10 Pet Food Storage Tips to Keep Your Pet’s Food Fresh and Safe

10 Pet Food Storage Tips to Keep Your Pet’s Food Fresh and Safe

As a pet parent, you always have the best interest of your companion animal, which is to ensure that the food they consume is fresh, tasty, and safe. Storing pet food is vital to preserve its quality and nutritional value for your pet's health. Whether you have a playful pup or a curious cat, learning the best practices for storing pet food can significantly improve your pet’s well-being.

This blog will share 10 valuable pet food storage tips to keep your pet’s food safe from spoiling and contamination by bacteria and pests.

Why Proper Pet Food Storage Matters

Just like human food, pet food can spoil if not stored correctly. This means that pet foods must be fresh because freshness contributes to the nutrient value of your pet’s food. Storing pet food also helps to reduce contamination by pests, moisture, sunlight, which can cause mould or bacterial growth. Such issues may lead to upset stomachs, infections, or even severe health complications for your furry friends.

Here are some tips that can help you save your pet’s food from getting spoiled and maintain the nutritional value and taste of the food till you serve it to your pet:

Use Airtight Dog Food Containers

Some of the food storage methods that pet owners need to adopt include the use of airtight containers. When pet food is packed in a bag, once the bag is opened, it comes into contact with the air and moisture, which leads to the deterioration of the food. Investing in a high-quality dog food container will protect the food from oxygen, pests, and humidity.

Select a container made of either plastic, stainless steel, or glass with a tight lid to ensure you store the food in a manner that does not allow moisture. To get maximum protection, the food should remain in its packaging, and placing the whole bag inside the container also helps.

Store Pet Food in a Cool, Dry Place

Location matters! Store your pet’s food in a cool and dry area, best placed in a temperature range of 50-70°F. The excess heat dews obsolete the oils used in preparing foods, and high humidity results in mould formation. It is also recommended not to place pet food near windows, stoves, or any other place exposed to sunlight.

A pantry, cupboard, or closet is ideal for storing pet meals since some factors from outside might negatively affect the food.

Keep Pet Food in Its Original Packaging

Manufacturers ensure that pet food packaging maintains its freshness and shields it from contaminants. However, if you have a dog food container, it is recommended that you leave the food in the bag and put the bag into the container. This is effective in maintaining the quality of the food and other details, such as expiry dates or batches, in instances of a recall.

Check Expiration Dates

When buying your pet’s food, always check the expiry dates before feeding it. Eating expired food is unhealthy, as it can cause digestive disorders and poor health. Ideally, buy pet food in smaller bags that will allow your pet to consume the food within days or weeks to avoid spoilage.

Seal Food Properly Between Meals

If an airtight container is unavailable, close the bag tightly after feeding your pet. Tightly close the bag, roll it tight, or use a zip-locked bag to reduce contact with air and moisture. Kibble is especially vulnerable to damage when exposed to the external environment, and this might happen even within a couple of days.

Use Separate Containers for Different Pets

If you have more than one pet, each food should be stored in separate containers. Interactions can occur with other animals, especially if one of your pets is on a different diet or has an allergy. When you have separate containers, your pets are guaranteed to eat the correct food without any swapping.

Store Wet Food in the Refrigerator

It is noteworthy that wet food should always be stored in a refrigerator. After opening, wet food should be transferred to an airtight container, with the remaining portion stored in the refrigerator to avoid deterioration. It is also important not to leave wet fresh food out for more than 4 hours, as it will attract more bacterial buildup, unless the food has been packed using Retort Technology ike FurrMeals Fresh Dog Food.

It is important to use glass or plastic containers to hold open cans of pet food. You should also label these containers with the date of opening to ensure that the food is fresh when you feed it.

Use a Scoop for Hygiene

To avoid cross-contamination with the pet’s bowl, it is recommended that you use a scoop while serving the pet food from the bag. Bacteria and germs from your hands, particularly when the hands are dirty, can easily be transferred to the food. An individual scoop is essential to ensure that feeding is easier and that the meal is not contaminated with bacteria or other external factors.

Don’t Mix Old and New Food

One common mistake pet owners make is combining leftover and freshly cooked food. The older food probably got spoiled and may have affected the fresh supply of food items. It’s best to finish the old bag before opening a new one. This ensures your pet is always fed fresh food to the optimum nutritional value.

Follow Specific Instructions for Special Diets

A few pet foods, particularly those specially formulated for various pet conditions, such as Gastro Diet for Dogs, Kidney Diet for Dogs, Pancreatic Diet for Dogs, Weight Loss Diet for Dogs, Hypoallergenic Food for Dogs or a Grain Free food for Dogs, may have to be stored more cautiously. Foods like FurrMeals’ Weight Loss Food or Grain-Free Chicken & Apple should be stored according to the manufacturer’s instructions to preserve their unique qualities.

Specialized diets are usually very sensitive to light, moisture, or air and thus require special attention when packing and storing. For optimal efficiency, always refer to the storage instructions provided on the pack.

Also Read  Best Pet Foods for Different Life Stages: Puppies, Adults, and Seniors

Conclusion: Take Action for Your Pet’s Health

Your pet deserves the best, and proper food storage is a simple yet impactful way to protect their health. Following these 10 tips ensures your pet’s food stays fresh, safe, and nutritious for every meal.

At FurrMeals, we understand how essential high-quality, fresh ingredients are for your pet’s diet. Our delicious and nutritious meals, such as Herbed Chicken & Rice, Lamb & Brown Rice, and Fresh Cottage Cheese & Peas, are designed to give your pet the essential nutrients they need to thrive. Storing your pet’s food properly ensures that each meal is as fresh and healthy as the day you bought it.

Keep Your Pet’s Meals Fresh with FurrMeals!

Ensure your pet’s food stays fresh and safe with the correct storage methods, and keep them healthy with FurrMeals’ fresh and wholesome recipes. Check out our range of nutritious meals and treats, and take the first step towards better pet health today!

Visit our website to explore the best options for your furry friend, and order your pet’s favorite flavors now!

Back to blog

Leave a comment

Please note, comments need to be approved before they are published.