I’ve often heard people ask about how to store dog food, specifically dry dog food.
Many people think that keeping it in the original container is just fine.
Unfortunately, it isn’t.
The original bag may be good enough for sitting on a store shelf, but it offers little protection against pests, vermin, and your little fuzzy buddy.
So, let’s look at some tips on how to store dog food the right way!
How to Store Dog Food for Maximum Safety and Freshness
If you read my dog food storage safety tips article, you already know why it’s never a good idea to store dry dog food in its original container.
If you haven’t had the chance to peruse the article, I’ll go over it again.
FYI, this post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, we earn a small commission at no extra charge to you.
Why is it so important to store dog food the right way?
When addressing the question of how to store dog food, there’s one thing you really need to remember:
The original bag your dry dog food comes in is not the greatest for keeping your food safe and fresh.
That bag is merely the cheapest way for the company to transport their food.
It’s only meant to get the food from the factory to the store to your home.
It’s far cheaper for them to replace a ripped bag than it is for them to package it in a tough, durable container of some sort.
That’s why it’s extremely important to transfer your dry food from the original bag to a safe container immediately.
Understanding Different Types of Dog Food
There are various types of dog food, each requiring different storage methods:
- Dry Dog Food (Kibble): Typically has a longer shelf life but can go stale or rancid if not stored properly.
- Wet Dog Food (Canned): Needs to be handled carefully to avoid spoilage once opened.
- Raw Dog Food: Requires strict storage to prevent bacterial growth.
- Homemade Dog Food: Must be stored properly to retain freshness and prevent contamination.
Storing Dry Dog Food
Dry dog food is convenient and has a long shelf life, but it needs to be stored properly to maintain its quality.
- Keep It in the Original Bag: The original packaging is designed to keep the food fresh. If possible, store the entire bag inside an airtight container.
- Use Airtight Containers: If you prefer to transfer the food, use an airtight container to protect it from air, moisture, and pests. Choose containers made from materials that won’t react with the food, like stainless steel or BPA-free plastic.
- Store in a Cool, Dry Place: Heat and humidity can degrade the nutrients in the food and cause it to spoil. Keep the food in a pantry or cabinet, away from direct sunlight and heat sources.
- Avoid Contamination: Always wash and dry the storage container before refilling it with new food. This prevents old residue from contaminating the fresh food.
Storing Wet Dog Food
Wet dog food is more perishable than dry food and requires careful handling.
- Unopened Cans: Store unopened cans in a cool, dry place, like a pantry. Avoid extreme temperatures, as they can affect the quality of the food.
- Opened Cans: Once opened, transfer the food to an airtight container and refrigerate it. Use the food within 3-5 days to ensure freshness.
- Avoid Cross-Contamination: Always use a clean spoon or scoop to serve the food. Do not leave the food in the can once opened, as this can lead to bacterial growth.
Storing Raw Dog Food
Raw dog food requires strict storage practices to prevent bacterial contamination.
- Freezing: Raw dog food should be stored in the freezer. Divide the food into portions to make it easier to thaw only what you need.
- Refrigeration: Once thawed, keep the food in the refrigerator and use it within 2-3 days.
- Clean Handling: Always wash your hands, utensils, and surfaces thoroughly after handling raw dog food to prevent cross-contamination.
Storing Homemade Dog Food
Homemade dog food needs to be stored carefully to maintain its nutritional value and prevent spoilage.
- Refrigeration: Store freshly prepared food in the refrigerator and use it within 3-4 days.
- Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the food in portions. Use airtight containers or freezer bags to prevent freezer burn.
- Labeling: Label the containers with the date of preparation to keep track of freshness.
General Tips for Storing Dog Food
- Check Expiry Dates: Always check the expiry date before purchasing and feeding your dog.
- Keep It Sealed: Ensure that the food is always tightly sealed to prevent air and moisture from getting in.
- Avoid Sunlight: Store food away from direct sunlight as it can cause the food to degrade faster.
- Regular Cleaning: Clean storage containers regularly to prevent the build-up of oils and residues.
- Buy in Smaller Quantities: If you don’t have a proper storage solution, consider buying smaller quantities of dog food to ensure it stays fresh.
The problem with keeping your dog’s food in the bag
Like I said earlier, the bag your dog’s food comes in was not made for anything beyond transporting it to your home.
In other words, it’s not a long-term storage solution.
First, it is easily chewed through by rodents.
Not only will these furry little pests gorge themselves on your expensive premium kibble, they carry all sorts of diseases.
Second, there’s no effective way to reseal it to keep out bugs,
Last (and most likely to occur), your dog can very easily tear into the bag and help himself to an all-you-can-eat buffet.
If this happens, Fido can eat himself into a potentially fatal condition called bloat.
Bloat occurs when a dog eats for too much far too quickly.
His stomach literally bloats from the food and air he swallowed while gulping down all that food.
While that in itself is painful, it can cause the stomach to fold over on itself, which could very easily lead to death.
So when you address the question of how to store dog food, the only answer, in my opinion, is a tough, durable plastic bin.
You can find them at any home improvement or general goods store.
Just remember to get one with a lid that securely locks into place to prevent your dog from busting into it and eating itself stupid. =D
