Is Fresh Dog Food Safe During Power Outages?

Fresh dog food is only safe during a power outage if it has stayed cold, specifically, below 40°F. Once the temperature rises above that point, bacteria can start to grow, and the food may no longer be safe to eat. According to the USDA, perishable food in a refrigerator without power can stay safe for up to four hours, as long as the door stays closed.

If you’re feeding your dog Ollie, the same food safety rules apply. Our meals are gently cooked, free from preservatives, and meant to be refrigerated or frozen until served. If the power is out for more than a few hours, it’s important to check the temperature or move the food to a cooler with ice packs.

Why Temperature Matters for Fresh Dog Food

Fresh dog food, like Ollie, skips the artificial preservatives found in traditional kibble. That’s great for your dog’s health, but it also means proper storage is more important. Just like human food, fresh meals can spoil if they aren’t kept cold.

Once the temperature climbs above 40°F, harmful bacteria can multiply quickly. The USDA warns that perishable food held above that range for over two hours may no longer be safe to eat. That same rule applies to your dog’s food.

Keeping fresh dog food cold isn’t just about maintaining texture or flavor, it’s about protecting your dog from foodborne illness.

How Long Fresh Dog Food Lasts Without Power

If you lose power, the clock starts ticking. In a closed refrigerator, fresh food can stay safe for about four hours. After that, if the internal temperature goes above 40°F, the risk of spoilage increases.

Freezers give you more time. A full freezer can keep food frozen for up to 48 hours without power. If it’s only half full, that drops to around 24 hours. To get the most out of that time, avoid opening the doors unless absolutely necessary.

If you’re unsure whether the food stayed cold enough, use a food thermometer. If the temperature is above 40°F or the food feels warm to the touch, it’s best to toss it.

What To Do If You Lose Power

If your power goes out, the first thing to do is keep your fridge and freezer doors closed. Every time you open them, you let cold air out and speed up the warming process. That extra hour or two can make the difference in keeping your dog’s food safe.

If it looks like the outage will last more than four hours, transfer Ollie meals to a cooler packed with ice or frozen gel packs. Try to keep the cooler out of direct sunlight and check the temperature when you can. A digital food thermometer is a good tool to have on hand for exactly this kind of situation.

Before serving any food, give it a sniff and a look. If something seems off, trust your instincts.

Can I Refreeze Ollie Meals After a Power Outage?

It depends on the temperature of the food. If your Ollie meals still have ice crystals or stayed below 40°F during the outage, it’s safe to refreeze them. But if the food has completely thawed and feels warm, don’t put it back in the freezer, it’s better to throw it out than risk your dog getting sick.

Label anything you’re unsure about, and don’t serve food that has any signs of spoilage. If you need to stretch your remaining supply, you can also mix Ollie fresh dog food with a shelf-stable option like our baked food until you’re back on a stable power source.

Best Backup Options During Extended Outages

If you’re facing a long-term power outage, having a backup plan is key. Ollie baked food is one of the best solutions. It’s shelf-stable, nutritionally complete, and designed to pair well with our fresh meals. You can keep a few bags in the pantry for emergencies, just in case.

Other good options include:

• Canned dog food with no added preservatives
  
• Freeze-dried or dehydrated meals that only need water
  
• Gently cooked food you’ve stored in a cooler with fresh ice
  

Whatever you choose, make sure the food meets your dog’s dietary needs and doesn’t rely on refrigeration. Rotating your emergency food supply every few months ensures you always have a fresh backup ready to go.

Signs Fresh Dog Food Has Gone Bad

Even if the food looks okay, it’s important to know the warning signs that it might not be safe. Spoiled dog food often shows the same signs as spoiled human food:

• A sour, unpleasant smell
  
• A slimy or sticky texture
  
• Discoloration or visible mold
  
• Your dog suddenly refuses to eat it
  

Dogs are smart and usually won’t eat food that smells off, but not all dogs will turn it down. If there’s any doubt, it’s safest to throw it out. One bad meal isn’t worth a trip to the vet.

Keep It Cold or Discard It

Fresh dog food is only safe if it’s kept cold. During a power outage, the most important thing is to prevent the food from rising above 40°F. In the fridge, that gives you about four hours of buffer time. In a freezer, you may have a day or two, depending on how full it is.

If you can’t confirm the food stayed cold, don’t serve it. Ollie baked recipes are a great backup for situations like this, giving you peace of mind and your dog consistent nutrition, no matter what’s happening outside.

FAQs

Can I feed my dog cold fresh food after a power outage?

Yes, as long as the food stayed under 40°F. Cold food is safe, and many dogs have no problem eating it straight from the fridge.

Is Ollie still safe to eat if the power was out for a few hours?

If the fridge stayed closed and the food was under 40°F, it should be fine. Use a thermometer to be sure.

Can I refreeze Ollie after it thaws in a power outage?

Only if it’s still cold and has ice crystals. If the food is fully thawed and warmed up, don’t refreeze it.

What should I do if I have no refrigeration and no backup food?

Check with your vet or local pet supply store. Many carry shelf-stable options that can get you through until power is restored.