feeders, smaller portions |
Chest freezers are great for those buying in bulk or feeding multiple dogs, while upright freezers offer better visibility and access for smaller households.
Key Features to Look for in a Raw Dog Food Freezer
Before buying, look out for these features to make freezer storage safe and efficient:
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Consistent Low Temperature: Must maintain -18°C or lower.
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Fast Freeze Mode: Quickly locks in freshness when adding new stock.
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Energy Efficiency: Look for A++ or better to reduce running costs.
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Storage Layout: Baskets and drawers help organise different proteins.
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Odour Control: Airtight compartments or sealed interiors prevent smells.
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Garage-Ready Models: Ideal if you're storing it in an outbuilding.
How Much Freezer Space Do You Need?
The size of your freezer depends on the number of dogs you have and how often you feed raw.
Suggested Freezer Size Table
|
Number of Dogs |
Weekly Food Needs |
Suggested Freezer Size |
|
1 Dog |
~2–3 kg/week |
30–40L |
|
2 Dogs |
~5–6 kg/week |
60–80L |
|
3+ Dogs |
10+ kg/week |
100L or more |
Tip: Always allow extra space for air circulation and new deliveries. If you prep DIY meals, you may need more space than those feeding pre-packed meals.
Frozen Raw Food Tips for Dog Owners
Make your freezer work harder and smarter with these organisation tips:
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Label Every Pack: Include date, protein type, and portion size.
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Use Freezer-Safe Bags or Containers: BPA-free, stackable options save space.
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Freeze Flat: Stack meals like books to use vertical space efficiently.
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FIFO Method: First In, First Out keeps older meals from being forgotten.
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Clean Regularly: Prevents odours and keeps bacteria at bay.
Recommended Freezers for Raw Dog Food in the UK
We’ve rounded up a few freezers that are ideal for UK dog owners storing raw meals:
1. Beko Chest Freezer – CF3205W
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Capacity: 205L
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Energy Rating: F (older scale, formerly A+)
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Great for garages and utility rooms
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Budget-friendly for bulk storage
2. Russell Hobbs Upright Freezer – RHUCFZ3W
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Capacity: 68L
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Compact, fits under worktops
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Manual defrost
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Ideal for 1–2 dogs
3. Hoover HFZE54W Undercounter Freezer
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Capacity: 82L
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Energy-efficient
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Fast-freeze function
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Frost-free feature saves time
You can find these models on Currys, AO.com, or Argos — many offer delivery and installation.
Final Tips to Store Raw Dog Food Safely
Storing raw dog food doesn’t have to be complicated. With the right freezer, you can:
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Save time and money by buying in bulk
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Protect your pet’s health by keeping food safe
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Make feeding more efficient with better organisation
Need help choosing or planning your raw feeding routine? Get in touch with Raw Dogs Dorset for product advice or browse our ready-to-freeze raw meal bundles — perfect for your new freezer setup.
Bonus Checklist: Freezer Do's and Don'ts
Do:
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Defrost and clean your freezer every 3–6 months
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Keep a log of food batches and expiry dates
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Use stackable storage boxes to divide proteins
Don't:
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Refreeze thawed raw food
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Overload the freezer to the point of poor air circulation
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Store pet food with human food (if you can avoid it)
Explore our full range of raw dog food bundles 👉 here
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