One of the most common questions we hear is:
“Do I have to prepare Dr. Harvey’s food fresh every day?”
The short answer? No, you don’t.
Preparing meals ahead of time is a simple, time-saving way to keep your dog’s meals consistent, nutritious, and stress-free especially for busy pet parents or multi-dog households. It also helps take the guesswork out of daily feeding, so you can feel confident knowing your dog is getting balanced, wholesome meals every day.
Whether you’re using one of our complete meals or a base mix paired with your own fresh protein and oil, preparing meals ahead of time is easy once you know how to scale your dog’s recipe.
Why Preparing Meals Ahead of Time Works
Dr. Harvey’s recipes are made with real, whole-food ingredients and they hold up beautifully when prepared in advance:
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Refrigerator: 3–5 days
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Freezer: up to 2 months
This flexibility allows you to prep several days—or even weeks—of meals at once, making consistent, wholesome feeding easier than ever.
Prepping ahead can also be especially helpful for dogs who thrive on routine. Having meals ready to go ensures consistency in portions and ingredients, which can support digestion and overall wellness.
Note: If you’re freezing meals, always add oil at the time of feeding. Adding oil before freezing can lead to oxidation and may cause digestive upset.
How to Prep Ahead: Step-by-Step
1. Start with Your Dog’s Daily Feeding Amounts
Your feeding guide provides daily portions for:
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Dr. Harvey’s mix
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Protein
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Oil
If you’re ever unsure about your dog’s ideal portions, it’s always a good idea to double-check with your veterinarian or reach out to our nutrition team for guidance.
2. Multiply by the Number of Days
Prepping ahead is simple:
Daily amount × Number of days = Total amount needed
Whether you’re prepping 3 days, 7 days, or stocking your freezer for the month, just scale your dog’s recipe accordingly.
This step makes it easy to stay organized and ensures your dog is getting consistent nutrition with every meal.
3. Use Scoop Conversions to Save Time
Skip the tedious measuring with these helpful scoop equivalents:
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Canine Health, Raw Vibrance, Veg-to-Bowl (Original):
Red scoop = 4 tablespoons = ¼ cup -
Paradigm & Fine Ground Veg-to-Bowl:
1 scoop = 2.5 tablespoons
Using scoops instead of individual tablespoons makes prepping faster, cleaner, and more efficient especially when you’re preparing multiple days’ worth of food at once.
4. Measure Protein the Right Way
If cooking protein:
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Weigh it raw first
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Then cook before mixing it into the prepared Dr. Harvey’s base
This ensures the recipe stays properly balanced and that your dog is getting the correct amount of protein.
If feeding raw:
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Weigh protein as-is
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Mix directly into the hydrated base
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Store in the refrigerator (up to 5 days) or freezer (up to 2 months)
Many raw feeders choose to pre-portion meals before freezing for easy grab-and-serve convenience. This can make mealtime especially quick on busy mornings or evenings.
5. Portion and Store
Choose what works best for your routine:
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Store in one large container and scoop daily
or
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Pre-portion individual meals for convenience
Pre-portioning can be especially helpful for households with multiple caregivers, ensuring everyone feeds the same amount every time.
Storage reminders:
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Refrigerator: up to 4 days
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Freezer: up to 2 months
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Oil: add fresh at feeding time if meals were frozen
When thawing frozen meals, simply move them to the refrigerator the night before feeding for best results.
Prep-Ahead Example
Let’s say your dog’s daily recipe is:
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1 scoop Canine Health
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4 oz protein (raw weight, cooked or raw-fed)
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1 tsp oil
For a 5-day prep:
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5 scoops Canine Health
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20 oz protein (raw weight)
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Add 1 tsp oil per meal at feeding time
That’s it—your meals for the workweek are ready.
A Smarter, Simpler Way to Feed
Dr. Harvey’s foods are designed to fit real life. Prepping meals ahead of time helps you stay consistent, save time, and always have wholesome meals ready—whether you’re cooking your dog’s protein or feeding it raw.
It’s not about cutting corners—it’s about creating a feeding routine that works for you while still prioritizing your dog’s health and nutrition.
If you ever need help calculating your dog’s portions, our Customer Service Nutrition Team is here to help every day.
