Dogs may not have the most discerning palates, and sometimes dog owners forget their pets need balanced meals usually offered by the best fresh dog food. Learning how to store dog food properly is not only for the freshness of the pet food but also, so the product retains its nutritional value in case of an issue. It also prevents the dog from getting into their supplies and eating too much or the wrong thing. Eating whenever they want, resulting in overindulgence, can lead to dramatic weight gain and many health issues. You also get to steer clear of the common bacterial contaminants to dry dog food, such as salmonella and listeria. These may lead to gastrointestinal problems and severe symptoms if not treated correctly.
Article Summary
Tips on the Right Way for Storing Dog Food
Keep the dog food within the original packaging
The whole bag should be kept inside airtight dog food containers. That is so the bag can add a barrier that seals in the oils from becoming rancid. When you store pet food in the initial bag ensure dog owners have easy access to terms such as the lot number, and the UPC code [1].
As per the Food and Drug Administration, you would also note the manufacturer information when there is a problem, such as defects or recalls. It should be easy to complain on the dog’s food because all of the required information will be present.
Use airtight dog food storage containers
Dry dog food is sprayed with oils which unfortunately break down once the food is exposed to air. It is recommended to use stainless steel or plastic containers to store kibble if they are airtight. The advantage is that it features an airtight food seal vacuum locking lid designed to ensure the dog’s food retains freshness. The storage container is also easy to clean.
Keep the dog food container clean
Some owners top off the dog food container with a new bag every time it runs low, but this is not the best approach. The same way you would not top off days old meat stew with salad applies in this case.
Containers should always be washed out between the refills, especially because kibble oils are greasy. If you are not careful, it is possible to have rancid oil to feed the dog. They need to be cleaned with white vinegar to eliminate the fat stains.
Seal and refrigerate wet dog food
Canned wet food should be refrigerated as a means of storage, especially because of the potential to spoil. You should also try as much as possible to remove the air before proper dog food storage. When you take it out, if there is a change in the smell, you can just throw it out. For frozen or fresh food, they can be stored according to package directions. Today’s best dog food delivery service companies provide proper packaging per meal so you won’t have to worry about storage.
Mistakes to Avoid
Food storage in the garage
It is a common mistake for dog owners, especially if they do not have storage space. However, the excess heat or cold may cause breakdown of the oils in even the best dog food. The goal is to store the food in a continuously cool and dry environment, so there should not be significant variances in temperature. It needs to be kept in a controlled setting, as per the Food and Drug Administration.
Pouring dry food out of its original bag
Some pet owners may try to put dry food into an airtight pet food container, though it would make the food to spoil easier. The scratches on the container surface may have bacteria.
The dog food bag also contains an oil-resistant liner meant to have it retain flavor. Rather, dog food storage should be in the first sealed bag. You can opt for smaller convenient containers, so you may store about a week’s worth of food at a time.
Do not leave canned food out for too long
This is a common mistake as you can feed the dog and find something else to do around the house. The problem is with wet food that has been left out, it becomes a haven for bacteria, and that spoils the dog’s food.
If it has been out for more than a few hours, just toss the food. It should also be sealed in a secured plastic bag so the scent does not get to the dog, and it ends up digging the trash up.
FAQs
How do you store opened dry dog food?
Store the dry food within an airtight metal, glass, or a plastic container. It would be advisable to keep the food within the original bag. It can be folded and closed within the bin because it assists to protect the food with a fat barrier.
Is it OK to store dry dog food in a plastic container?
Kibble needs to be put within an airtight container. You can use a plastic or a steel container, provided they are airtight. Though these should be cleaned with soap and warm water.
How do you store dog food at home?
It would be advisable for dog food storage to be in a cool, dry environment. That is due to extreme heat may cause the nutrients in the food to break down.
