What we feed our pets makes a huge difference
in their health and lives. However, did you know that where you store it can
also impact their lives and health? Appropriate pet food storage is essential
to maintaining your pets health and the integrity of your pet’s food. From
preventing bacterial growth to prolonging the fresh taste, proper pet food
storage is absolutely necessary. We are often asked about food storage in the summer
heat, so we’re here to help!
While many people don’t give much thought to
how they store their pet’s food, improper storage can make your pet sick. Pet food
is perishable and can go rancid just like human food. Some guidelines for
proper pet food storage are:
Store
pet food at the proper temperature - Even dry pet food
needs to be stored indoors, to prevent the oils in the food from becoming
rancid or to prevent mold from forming. Even though kibble is dry food, it
contains moisture. When moisture is combined with heat, it’s a perfect environment
for mold growth which can make your dog quite sick. Never store your pet food
outside, or in a garage, shed, trailer, or anywhere else that temperatures can
get above 80 degrees F. If you are using
wet pet food, keep opened containers or bags in the fridge, set below 40
degrees, and discard any unused opened canned food after 5 days.
Store
pet food in the original bag - Pet food bags are
designed to preserve the important oils in your pet’s food. In addition, each
bag of pet food has essential information in the off chance you need to check
to see if your pet’s food has been recalled, including the UPC code, lot
number, brand and manufacturer, and “best by” date. If you are using an airtight
a container, place the entire bag of pet food inside of it. You still want to
make sure to clean it often because plastic storage containers can be a
breeding ground for bacteria. In addition, they are often not actually airtight
and this can cause your pet food to go stale. Plastic containers can also
release chemicals from the plastic into the food.
Store
pet food in the right spot - In addition to storing
your pet food in the original bag, you will also want to put it somewhere cool
and dark, to prevent oxidation. Oxidation can cause the oils in the food to
become rancid, spoiling it. A kitchen cabinet is ideal, however, avoid putting
your pet food under the kitchen sink, which is often moist, causing mold and
mildew to develop on the pet food. Under the kitchen sink is also where many
people store cleaning supplies and chemicals, which could also contaminate your
pet’s food.
Don’t
mix food - Some people will pour their old bag of pet
food into a new bag of pet food when it becomes low. This practice should be
avoided, as it can cross-contaminate food, and the old oils will be mixing with
the new food.
While storing pet food may seem like something
you don’t need to think about, proper handling and storage are essential to
keeping your pet healthy. Avoid common mistakes so that your pet’s food doesn’t
make them ill!