If the meat you are looking for is not in your supermarket, check out your neighborhood butcher shop.
Once you get to know your butcher and you're a regular customer, you will be able to trust him/her to not only give you fresh meat, but also some good discounts.
They will always have a good supply of meat for your dog.
TIP: Ask the butcher where he/she sources their meat.
This will assure you that the meat is raised well and free from parasites and bacteria.
1.
Buy Human-Grade Meat at all Times: This is the best and safest meat you can buy and it is deemed safe for human consumption.
2.
Buying Frozen Raw Beef: If the meat has been exposed to temperatures above 38F - 40F for some time, you will see liquid in the package.
This should be a sign for you NOT to buy it.
It may just look like blood, but it's not.
Fresh frozen meat will never have any signs of liquid in the package.
3.
Buying Beef: Check the color.
It should always be a bright cherry red without any dark or grayish spots on it.
If the beef you buy is vacuum sealed, you'll notice the change in color five to ten minutes after the package is opened.
If it has a color other than bright cherry red ...
take it back immediately! 4.
Buying Poultry: Make sure it has an inspection seal that states it is safe for human consumption.
This goes for duck, chicken, turkey, goose or game hens.
5.
Buying Pork: The meat should be smooth and firm with fine grains on it.
The color should be somewhat pinkish to grayish.
It's best to choose cuts that have a moderate amount of fat around it and there should never be a foul odor coming from the meat.
6.
Buying Game: Make it a habit to find out where the game was shot and/or caught.
This will tell you how long the meat has been kept and what area it was caught in.
If it's been several days don't even think about buying it.
TIP: The age of your game is very important.
The younger the game, the tastier the meat and the more tender it will be.
(especially feathered game) This will make it easier for your dog to eat since the bones will still be soft.
Whether you buy your meat fresh or frozen, please make sure it's the last thing you put in your grocery basket before you check out so you can be assured of its freshness buy the time you get home.
One thing you can keep in mind, is that when buying meat for your dog, think of it as buying meat for yourself.
All the same rules apply.