How to store pet food

It’s common practice for pet owners to simply transfer the contents of their dry pet food from the bag into a container. But did you know that this may reduce the nutrition in dog food and potentially pose additional health risks to your dog?

When pet food is exposed to high temperatures or humidity, the fats can go bad and beneficial nutrients in the food can start to break down. The combination of heat and humidity are also the perfect breeding ground for mould and bacteria to take hold and ruin the whole batch.

So what’s the best way to store dry pet food?

You may not be aware, but a lot of research and development goes into packaging. During this phase, manufacturers will test the shelf life of food and find ways to optimise packaging to ensure both longevity and preservation of the integrity of nutrients. After each use, we recommend squeezing out as much air as possible and closing the opening with a strong clip.

If your pooch has a habit of getting into the bag and helping itself to the dry food buffet, try placing the entire bag inside an airtight container. If your Houdini is still able to get into the food, you may need to relocate the food to a space that the dog doesn’t have access to.

Regularly check your food to see if there are signs that insects or rodents have infiltrated your food. Mites will also make their way into food if you’ve inadvertently introduced them into your pantry. If you think that any pests have contaminated your dogs’ food, discard the contents and start again.

In general, you should get through dry dog food within 2-3 months of opening it. If you’re not using it within this timeframe, consider getting a smaller bag on your next purchase. It’s also important to also check the expiration date on the bag and strictly adhere to these dates, as food will start to lose its nutritional value after this date.