If you’re like the majority of pet owners, you purchase a bag of pet food, open it, and pour the contents into a storage container. However, it appears that this widespread practice may deplete the nutritional value of your pet’s food and expose them to health risks.
Ideal conditions for storage Hopefully, after reading through our website, you have learned a lot and are now able to choose the best food for your pet. But in order to keep your pet safe and healthy and to give her the best nutrition, what you do after purchasing the food is crucial. Dry and canned pet food should be kept indoors in cool environments with low humidity (ideally, keeping the temperature under 80 F). Fats in pet foods can turn rancid and nutrients in the food can degrade when exposed to high temperatures or humidity. Additionally, high temperatures and humidity create the ideal conditions for the growth of mold and bacteria. Avoid storing pet food outside where it might freeze because pet food shouldn’t get too cold either.
Use the bag’s protectionDry food ought to ideally be kept in its original bag. Many manufacturers conduct extensive research on packaging and test how long food will stay fresh in its original packaging. The bags can prevent food’s nutrients from degrading in addition to minimizing pests and other types of contamination. Additionally, the label contains all the pertinent details you require about the food, including the UPC code, “best by” date, and other details (see below).
Keeping food in its original bag not only enhances storage but also enables quick access to vital information in the event of a recall or foodborne illness. This information includes the producer, the precise product, the UPC code, the lot number, and the “best by” date.
Pets: stay away! It’s best to keep food in its original bag and to seal the bag in an airtight container when storing it. Your pet could become seriously ill if he consumes too much of his own food or food meant for another pet. If it is not possible to completely seal the bag in the airtight container, keep it out of your pet’s reach and tightly sealed (see above).
Pests should be avoided because they can contaminate your pet’s food. Along with keeping hungry animals out, keeping your pet’s food in an airtight container helps keep pests out. Additionally, keep the food off the ground to lessen pests
Storage mitesDry food can become contaminated with storage mites in addition to bacterial or rodent visitors. This can happen if pet food is kept out in the open, but these crafty little critters can also get inside pet food bags with broken seals. The majority of pet foods offer ideal conditions because they promote growth in foods that are high in protein and fat.
Canned foodCanned food also needs to be stored properly. Typically, the temperatures used to store canned food range from 40 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Don’t let canned food freeze because doing so can alter the food’s flavor, texture, and nutritional value.
When should you use it?Use unopened pet food before the “best buy” date indicated on the label. Numerous factors, such as how you store it, affect how long your pet food remains fresh after you’ve opened it. I suggest using a fresh bag of pet food within two to three months after opening it to keep it as fresh and nutrient-rich as possible. I counsel purchasing the food in smaller bags if you want your food bags to last longer. While these dates and storage suggestions offer general guidelines, you can also get in touch with the company that makes your pet’s food; some have conducted in-depth research on the best storage settings and have tested the shelf life of each of their individual products.
The FDA has a resource on how to store pet food and treats properly: https://www fda. gov/animal-veterinary/animal-health-literacy/proper-storage-pet-food-treats#:~:text=Store%20dry%20pet%20food%20and,it%20in%20a%20secure%20location.
Why Dog Food Storage Is Important
“Much like storing our own food, properly storing pet food helps avoid spoilage,” says Dr. Cullen A. Domaracki, a veterinarian and assistant professor of veterinary clinical sciences at the Louisiana State University Veterinary Teaching Hospital in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
The best dog food storage options safeguard your dog by keeping household pests like insects and rodents out of his dinner as well as preserving the food’s freshness and flavor.
The most frequent errors pet parents make when it comes to dog food storage can help you determine whether the food your dog eats is safe.
Mistake #6: Not Taking The Expiration Date Seriously
It is challenging to predict when any pet food will truly “expire,” according to Dr. Domaracki. But even if it passes the sniff test, he advises against feeding your dog food that has passed its printed expiration date because the nutritional value of the food cannot be guaranteed after that time.
Purchase a bag of dog food that your dog can consume within a few months of opening, advises Dr. Flynn. If the expiration date is approaching, think about noting it on your calendar or setting a phone reminder.
Is plastic safe for putting dog food?
Yes, plastic can be safe for storing dog food. However, it depends on various factors, such as the dog food’s type, how long you store it, and how you put it in the trash can.
However, because they are safer, it is best to use containers made of polypropylene (PP-type 5) or polystyrene (PS-type 6).
Although there are numerous types of dog food, including dry kibbles, semi-moist canned food, raw meat, etc., not all of them can be placed in a plastic container. primarily because plastic is a good option for temporarily storing dry and semi-moist pet food.
Cereals, grains, eggs, proteins, vitamins, meats, and meat by-products make up the majority of ingredients in dog food. Ergo, it reacts with the material in plastic easily.
Contrarily, the majority of dog food manufacturers employ premium packaging with multiple layers of preservatives to guard against spoilage. Therefore, it is best to keep the dog food inside the plastic container along with the bag it came in.
As a result, less plastic and oxygen are directly in contact with the food than would otherwise be the case. You won’t have to worry about spoilage as a result!
FAQ
Does dog food have to stay sealed?
Sealing your pet food is advised by the FDA and pet food manufacturers because it reduces air exposure, which can contaminate it with bacteria. You can use a bag clip to close the bag after rolling down the sides to seal it. For extra protection, use an airtight container.
What is the proper way to store dog food?
Keep canned food that hasn’t been opened and dry, cool storage for pet food. The temperature should be less than 80 F. The nutrients may degrade if there is too much heat or moisture. If your pet is particularly persistent or cunning about obtaining her pet food, keep it in a secure area.
Can you leave dog food bag open?
It might seem like your dog will be satisfied with a large bag of dog food that has been folded over or tightly rolled up. The issue: According to Dr. Mark Hyman, leaving food unattended is a bad idea because oxygen makes the fat in the food go rancid, ruining the flavor and, in the worst case, possibly even making dogs ill.
Is it better to keep dog food in bag or container?
The food should be kept in its original bag and the whole bag should be placed in an airtight container. Your pet could become seriously ill if he consumes too much of his own food or food meant for another pet.