Basics in food and water hygiene for animals feeding

Food preservation:

The rules are the same as for human food:

Means of preservation

• Seeds, hay, and dry food: in a dry, cool, protected from light, rodents and insects place. Maximum duration: 1 year
• Fresh and wet food:
  • between 5° and 60° (in the feeders): Maximum duration 3 hours
  • between 0° and 4° (in the fridge)
    • home maid or purchased fresh: Maximum duration from 1 day (fish, meal) to 5 weeks (eggs)
    • store food: respect the indications of the manufacturer
  • under -18° (in the freezer):
    • Maximum duration: 4 to 6 months
    • keep in waterproof bag to avoid dehydration
    • defrosting: 24 hours in a fridge
    • never refreeze a food wich has been defrosted

Hygiene of containers

• must be regularly cleaned and disinfected
• the temperature of fridge and freezer has to be regularly checked

Manipulation

• always wash your hands before preparing food
• do not use wooden tools

Water hygiene:

• the water of the supply network can be use
• mineral water is better: choose a little mineralized water, with a slightly acid pH  (just below 7)
• rain water is not recommended
• change water each day