Where Should You Store Your Dog’s Food?
Buying or getting dry dog food in bulk enables pet owners to save money and time. Many dog owners are concerned that storing their pet’s food for too long could result in food poisoning, pest contamination, or an undesirable flavor. That’s why having dog food containers on hand is so helpful. These containers are designed to preserve the nutritional value of the products. Since overeating or eating foods meant for other pets can also result in health issues, such as vomiting, diarrhea and more severe illnesses, dog food containers protect your dog from consuming excessive amounts of its own food or tasting the food of another pet in your house.
BEST PRACTICES FOR PROPERLY STORING DOG FOOD
Once a bag of dog food has been opened, its freshness gets exposed to the environment. After being opened, the nutritional value and quality of your dog food are vulnerable to moisture, air, and extreme temperatures. Here are some suggestions for where and how to keep your dog’s food fresh and tasty.
WHEN STORING DRY DOG FOOD
Seal your dog food bag
Make sure to reseal your dog’s food bag, as this reduces its exposure to air, which can cause bacterial contamination. You may roll down the sides of your dog food bag and use a bag clip to seal it firmly.
Airtight dog food storage containers
Since your dog’s dry food is extruded and sprayed with oils that quickly turn rancid when exposed to air, you must store your dog’s food in an airtight container. Any airtight container made of plastic or stainless steel is suitable for storing dry dog food kibble, but stainless steel containers are more durable and less prone to rust.
Keep food in its original packaging
You should put the entire bag of dog food inside a sealed dog food container. This way, the bag can act as an extra layer of protection to keep oils and fats fresh for longer. Keeping dog food in its original bag also ensures that pet parents have easy access to the lot number, UPC (Universal Product Code), best-by date, and brand information in the case of a recall or other incident.
WHEN STORING WET DOG FOOD
Sealed dog food in a can has a shelf life of months or even years. Air bubbles, deep dents, and swelling are all signs that the can’s seal has been damaged and that bacteria are developing inside. If your dog doesn’t finish the food in one meal, you’ve got 24 hours to store the remaining food.
Seal and refrigerate to uphold freshness
Unfinished canned food can only be stored for three to five days in the fridge. Putting on the can’s lid will help maintain its freshness. Be mindful of squeezing out any air and examine it closely before feeding. If it’s runny or has altered in fragrance or appearance, dump it.
Wrapping the can’s open end in foil and securing it with a rubber band can extend its lifespan in the fridge by a week.
FREEZING THE FOOD
When you’ve excess food, and your dog can’t eat it before it goes bad, you may always store the excess in the freezer. Before freezing, you must place leftover canned dog food into a freezer-safe container or bag. It’s essential to freeze kibble to keep it from spoiling. Food that has been frozen can be defrosted in the refrigerator and consumed within six to nine months, although it may last longer.
THE BOTTOM LINE!
When it comes to preserving your dog’s food, there are different ways that can help you not only preserve your pet’s food but also save you money and time. If you adhere to the tips in this post, your pet will be healthy and happy.