The primary factor in ensuring that your dog lives a happy and healthy life is the ingredients in their food, which are essential to their health and well-being. However, many dog owners neglect to store their dog’s food properly, and food that is rancid or moldy may negatively impact your dog’s health.
Dry dog food is highly convenient. To save time and money and maintain consistency in your dog’s diet, you can purchase several large bags at once. You can be sure your dog is getting a well-balanced diet by feeding them high-quality dog food because it will contain all the essential nutrients, vitamins, and minerals they require.
The issue is that dry dog food degrades over time when exposed to air, heat, and moisture, just like human foods do. To prevent the food for your dog from becoming stale or moldy and possibly posing health risks, it must be stored properly. We put together this list of 15 simple suggestions to help you store your dog’s food so that it stays as nutritious and fresh as the day you bought it. Here’s how to store dry dog food long-term:
Best to Keep it in the Original Packaging
Dr. According to Nelson, you should keep the entire bag of dog food inside the airtight storage containers. In this manner, the bag can act as an additional barrier to help seal in fats and oils, preventing them from later going rancid.
The FDA advises pet parents to keep dog food in the original bag so they have access to the UPC code, lot number, “best by” date, brand, and manufacturer information in case of an issue, such as a defect or recall. All of this information will probably be needed when you lodge a complaint about the food your dog is given.
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.
1 Wash Your Hands
It’s a good idea to wash your hands before giving your dog dry food. Microorganisms, mold, and fungal spores can easily stick to your hands and then get into the food that you give your dog. Avoiding contamination is as simple and easy as washing your hands.
FAQ
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.
Is it OK to store dog food in a plastic container?
The type of dog food containers you should use, according to Dr. As long as they are airtight, Nelson says, “Plastic or stainless steel containers are fine for storing kibble.” ”.
How do you store dry dog food long term?
It is best to place dog food in an airtight container with oxygen absorbers for long-term (more than a year) storage. As a result, the environment becomes almost entirely oxygen-free. Microbes and insects can’t survive without oxygen. Without oxygen, nutrients won’t degrade as quickly and fats won’t go rancid.
How do you keep dog food fresh after opening a bag?
Dog owners should still place the food inside its original bag rather than pouring the kibble directly into a container. Plastic, glass, or metal bins can also help protect dog food from the elements as well as from insects, rodents, and other vermin. Keep the container or bag off the ground and in a cool, dry place.