“Dogs are known for their picky color palettes. I mean, your dog probably thinks a month old on the sidewalk is Chicken drumsticks are a perfectly acceptable snack. That’s why they rely on you to provide them with fresh, balanced meals every day to stay healthy.”
Dog Food While you may be nutritious for your pup, you still should Learn how to store it properly so you can maintain its nutritional value. Not only is properly stored dog food better for your pup, but improperly stored dog food can degrade and turn rancid quickly, which can make your dog sick. He is an associate veterinarian at the Animal Medical Center in Alexandria, Virginia, and hosts "Dr. Katy's Pet Show" on NewsChannel 8 in Washington, D.C., where he learns how to keep your dog's food fresh as long as possible.

Storage of Dry Dog Food

It is easy to store and feed, but like all types of pet food, it is perishable.
A bag of dry dog ​​food is stamped with a "best by" date, letting you know how long you can keep it. However, many dog ​​owners don't realize that this date becomes inaccurate once the bag is opened. As a rule of thumb, Dr. Nelson recommends pet parents use dog food within a month of opening if it has been stored properly.
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 dog food after it is opened are air, moisture and high temperature. To help combat these forces, here are some tips for dry dog ​​food storage.

Storage dog food in airtight packaging

The editor recommends that you seal your dog food as it minimizes contact with air, which may contaminate your dog food .
To seal your dog food bag, you can roll down the sides and use a bag clip, like this adorable bone-shaped dog clip , to stow the bag away. For extra protection.

Airtight Dog Food Storage Containers

"Dry dog ​​food is squeezed out and then sprayed with oil, which will spoil once the food is exposed to air," Dr. Nelson said. "So, kibble needs to be kept in an airtight container."
As for the type of dog food container you should use, Dr. Nelson says: "Plastic or stainless steel containers are fine as long as they are airtight." Grind the food."
Pet Supply Company offers plastic pet food storage containers in a variety of sizes, from 5-pound storage containers to 50-pound storage containers.
I prefer stainless steel as it is easier to clean and lasts longer. "
A stainless steel dog food containerThe option is the Harry Buck Classic Dog Food Storage Jar. It features an airtight food-sealing vacuum lock lid design to ensure freshness and is made of steel for easy cleaning.

It’s best to keep dog food in its original packaging

Dr. Nelson says you should store the entire bag of dog food in an airtight dog food storage container. This way, the bag provides an extra barrier that helps seal fats and oils, preventing them from becoming rancid later.
According to the FDA, keeping dog food in its original package also ensures pet parents have access to the UPC code, lot number, "best by" date, and brand and manufacturer information in case something goes wrong, such as a defect or recall. All this information may be needed when you make a complaint about your dog's food.

Keep your dog food container clean

Many dog ​​owners simply refill their dog food storage container with a new bag of dog food because it starts to get low, but Dr. Nelson says This is a bad idea.
"You wouldn't store leftover pasta in a plastic container and then reuse it to make a salad work without washing," says Dr. Nelson. "Be sure to rinse the container between refills. From The oil from kibble tends to make the container greasy, and you can then contaminate fresh food with rancid oil from an old bag."
Dr. Nelson recommends washing stainless steel or plastic dog food thoroughly with hot soapy water or white vinegar Storage container. Then, rinse and dry completely before refilling. Excess moisture can cause mold and mildew to grow on food.

A cool, dry place is ideal

To maintain the nutritional quality and shelf life of dry dog ​​food, it is important to store the food and its container in a cool, dry place important.
Moisture can cause mold, which can make your pet sick. High temperatures can also speed up the degradation process and cause nutrients in food to break down. You will want to avoid storing dry dog ​​food in places where temperatures exceed 100 degrees Fahrenheit, such as a garage or shed.
Make sure the chosen location where dry dog ​​food is stored is secure and out of reach of your dog to prevent him from sneaking snacks in the trough.

Wet Dog Food Storage

If left unopened, canned dog food can last for months or even years. Discard cans that have deep dents, bubbles, or swelling; all of these are signs that the can's seal has been compromised and bacteria are growing inside.
Once opened, you have 24 hours to store the food if your dog does not finish a meal.

Seal and refrigerate to maintain freshness

"Unfinished canned foods should be stored in the refrigerator for three to five days," says Dr. Nelson. “You can use jar lids to keep food fresh. Be sure to squeeze out anyany air, and observe carefully before feeding. If it's watery or has changed its smell or texture, throw it away. "
"Once opened, we like to wrap the open end of the tube in foil and secure with a rubber band," she says. "This will last up to a week in the refrigerator. ”

Tips for freezing dog food

If you have more food than your pet can eat before it goes bad, you can always use your freezer. It can be frozen, to prevent it from going bad. You can also transfer leftover canned food to freezer-safe bags or containers before freezing.
Frozen food is best thawed in the refrigerator and served within six to nine months, But it can last longer.

Make sure you are buying the correct amount of food

Dr. recommends pet owners see their veterinarian to find out how much food their pet really needs. "With 59 percent of cats and 54 percent of dogs in the United States being overweight, we noticed that pet owners don't actually know how much to feed their pets," Dr. Nelson said. "You can't always follow the chart on the bag because your Pets may need more or less food, depending on their condition, age and activity level. It's important to know how much food they really need. Then, buy bags of food that they can actually eat within three to four weeks, or buy portions if you're willing to buy in bulk. "