Can I Microwave Fresh Dog Food?

While it may be tempting to pop your pup’s food in the microwave to take the chill off, especially if it’s frozen, Ollie’s Food Safety and Quality Assurance team doesn’t recommend it. That’s because microwaving can degrade the nutrients in fresh food and can cause it to spoil more quickly, among other things. Below, we’ll walk you through why and share safe ways to warm up and thaw your pup’s food. 

Learn more about Ollie’s fresh recipes →

Is it safe to microwave fresh dog food?

The short answer is no. Fresh-frozen recipes like Ollie’s are made with real, human-grade ingredients and gently cooked at low temperatures—an approach designed to lock in as much nutrition and flavor as possible. A blast of intense, uneven heat from the microwave strips away the goodness we worked hard to preserve and introduces a few risks that aren’t worth taking. 

Here’s what microwaving fresh dog food can do:

• Degrade nutrients: The high heat of a microwave can break down heat-sensitive vitamins and nutrients that make a fresh meal worthwhile.
• Speed up spoilage: From a food-safety standpoint, warming food up actually accelerates bacterial growth if it isn’t eaten right away. A bowl of warm food is a friendlier place for bacteria to start growing than one served freshly thawed. 
• Cause sparking: The supplemented premix of vitamins and minerals that makes Ollie complete and balanced can react in the microwave and cause sparking.

How to safely thaw frozen dog food

Ollie’s fresh recipes arrive frozen, so thawing is just part of the routine. Here’s how to safely bring a meal up to temperature before serving up to your pup. 

• Thaw in the fridge overnight. Move packs from the freezer to your refrigerator about 24 hours ahead. Once thawed, they’ll stay good to serve for up to 4 days.
• In a pinch, submerge the pack in cold water. For a faster thaw, submerge the unopened pack in a bowl of cold water. Keep it sealed the whole time—an open pack lets water in and invites bacteria, which defeats the purpose.
• Build in a buffer: Keeping a day or two of thawed meals in the fridge means you’re never caught scrambling. 

How to warm fresh dog food without a microwave

Once a meal is thawed, some dogs still prefer it with the chill off, especially in cooler months. If yours turns up their nose at a cold bowl, you have a couple of safe, simple options:

• Add warm water or broth. Stir in a spoonful of warm (never hot) water or a no-sodium, onion- and garlic-free bone broth. It lifts the aroma and warms the meal in one move.
• Let it rest on the counter. Pull the meal out of the fridge 10–15 minutes before serving so it comes up to room temperature on its own. Do not let it sit on the counter for more than 30 minutes. 

Is Ollie packaging microwave-safe? 

Ollie packaging, including the Puptainer and plastic wrappers, isn’t made to go in the microwave. Heating plastic can cause it to crack, give off a chemical smell, or leach into your pup’s food. We recommend keeping both the food and the packaging out of the microwave altogether. 

The bottom line: Skip the microwave

Ollie’s fresh recipes are gently cooked to lock in nutrition and flavor, and popping them in the microwave works against all of it. To take the chill off or win over a picky eater, reach for a splash of warm water or broth, or let the meal rest on the counter for a few minutes instead. Your dog gets a bowl they love, and you keep every bit of the goodness you signed up for.

Learn more about Ollie’s fresh recipes →

FAQs

Can I microwave Ollie fresh food in the plastic container?

No, microwaving plastic can release harmful chemicals and create uneven heating.

Is cold food bad for dogs?

Not at all. Most dogs are perfectly fine eating food straight from the fridge. Ollie meals are fully cooked and safe to serve cold.

What if my dog refuses cold food?

Try letting the food sit out for 10 to 15 minutes or gently thaw it. You can also mix in a little warm broth or a small topper to entice them.

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The Ollie blog is devoted to helping pet parents lead healthier lives with their pups. If you want to learn more about our fresh, human-grade food, check out ollie.com.

Disclaimer: This article and the Ollie blog is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If your dog is showing signs of illness and/or injury, always consult your veterinarian promptly. Every dog is different, and any dietary change should be discussed with your veterinarian. Ollie is not a prescription or therapeutic diet and is not intended to prevent, treat, or manage any medical condition. Always work with your vet to determine the best care plan for your individual pup, especially if they’ve been diagnosed with a health condition.