How to Store Pet Food and Common Storage Mistakes to Avoid
Your pets rely on you to provide them with a fresh and balanced diet every day to keep them happy and healthy. We all know how expensive pet food can be, so knowing how to store pet food can help prevent wastage, spoilage, and foodborne diseases.
Proper storage helps maintain the nutritional value, taste, and safety of your pet food. So, whether you’re feeding your dog or cat dry food, wet food, or raw food, storing them properly can also help save a lot of money.
Below are tips to help you store your pet food and mistakes you never want to make as a pet owner.
Let’s check them out!
Why Proper Pet Food Storage is Important
Pet food is mostly made with proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals, which, when exposed to moisture, air, or light, can quickly degrade. That’s why proper storage helps maintain its nutritional value while preventing your food from contamination. Here is why proper storage is important:
- Preserves the Nutritional Value – Exposing your pet food to air, heat, light, or moisture can destroy essential vitamins and fats.
- Prevents Spoilage – Improper storage of pet food can cause mold growth and bacterial contamination.
- Reduces Food Wastage – Storing your pet food properly helps increase its shelf life, thus reducing wastage.
- Keeps Pests Away – Pests like rodents, ants, insects, and other pests can be attracted by improperly stored food.
How to Store Pet Food
Below are ways to store pet food, whether it’s dry food, wet food, or raw food, to extend their shelf life and avoid wastage.
How to Store Dry Pet Food (Kibble)
1. Keep Your Pet Food in the Original Bag
The best way to store pet food is to keep it in the original bag it came with. Most bags with dry dog food are designed to protect the food from moisture and oxygen. After you have scooped the amount of food you want to feed your pet, immediately close the bag to avoid exposure to air and moisture.
2. Store in a Cool and Dry Place
Store all dog or cat dry food in a cool and dry place, ideally in a room that is below 27 Degrees Celsius. This is because moisture can lead to mold growth, and high temperatures can cause the degradation process to increase, causing the nutrients to break down.
Avoid storing food in areas with temperature fluctuations, like a garage or shed. Rather, place your pet food on the cabinet shelves, kitchen cupboards, or laundry room cabinets.
3. Use air-tight Containers
Pouring the dry food directly into the storage container is not recommended, says Dr. Mwendwa Mulonzi, a veterinarian at The Noble Veterinary Surgeons. This is because fats can stick to the container’s surface, and over time, the food might go bad.
Instead, place the kibble bag inside the pet food storage container. Pet food bags are designed to keep the food fresh and safe, so placing the kibble bag directly into to container adds an extra layer of protection for your pet food.
Besides, by doing so, you get to retain important information in the kibble bag, like the expiry date and batch number, which is important in the case of food recalls and other issues.
4. Avoid Overbuying
Another tip to help store pet food is to avoid overbuying. While bulk buying might be economical, storing it for long makes it lose freshness. Buy what your pet can consume in a month.
How to Store Wet Food
Whether canned or pouch, it’s important to store wet pet food properly to prevent spoilage. Here is why you should store wet pet food:
1. Keep it in the Fridge
Once a pouch or can is opened, it should be refrigerated immediately and used within three days. This helps prevent spoilage and slows the growth of bacteria. After opening, cover with a plastic wrap or a can lid to reduce exposure to air.
2. Store in a Cool and Dry Area
Place unopened wet pet food in a cool, dry area away from sunlight or heat, as it can cause the cans to heat. Store in places like the pantry area.
How to Store Raw Pet Food
Raw food requires extra care while storing, as it can quickly become contaminated with bacteria. Here is how you need to store your raw pet food:
1. Freeze the Food Immediately
Store raw pet food in the freezer immediately and only remove it when ready to use it. Most raw foods are pre-portioned for easy thawing.
2. Store in Safe Containers
Storing raw food in BPA-free containers or leaf-proof containers will help prevent contamination. Always clean the containers with hot and soapy water.
Common Pet Food Storage Mistakes You Should Avoid
How you store your pet food once it’s home determines how long it will remain fresh and retain its nutritional value. The following are pet food storage mistakes to never want to make.
Mistake #1: Storing Food in Garages or Sheds
It’s easy to make this mistake, especially if you have a compact space. These places are prone to temperature fluctuations, humidity, and pests like rodents and insects.
Mistake #2: Pouring Pet Food into a Container Out of Its Original Bag
Another mistake to avoid when storing pet food is removing the food from its original bag. The container might cause oil build-up, leading to bacteria build-up because, unlike the original bag, the container does not have oil oil-resistant liner.
Mistake #3: Leaving Pet Food Unsealed
Leaving your pet food unsealed can allow entry of oxygen, which causes the fat in the food to rot and can even make your pet sick.
Mistake #4. Not Checking Expiration Dates
A common mistake pet owners make is ignoring expiry dates when purchasing the food. If you notice your pet food has expired, don’t risk feeding your pet, as this can lead to digestive issues.
Mistake #5: Regularly Topping Off
If you’re storing your pet food in a container, a mistake you can make is to refill it before it’s completely emptied. This is because fat can build up over time and cause the food to go bad.
Conclusion
Knowing how to store pet food isn’t just about preventing spoilage or wastage, but it’s also about protecting the health of your furry companions. By following the above tips, you will ensure that pet food stays fresh and safe for a long time while keeping your pet happy and thriving.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Does Pet Food Last Once Opened?
Once opened, dry food (kibble) can last between 4 to 6 weeks, if stored well. Wet pet food should be used within three days after opening, and raw pet food, once thawed, should be used within 24 to 48 hours.
Is It Better to Keep Dog Food in a Bag or Container?
It’s better to keep dog food in its original bag because the bag is designed to protect the food from air, light, and moisture, thus keeping it fresh and safe. However, you can still put food in its original bag in an airtight container for extra protection.
How Do You Store Raw Pet Food?
Store raw pet food by freezing it until you’re ready to use it. This helps prevent bacteria from growing while keeping it fresh. Thaw the only portion that you want to feed your pet by placing it in the refrigerator, and use it within 24 – 48 hours. Use a food-grade container or a leak-proof one to store the thawed food to prevent odors in your fridge.
