If you’re a dog owner, there are a few things you’re probably far too familiar with. One of them being that no food is considered “bad food” for most dogs. In your pup’s eyes, it’s all fair game. And that’s why it’s so important to know how to store dog food the best way!
Although little Bella or Burt may be getting nutritious meals, improper storage may mean they’re ingesting more than just nutrients. Bacteria, mold, and even insects can find their way into food that’s not properly stored.
So whether you’re offering kibble or a 100% fresh food diet, we’re here to help. Keep reading to discover several helpful tips for correctly storing dog food and treats!
Use Airtight Containers
Sure, it may be easiest to open that heavy-duty bag of dog food, pour out some kibble, roll it up, and call it good..but that’s not always the best idea on how to store dog food correctly. Although it may seem secure, the bag of dog food is likely unsealed.
This means that oxygen can easily get into the bag and eventually turn your dog’s food rancid. Or at least make it go bad much quicker. Not only can this alter the flavor of your dog’s food, but in some cases it can make your pup sick. Looking for a better option? We recommend keeping dog food in its original packaging and then placing the packaging in an airtight container. This allows you to keep your pup’s food fresh and for longer.
Has your pup tried our Chicken Coated Sweet Potato Stix or Pork & Sweet Potato Jerky? Both are packed full of flavor, not to mention wholesome ingredients that are responsibly sourced right here in the USA. Much like storing dog food, we recommend storing treats in the same manner. Although our yummy treats come in a sealable bag, placing that bag into an airtight container is the best practice for storing treats.
Storing Dog Food In Original Packaging
As mentioned before, simply dumping your dog’s dry food or treats into an airtight container usually is not how you store dog food properly. Instead, put the whole bag in the container. The original packaging was meant to act as a barrier that seals in fats and oils found in dog food. This helps prevent it from becoming moldy and inedible later.
Keeping the original packaging also helps in case there are problems with the food. Having the bar code and information on hand allows you to reach the right people in case any questions arise. And if there are any recalls, you would know exactly if it involved your brand of dog food or not.
Clean Between Refills
It’s easy to just keep refilling containers with new dog food. But going weeks without cleaning them can cause a buildup of oils on the container walls. This can wreak havoc on any new dog food you put into the container.
Its best practice on how to store dog food is to always wash your feeding containers with soap and water between each refill. In addition, you’ll want to ensure that the container is completely dry before storing dog food or treats. This helps ensure that every batch is free of moisture and stays fresh for longer.
Don’t Leave Out Fresh Food
You offered your dog fresh, perishable food. Thing is, she didn’t finish it all. Instead of leaving it out on the counter for the next meal, store it away. But don’t keep it there for weeks. After 3-5 days, toss out any unused canned food.
So how do you store dog food that you prepared at home? Make sure you put it in a cool, dry place. And instead of keeping it forever, make sure you toss out extras before they go bad.
When it comes to storing open canned goods in the refrigerator, there’s much debate. Some say it’s safe, some don’t. Much will depend upon your stance, but it may be a good idea to simply empty the contents of the can into a clean container that’s airtight and store it in the refrigerator until it’s time to use it or throw it away.
Buy The Right Amount
You don’t need to buy bags of dog food that will last an entire year. Have food at home that will feed your dog for 3-4 weeks at a time, to keep freshness and quality high.
A great way to fight the habit of buying too much dog food in bulk is using a dog food subscription service. That goes for doggy treats too! Here at Blue Ridge Naturals, you can subscribe to your pet’s favorite treats. Their preferred treats, in your preferred amount, can be delivered to your door weekly, biweekly, monthly, etc. A subscription service can help take out some of the guesswork on how to store dog food properly.
Knowing how to store dog food properly keeps your pet happy and healthy. And for those who find themselves having to buy dog food constantly because the one at home is going bad, proper storage can help you save some serious money. It’s a win-win!
