The best way to store dry dog food for the long term is to keep it in the original bag or store it in an airtight container. The goal is to reduce oxygen exposure as much as possible. When you need to open the bag or container, be sure to close it as soon as possible.
Having a dog brings a lot of joy to your life. From tons of cuddles and kisses to their never ending loyalty and love, they’re part of the family and you want the best for them, down to the food they eat.
Unfortunately, the price of dog food is not one of the joys a dog brings into your life. Getting good-quality dog food can put a dent in your wallet, which is why you never want any to go to waste.
It’s important to not only buy the right dog food that will help your dog feel and look their best, but to also store it in the right way so it doesn’t go stale or lose its flavor.
There are two options when it comes to dog food:
- Wet
- Dry
While puppies usually need to eat wet food, most dog owners switch them over to dry food as they grow older.
There are benefits to both types of food, but dry food is more common for dogs. If you’re not sure what type of food you should give your dog, consult with your veterinarian.
How to Store Dry Food
Dog food isn’t cheap, especially if you’re going for the best-quality or organic varieties. The recommended way to keep dry food fresh and flavorful is to store it in an airtight container or keep it in its original bag.
Store It In The Original Bag
If you opt for keeping the food in its original bag, be sure to clip it securely to keep it fresh. There are multiple benefits to storing dog food in the original bag.
Most dog food companies make good-quality bags that have quality sealers, keeping the food fresh.
Some companies even use oxygen barrier bags to keep out oxygen and moisture. These containers also contain the list of ingredients and directions, just in case you may need them.
Despite the precautions taken, after opening a dog food bag, use it as quickly as possible since dog food can expire about 6 weeks after opening.
Also, pay attention to the sell-by date on the bag to make sure your dog is getting the best product.
If you feed your dog food after the sell-by date or too long after you opened the bag, the quality of the food and nutritional value may diminish.
If you end up with more dog food than you need, the remaining food can be frozen for up to six months.
Airtight Container
If you don’t want to keep the food in its original bag, the second option is to store your dog food in an airtight container.
It’s best to buy a pet food specific container, but any container will work as long as it’s airtight. You can use plastic, but if it is not specially made for pet food, it may promote mold growth or have other risks, such as bacteria. If you can, go for glass or metal to preserve flavor and quality.
Tips and Tricks When Storing Dry Food
Keep any containers you’re using for your dog’s food clean and sanitary. Store the containers in a cool, dry place. Always inspect the food for mold or any weird colors or smells before giving it to your dog.
Keep the container off the floor to prevent a bug infestation. If you’re worried about bugs, you can use clove oil or another natural repellant to further prevent any pests.
Never mix old and new dry food, as you may end up contaminating the fresh food with bacteria from the old food.
To keep it even safer, wash the container with warm water, soap, and white vinegar between refills to make sure it’s not harboring any bacteria.
It’s essential to let the container dry out completely to decrease the risk of moisture in the container.
Another tip for storing the food is to keep it in multiple containers. This makes it easier to access, promotes portion-feeding, and reduces the amount of unsealing of the container, reducing the exposure to oxygen and moisture.
If your dog has accidentally eaten expired or unsafe food, call your veterinarian immediately and watch for any signs of discomfort or pain in your dog, including digestive issues like vomiting or diarrhea.
Why Dry Food?
Dry food is the most common, especially with larger breeds. This is mostly due to size, as larger dogs need larger amounts of food, which is easier to provide with dry foods.
Dry food is more convenient for most, and you can even use a timed feeder to make mealtimes even easier. It’s also much cheaper and convenient to buy in large quantities than cans of wet food.
Dry food does not need to be refrigerated like wet food and can be easily packed up for on-the-go pups.
There are also claims that dry food encourages better oral health. The crunch of dry food helps reduce plaque and tartar buildup on the teeth, which can improve your dog’s breath.
What Dog Food is Best?
Finding the right type of dry food is half the battle. Not only is it important to give your dog high-quality food to improve their quality of life, but studies show that better quality dog food translates to better health.
Good-quality dog food will help your dog with absorption and digestion, as well as having more of the vitamins and nutrients your dog needs with less of the fillers and artificial flavors they don’t.
Look for ingredients you can understand and vegetable-based ingredients with lots of protein. Steer clear of dyes, high salt content, and preservatives.
Ingredients to avoid include BHA, BHT, and propylene glycol. If you’re worried about what’s in your dog’s food, opt for organic dog food.
The organic certification in dog food ensures the food is free of antibiotics, preservatives, toxic pesticides, and synthetic hormones and also gives you peace of mind knowing it’s not genetically engineered.
If you’re worried about your dog not getting enough nutrients with dry food, consider adding toppers to increase nutrients.
You can buy toppers, but you can also do it yourself by adding blueberries, dark leafy greens, or a cooked egg to your dog’s food once or twice a day.
The type of dog food you choose will also depend on your dog’s breed, size, age, and health, so do your research and talk with your doctor about your dog’s nutritional needs.
Your dog is family, and it’s important to feed them the best possible diet. Choosing the type of dog food, the right brand with the right ingredients, and knowing the best way to store the food should all be considered.
Ensure you’re giving your dog the best quality food you can with the right nutrients that will improve their quality of life.
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