Keeping Your Family Safe While Feeding

Feeding - By Staff Writer on Monday, August 9, 2010 - 15:46

With all the news of Salmonella outbreaks from dog food its easy to think that everyone is coming down with food borne illnesses.  While it is possible to contract illnesses from feeding your dog, it is still very unlikely.  Whether you feed your dog raw, canned or dry kibble, there are a few things you can do to make sure your family is safe from food borne illness. 

Feed Your Dog Outside Of The Kitchen
According to recent research, feeding in the kitchen increases the likelihood 4 fold that you or your family will get sick from dog food.  Pick a location that is away from the kitchen and get used to feeding your dog in the same spot every time.  If you keep the food location the same your dog will know where to go for dinner and it will make cleanup easier.

The best spot to feed is a crate.  This not only gives your dog a secure place to eat it also helps them think positively about their crate - two birds with one stone!  Just make sure children stay away from the feeding area while your dog is eating.

Feed On A Non Porous Surface
Feeding on linoleum is better than feeding on cement.  Pick a spot to feed your dog that has a non porous surface.  This will keep bacteria from building in cracks and pores and make it easier to clean.  If you do not have a floor surface that is non porous you can place a mat under the dog bowls to pick up spills.

Wash Your Hands After Feeding
Always wash your hands after handling food.  Use an antibacterial soap and warm water and wash fully to prevent the spread of bacteria.

Clean Food And Water Bowls Often
We recommend using dishwasher safe bowls and washing them after each feeding.  For water bowls you can wash them daily.  You would not want to eat off a dirty bowl and neither does your dog.  Food buildup houses germs that can cause your dog to become very sick so make sure they have a clean place to eat.

Follow Food Handling Instructions
Regardless of what you feed, it is important to follow proper food storage and handling guidelines.  Always keep meet frozen when not being used and clean surfaces and utensils immediately after coming in contact with raw food.  Store dry food in air tight containers to prevent pests and refrigerate opened cans of wet food.  Keeping your dogs food fresh will help keep your dog and your family safe from illness.