February 22, 2023
Tips for pet food storage
Eating fresh, well-preserved food is the best. However, with rising temperatures and humidity comes an increased risk of spoilage. Whether you use airtight bags or store them in the freezer, it's reassuring to know that you don't have to throw away your groceries. But what about your furry friends' meals? Dog and cat food also has an expiry date. Follow our tips for storing pet food properly:
Dry food
Store dry pet food in a cool, dry place. For unused food, store it in its original packaging. But not just any old way! The container must be airtight to protect the contents from air, moisture and nasty parasites. You can find storage bins specially designed for your furry friend's food. However, any airtight container of adequate size will do.
It's also a good idea to always roll the top of pet food bags to let out excess air. Simply because oxygen turns fats rancid, and you want good quality food for your friends. Moreover, the longer food remains uneaten, the more its nutritional value deteriorates. Therefore, it would be better to buy small bags more often rather than a large bag every two or three months.
Wet food
No big storage job as long as the packaging of wet foods is sealed. Store anything in boxes, trays, cartons or bags the same way you would store your food! That is, in your kitchen cupboards etc. However, make sure that the packaging remains intact. A single puncture or small dent can compromise the whole package.
Once you have opened the package, keep the wet pet food in a cool place. For leftovers, put them back in the fridge as soon as possible to use for your dog or cat's next meal. Make it a habit to use airtight or glass containers, plastic wrappers and can lids! This will keep the food fresh for as long as possible.
Raw food
Raw food is usually frozen. So you would logically keep them in your freezer until mealtime when you will defrost them. Otherwise, if raw food is not frozen, it should be kept in the refrigerator for a maximum of four days. And no longer!
It is best to eat raw food meals in one sitting. But if you end up with leftovers and they have not been kept for more than an hour, they can be refrigerated and given to the next meal.
All foods
An important rule for all types of pet food: check the expiry date! Also, try to buy food with as long a shelf life as possible. Packages of pet food may sit in warehouses or on shop shelves for too long before being purchased. This can have an undesirable impact on the nutritional value of the food for your pet.
Get rid of pet food that no longer looks good or damaged packaging... you don't want to affect your pet's health due to a small oversight!
Ultimately, the way you store your pet's food can make a big difference. Your pet will be eternally grateful to you for taking care of its diet. So keep our tips in mind for optimal pet food storage. You'll be glad you did!
