Keeping your canine companion’s food as fresh as possible is important. Not only does allowing food to go bad waste your hard-earned money, it could harm your pet if they eat it! Whether you’re a long-time dog owner or considering getting a new furry friend (if so, you might find our article on Tips on Choosing a New Canine Companion helpful), understanding how to properly store dog food is crucial. Learn about some easy ways to keep your dog’s food fresh in this article from your local veterinarian.
Dry Kibble
Generally speaking, factors like humidity, heat, and sunlight are enemies of proper food storage. The same goes for your dog’s dry kibble. Keep your dog’s food in a dry, cool, dim area to make sure it stays as fresh as possible. If your dog’s food bag is resealable, keep the kibble in that bag—it’s made to keep the inner contents airtight and therefore fresh! If the bag isn’t resealable, put the food in an airtight plastic container.
Are mice or other pests an issue in your home? You’ll want to secure your dog’s food in a sealed container of some kind so that it can’t be contaminated.
A final tip: trust your instincts once you’ve opened your dog’s kibble. If it looks or smells off, it’s best to play it safe—contact the manufacturer or the store where you purchased the food and ask for a fresh bag.
Wet/Canned Food
An unopened can of wet dog food can stay good for a long time—years on end, even—if it’s stored properly. Follow the same general rules as you would with dry food; keep your dog’s canned food in a dry, cool area.
Once a can of wet dog food is opened, store unused portions in a container in the refrigerator. Refrigerated wet food will be good for about a week before it’s time to trash it and open a new can.
Purchasing
Being smart about dog food freshness starts even before you’ve brought your pooch’s food home! When you’re in the pet store or a retail outlet picking up your dog’s food, be sure to look for the “sell by” or “best by” date that is printed somewhere on the packaging. Just as you probably do with human food, try to select a package with a date that is as far into the future as you can find—this food is the freshest and will last the longest. If you don’t see a date on the package, don’t purchase it.
Would you like further advice on your dog’s food storage and dietary needs? Contact us, your local animal clinic in Hobe Sound, FL! Our Vet Nutrition and Weight Management service can provide personalized guidance on selecting the right food for your dog and maintaining proper nutrition for optimal health.
