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How to store dry pet food: tips for freshness and safety

By Bunnings magazine /

A close-up of a dog eating dry food out of a silver bowl
No one wants their beloved pet to get sick, especially when it could have been avoided. Learn how to store dry pet food correctly with these tips and discover the best pet food storage containers to keep your pet’s food fresh and safe.

Learning how to store dry pet food correctly is crucial for keeping it fresh and protecting your pet from harmful nasties. The moment you open your pet’s kibble, it begins to oxidize (a chain reaction that occurs in the presence of oxygen, responsible for the deterioration in food quality), and this exposure can lead to food contamination. Discover the best pet food storage containers and handy tips to maintain the integrity of your pet’s food and ensure their overall wellbeing.

How to store dry pet food: Top tips

  • Best before date: Understanding how to store dry pet food correctly is essential for maintaining freshness. Once you open a bag of dry food, you should use it as recommended on the packaging, ideally within six weeks. Opening it exposes the food to air, which reduces its freshness. Provided the dry food is stored in a pet food storage container and you follow the recommended ‘use by’ directions, it should stay as fresh as possible.
  • Mixing dry food bags: This is a big no-no. If you pour the end of one dry food bag into another, you risk cross-contamination of ‘best by’ dates and compromise the freshness of the new bag. Always store dry pet food in separate pet food storage containers to maintain its quality.
  • Avoid storing in direct sunlight: This one might seem obvious but is worth emphasising. Store dry pet food in a cool, dry environment, and avoid places like the garage floor or outdoor areas. Exposure to sunlight can quickly spoil fats in the kibble, putting your pet at risk. Additionally, essential nutrients such as vitamin A, E and amino acids are light-sensitive and degrade quickly in sunlight, which can impact your pet's health. Moisture is a breeding ground for mould, so always store pet food in a dark, dry place below 26 degrees.
  • Keep dry pet food in its original packaging: Maintaining the kibble in its original packaging helps preserve freshness, especially if stored inside an airtight pet food storage container. If you prefer decanting, use a small, washable container to ensure cleanliness and avoid contamination.

The best pet food storage container size to store pet food

Look for super-sized washable bins with airtight, pest-proof and puppy-proof lids to store dry pet food correctly. Choose a size that accommodates your preferred kibble purchase. Opt for a dedicated pet food storage container – they often come with a handy scoop for convenience!

How to store dry pet food: Smart pet feeders

Smart pet feeders are an innovative way to store dry pet food correctly. Not only do they hold several litres of food, but they also dispense it in controlled portions and even alert your smartphone when your pet has been fed.

How to store dry pet food: Can you store pet food in glass jars?

For on-display storage, choose a beautiful glass jar to store dry pet food or treats. This stylish option can also serve as a handy reminder to give your pet a daily dental chew or grab training treats on the way out. For freshness and convenience, consider pairing it with a dedicated pet food storage container for larger kibble quantities.

How to store dry pet food: Other pet food storage ideas

  • Pull-out bins and laundry hampers are excellent options to store dry pet food, keeping giant kibble bags out of sight.
  • For larger pets or livestock, plastic tubs are ideal for mixing feed for horses.
  • Consider using airtight pet food storage containers for added freshness and to keep pests away.

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Learn how to turn a sideboard into a hidden litter station for your feline.

 

Photo credit: Adobe Stock

Health & Safety

Asbestos, lead-based paints and copper chromium arsenic (CCA) treated timber are health hazards you need to look out for when renovating older homes. These substances can easily be disturbed when renovating and exposure to them can cause a range of life-threatening diseases and conditions including cancer. For information on the dangers of asbestos, lead-based paint and CCA treated timber and tips for dealing with these materials contact your local council's Environmental Health Officer or visit our Health & Safety page.

When following our advice in our D.I.Y. videos, make sure you use all equipment, including PPE, safely by following the manufacturer’s instructions. Check that the equipment is suitable for the task and that PPE fits properly. If you are unsure, hire an expert to do the job or talk to a Bunnings Team Member.