What are the best storage containers for dog food?
Keep reading to find the best one for you and your dog (or dogs!). If you're in the market for a simple dog food storage container and don't want to spend a lot of money, consider this airtight bin that holds up to 10 pounds of food. Its compact size is ...
Which food storage containers are the best?
Lastly, Moncel, Stinson and Lewis agree that you don’t need to shell out for specialized food storage containers, but more on that later. “Really simple containers are best because they are the most versatile,” Moncel says. “I have purchased some ...
Is it harmful to store food in plastic containers?
choose only food grade plastic utensils or containers for storing food. Check for the symbol of food grade, this ensures that the plastic you are using may not be harmful and won’t release toxins in the food. 2. Use PET bottles instead of normal water ...
What are the dangers of plastic food storage containers?
What Are the Dangers of Plastic Food Storage Containers?
- Microwave Degeneration. Some plastic food containers are not formulated to withstand the effects of being heated in a microwave oven.
- Bisphenol A. ...
- Harbors Bacteria. ...
- Environmental Effects. ...
- Heat-Based Chemical Leaching. ...
Why you shouldn't store dog food in a plastic container?
Answer: Because plastic containers have tiny little microscopic pores. When these fats get trapped in the pores, over time, they too will also grow rancid and contaminate each new batch of food poured into the containers.
What is the best container to store dry dog food?
The Nine Best Dog Food Storage ContainersIris Airtight Elevated Storage Feeder With Bowls. ... Vittles Vault Airtight Stackable Dog Food Container. ... OXO Storage Pet Food Container. ... Paw Prints 15 lb. ... Buddeez Food Dispenser and Storage Container. ... Bergan Stak-N-Stor Stackable Storage Tub. ... Gunner Food Crate.More items...
Should you put dog food in a container?
Airtight dog food containers. For dry dog food storage, opt for airtight containers that are large enough to fit a whole bag of food inside, says Woodnutt. Remember to clean them with soap and warm water after each batch of food.
What is the safest way to store dry dog food?
Store dry pet food and unopened canned food in a cool and dry place. The temperature should be less than 80 F. Excess heat or moisture may cause the nutrients to break down.
What kind of container should you store dog food in?
Materials: While plastic is the most popular choice, look for a plastic container that's BPA-free and void of any other plastic contaminants, as those can be harmful to your pet. Another option is stainless steel, which is extremely durable and easy to keep clean.
Does dry dog food get old?
Dry dog food does expire. Unopened, a bag of dry dog food can last up to two years, says Chavez. Once the bag is opened, it is only good for a few weeks. “Kibble is ultra-processed pet food and contains preservatives designed to give it a longer shelf life,” Chavez says.
Does dog food need to be in a sealed container?
Dog food containers don't need to be airtight, but the food lasts longer, and stays fresher, and pests—like ants, bugs, and rodents—can't get to it if it is. As soon as dog food is exposed to air, humidity, and higher temperatures, it starts to break down and lose its freshness.
Where do you store kibble?
Store kibble in a cool, dry place – preferably in the pantry. You never want to store your kibble in places like the garage or basement where the temperature and moisture are not as controlled. Kibble stored in a garage or basement is also more prone to contamination by rodents and mice.
How long is dry dog food good for once opened?
within 6 weeksIf stored properly, bags of unopened dried dog food will generally last up to 18 months after manufacture. Once dried dog food has been opened, you should generally aim to use it within 6 weeks. Storing your dog food properly will help to preserve its freshness for as long as possible.
How do you store canned dog food?
Store opened cans of wet dog food in the fridge. The best way to keep them moist and stop odor from transferring to other food is to use a plastic pet food lid designed to fit the top of the can. If you don't have one of those, you can use plastic wrap or a zip-seal bag, but those don't trap odors as well as a lid.
How do you store animal feed?
The feed shouldn't be stored where the sunlight can get to it. This will reduce the quality of the feed. It should be stored in a shaded or fully covered area with proper ventilation. Make sure you store your bins on pallets or stacked bricks to give water a way to drain if it makes its way into your storage area.
How can you tell if dog food is bad?
How to tell if dog food has gone badThere is a noticeable sour or rancid odor.You see signs of moisture, mold, or bugs.The bag is past its expiration date.The food has been exposed to heat or humidity.Your dog refuses to eat, or shows signs of illness/discomfort after eating.
Is it OK to store dog food in a plastic container?
Pet food is best stored in the original bag, folded or clipped for freshness, and kept inside an airtight container. Plastic storage containers are...
Is it OK to keep dog food in the fridge?
Store opened cans of wet dog food in the fridge. The best way to keep them moist and stop odor from transferring to other food is to use a plastic...
What is the best way to store dry dog food?
Store dry pet food in a cool, dry place, preferably in an airtight container, out of the light. Many pet parents find that opening a bag of dry foo...
How long does dry dog food last in a sealed container?
In general, unopened dry pet foods have a shelf life of 12-18 months, while unopened canned foods are good for two years from the date of manufactu...
The Top 3 Things That Cause Food Spoilage
Proper storage is essential for dog food because you don’t want to risk feeding your dog spoiled food. Dogs have pretty strong stomachs so they can eat things that might make you cringe, but they aren’t immune to food-borne illness.
Benefits of Storage Containers
Before getting into the details of different storage containers and tips for storing pet food, let’s take a minute to talk about the benefits of using a storage container for pet food. Here are some of the top benefits you should consider:
Types of Storage Containers
Dog food containers come in all shapes and sizes, so you can choose the one that best suits your needs. To give you an idea what to look for when shopping for these containers, here is an overview of some of the most popular types you’ll come across:
Simple Tips for Storing Your Dog Food
Now that you have an understanding of what causes dog food to spoil and what benefits different storage containers have to offer, you’re ready to learn the basics about food storage. To start, here are some of the things you SHOULD do:
Other Food Safety Tips for Dog Owners
The most basic food safety rule to follow for dog food is to wash your hands before and after handling. Not only do you want to prevent transferring any bacteria or other pathogens from your hands to your dog’s food, but you also want to avoid spreading something from your dog’s food to your own food or to the other members of your family.
Is it OK to store dog food in a plastic container?
Pet food is best stored in the original bag, folded or clipped for freshness, and kept inside an airtight container. Plastic storage containers aren't always made with the highest quality plastic. The plastic can collect oils from the food and over time become rancid.
Is it OK to keep dog food in the fridge?
Store opened cans of wet dog food in the fridge. The best way to keep them moist and stop odor from transferring to other food is to use a plastic pet food lid designed to fit the top of the can. If you don't have one of those, you can use plastic wrap or a zip-seal bag, but those don't trap odors as well as a lid.
How long can you keep dog food in a can?
Once opened, you have 24 hours to store the food if your dog does not finish it in one meal.
How to seal a dog food bag?
To seal your dog food bag, you can roll down the sides and use a bag clip, like this cute bone-shaped dog clip by ORE Pet, to close up the bag. For extra protection, Dr. Nelson recommends airtight containers.
Why is stainless steel used in dog food?
I prefer stainless steel because it is easier to clean and lasts longer. ”. One stainless steel dog food container option is the Harry Barker Classic Dog Food Storage Canister. It features an airtight food-seal vacuum locking lid designed to ensure freshness and is made of steel for easy cleaning.
How long after opening bag of dog food can you use it?
As a rule of thumb, Dr. Nelson recommends that pet parents use the dog food only one month after opening if it has been properly stored. Once you open a bag of dog food, its freshness is exposed to the elements.
What happens when you open a bag of dog food?
Once you open a bag of dog food, its freshness is exposed to the elements. The three factors that affect the nutritional value and quality of a dog food once it has been opened are air, moisture and high temperatures. To help combat these forces, here are some tips for dry dog food storage.
Why seal your bag?
Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and dog food companies recommend that you seal your dog food, because it minimizes its exposure to air, which can contaminate your dog food with bacteria.
How long can canned food be stored in the refrigerator?
Seal and Refrigerate to Preserve Freshness. “Unfinished canned food should be stored in a refrigerator for three to five days ,” Dr. Nelson says. “You can use a can cover to keep the food fresh. Be sure to squeeze out any air, and take a good look at it before feeding.
Why is it important to store pet food?
Proper storage of pet food and treats maintains the products’ nutritional value and keeps information handy in case there’s a problem. Proper storage also prevents your pet from getting into his own food and eating too much or getting into your cat’s special diet food .
Why do you put a lid on pet food?
A lid helps to maintain the food’s freshness and to prevent your pet from getting into it. Be sure to save the UPC code, lot number, brand and manufacturer, and “best by” date. You can tape that information to the outside of the container so it’s handy (but remember to change it when you open a new bag of kibble).
Why do you need a lot number for pet food?
The lot number helps FDA identify when and where the pet food or treat was made, making it easier and faster for the agency to address problems with a specific product. If you want to store dry pet food in another storage container, put the entire bag into the container rather than pour the kibble directly into it.
How to report a pet food complaint to the FDA?
You can report complaints to FDA electronically through the Safety Reporting Portal or by calling your state’s FDA Consumer Complaint Coordinator. Also see How to Report a Pet Food Complaint.
How to keep a dog from eating treats?
Set your refrigerator to 40 F or below. Wash and dry pet food bowls and scooping utensils after each use. Wash water bowls daily. Keep pet treats in a secure location to prevent your pet from eating an entire supply of treats at once.
What happens if your pet eats a treat?
If your pet has a health problem related to a pet food or treat, stop feeding the product and call your veterinarian.
Can pet food be contaminated?
Pet food and treats, like many other types of food, can be contaminated with harmful bacteria that cause foodborne illnesses. You can lower your risk of getting a foodborne illness from contaminated pet food by following these safe handling tips.
Where to store dog food?
The best place to store canned dog food is in a cupboard or pantry inside of your home.
How long can dog food be stored in the refrigerator?
Store opened cans in the refrigerator. Once you've opened a can of dog food, it can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two days. Just make sure to use a plastic can lid (many veterinary clinics give these out) or a tight-fitting aluminum foil temporary lid to keep the food from drying out.
How long can you freeze dog food?
Just make sure to put the food into freezer bags or storage containers first. Canned food and homemade food will keep in the freezer for up to four to six months.
What are the most perishable foods in a homemade diet?
As a general guideline, follow the recommended storage times for meats, which are the most perishable foods in homemade diets.
How to keep dry dog food fresh?
Leave dry food in the original bag. The original packaging for your dog's dry food has a fat barrier that helps to keep it fresh. Although some people like to keep dry dog food in plastic storage containers, it is best to keep the food stored in the original bag.
Can dry food be stored in the freezer?
Bags of dry food can also be stored in the freezer if it takes you a long time to go through a bag. If you prefer to use a storage container, make sure that it is air tight and that it is made from opaque material to protect the dry food from light. Stainless steel containers are also a good option. ...
Can dry dog food spoil?
Dry food isa convenient and cost effective way to feed a dog and requires minimal storage space. However, if the dry food is not stored properly, it can spoil and make your dog sick.
What happens when fats and oils hit the walls of pet food containers?
When the fats and oils of kibble hit the walls of pet food containers, they begin to oxidize (especially in the plastic ones). “Once the reaction starts, it is self propagating and unstoppable. The oxidation reaction creates free radicals that oxidize fat molecules.
Why do plastic containers get rancid?
Answer: Because plastic containers have tiny little microscopic pores. When these fats get trapped in the pores, over time, they too will also grow rancid and contaminate each new batch of food poured into the containers. (Pet parents unknowingly keep pouring new bags of food in the containers, over and over, without washing out ...
Can pet food storage containers be used incorrectly?
Heck, at expos and trade shows they are given away to market a company’s brand name. However, these storage containers can be deadly if used incorrectly.
Does plastic leach chemicals?
Let’s start with the obvious: Research has shown that certain plastic containers leach an assortment of chemicals into our foods and, of course, pet foods. Chemicals in plastic like BPA have been shown to have hormone mimicking, estrogenic and cancer properties. “Ok.