When the weather heats up, it's even more important to store your pet's food correctly. Poppy’s Picnic meals are made from fresh, natural ingredients, so handling them with care protects their nutritional value — and your pet’s health. Here’s how to keep everything in top condition, even in the summer months.

Check Your Fridge Temperature

According to the UK Food Standards Agency, fridges should run at or below 5°C to keep food safe. We recommend using a fridge thermometer to make sure your appliance stays within this range. Store Poppy’s Picnic meals on the middle shelf, away from the door where temperatures fluctuate most.

Freezer Guidelines

Your freezer should be set to -18°C. This temperature keeps meals safely preserved for months without compromising quality. Poppy’s Picnic food arrives frozen to lock in freshness — so pop it straight in the freezer until you’re ready to use it. Always check for signs of freezer burn or thawing if there's been a power cut or a door left open.

How to Defrost Poppy’s Picnic Properly

• Defrost in the fridge overnight, ideally in a sealed container to avoid cross-contamination.
• Do not leave meals out on the side to defrost — this can promote harmful bacterial growth.
• Once thawed, use within 48 hours and do not refreeze.

Best Storage Containers

To store our raw meals safely:

• Use airtight containers to prevent leaks and keep other food safe.
• Label with the date you opened or defrosted the food.
• Store on a fridge shelf (not in the door) or in a clean section of the freezer.

Handy Storage Tips

• Use our POWER BALLS if you’re feeding small portions — the 30g meatballs are easy to defrost and portion individually.
• Keep meals organised with stackable BPA-free containers or freezer bags with zip locks.
• Wipe down shelves weekly and always wash your hands after handling raw food.

Expert Advice

Dr. Michael Ng, a food safety scientist, advises: “The danger zone for perishable food begins at temperatures above 8°C. Raw pet food must be kept chilled or frozen at all times to prevent the growth of bacteria like Salmonella or Listeria.”

And as our very own Sophie says, “Because our food is naturally balanced and free from preservatives, it deserves proper care — just like fresh meat from the butcher.”

Final Thoughts

Our food is naturally balanced and free from preservatives, so it’s essential to store it correctly — just like fresh butcher’s meat. Keep your fridge at or below 5°C, your freezer at -18°C, and always defrost meals in the fridge, not on the counter. Good storage habits mean your pet gets every bit of the freshness and nutrition we pack into every meal.

Explore our naturally balanced raw meals for dogs and cats here: Shop Poppy’s Picnic Food