The Just Food For Dogs Fresh Frozen range is a godsend. It’s makes offering premium nutrition considerably more convenient.
Though, since Just Food for Dogs uses human-grade ingredients that are frozen at peak freshness, proper thawing is key to preserving nutrients ad ensuring safety.
If you’ve made the switch to this excellent brand like I have, you may be wondering how to safely thaw their frozen food to serve your dog.
I’d love to share the simple process I follow to thaw Just Food for Dogs meals to room temperature.
In this article, I’ll walk you through the optimal ways I’ve found to safely thaw and defrost Just Food for Dogs meals after months of feeding their Chicken and White Rice Recipe to my dog.
How To Thaw Just Food For Dogs
Thawing Via The Refrigerator
Thawing food in the refrigerator – A Patience Game
Whenever I opt for the refrigerator method, I always remind myself of one key word: patience.
I can’t count the number of times I’ve mistakenly thought a quick couple of hours would do the trick, only to find the food still frozen solid.
It’s a rookie mistake.
With larger packages, like the JFFD 72-ounce Turkey and Whole Wheat Macaroni, I’ve learned that a full day is necessary to properly thaw it.
To make things simple, for every 5 pounds of frozen dog food, you should allocate approximately 24 hours of thawing time in the refrigerator.
Hence, the smaller 7- and 18-ounce packages from JFFD will typically thaw overnight.
Another advantage of using the refrigerator method?
If you’re like me and sometimes find yourself preparing too much food, anything thawed in the refrigerator can be safely refrozen.
This has been especially handy when I’ve wanted to split a larger 72-ounce package into smaller portions for my dog.
Thawing Via The Cold Water
Thawing Food with Cold Water – The Swift Alternative
While I tend to favor the refrigerator method due to its safety, there are times when I’ve needed a quicker solution.
For those moments, cold water thawing has been my go-to.
However, a word of caution: Make sure the packaging is intact.
It’s important to double-check for any punctures or leaks.
Any compromise in the package can allow water to contaminate the food, and we definitely don’t want that.
I’ve made it a ritual to inspect every inch of the package before submerging it in water.
Once you’re sure of the package’s integrity, fully submerge it in cold tap water.
To ensure even thawing, I’ve found it’s essential to change the water every 15-30 minutes.
Using this method, the smaller 7- and 18-ounce JFFD packages often thaw in an hour or less.
Larger packages, like the 72-ounce, generally require around 3 to 5 hours.
However, do remember, once thawed this way, it’s a no-go for refreezing.
Things To Consider When Thawing and Defrosting Just Food for Dogs
As I’ve learned from my experience, thawing and defrosting Just Food for Dogs (JFFD) requires special attention.
Here are some essential factors to keep in mind:
Understanding Your Dog’s Meal Portions
Before you begin the thawing process, it’s essential to understand how much food your dog will consume in a meal or a day.
By doing so, you can defrost just the right amount, minimizing waste and ensuring freshness in every bite.
Safety First
Always ensure that the food packaging is intact, especially when using the cold water thawing method.
Any tears or punctures can compromise the quality of the food, and that’s the last thing we want for our furry companions.
Optimal Storage Conditions
Remember that after thawing, Just Food for Dogs should be stored in the refrigerator and consumed within a specific timeframe.
Always refer to the packaging for guidance on this to ensure your dog gets the freshest meal possible.
Related Guides:
- How Long Does Just Food For Dogs Last? [Full Guidelines]
- Where Can I Buy Just Food For Dogs? [Here Is The Best Place]
I am an experienced pet owner with decades of experience owning a number of different pets, from traditional pets like dogs and cats, to the more exotic like reptiles and rodents. I currently own a Cockapoo (pictured) called Bailey. I am also the main writer and chief editor here at Pet Educate; a site dedicated to sharing evidence-based insights and guidance, based on my vast pet ownership knowledge, experience, and extensive research.