Dog and Cat Food Becomes "Useless" If Stored Incorrectly
Improperly stored pet food loses its nutritional value and can be harmful to your pet's health. Do you know the simple and effective ways to store dog and cat food?
Article Content:
1.Common Mistakes in Storing Pet Food
1.1. Throwing away the food packaging
1.2. Leaving food exposed to air for too long
1.3. Exposing food to direct sunlight
1.4. Using food that is close to or past its expiration date
2.Proper Methods for Storing Pet Food
3.Frequently Asked Questions
Many pet owners focus on choosing high-quality, nutritious food for their pets but forget that proper storage is crucial to maintaining and preserving its nutritional quality.
Check if you’re making any of the common mistakes below when storing dog and cat food.
1. Common Mistakes in Storing Pet Food
1.1. Throwing Away the Food Packaging
Commercial pet food, especially dry kibble, is packaged in various materials such as paper bags or plastic bags. However, many owners unconsciously discard the original packaging and transfer the food into plastic or glass containers.
Did you know that some premium pet food bags come with a zip-lock seal and are carefully designed to prevent moisture and mold? You only need to store them in a cool, clean place, away from direct sunlight.
Additionally, the packaging contains important information about the food’s nutritional content and expiration date. If you mix up different food types or use expired food, keeping the original packaging will help with identifying the product and making returns or exchanges if necessary.
1.2. Leaving Dry Kibble Exposed to Air for Too Long
Dry kibble is a common and convenient pet food option that provides balanced nutrition. Many pet owners tend to pour a large amount of kibble into their pet’s bowl so they can eat freely throughout the day.
However, prolonged air exposure can cause kibble to spoil, become moldy, or lose its nutritional value. Some nutrients evaporate over time, and the food may also become contaminated with bacteria.
1.3. Exposing Food to Direct Sunlight
Do you think that leaving dry pet food under direct sunlight will prevent mold and kill bacteria? That’s a complete misconception. High temperatures can actually increase moisture levels and cause food to spoil more quickly.
Additionally, some types of dry kibble need to be stored in a cool, dry place. Excessive heat can strip the food of its essential nutrients. Moreover, direct exposure to sunlight increases the risk of Salmonella contamination—a dangerous bacterium that can cause food poisoning in dogs and cats.
1.4. Using Food That Is Close to or Past Its Expiration Date
Many pet owners believe that pet food is still safe to use even if it has just reached or slightly passed its expiration date by a day or two.
In reality, while the food may not show obvious changes in texture or appearance right after expiring, its nutritional quality is already compromised.
Pet food is designed to be consumed within a specific period to ensure optimal nutrition. Once that period is exceeded, the food loses its nutritional value and may even become harmful due to bacterial growth, as the preservatives lose their effectiveness.
2. Proper Storage Guidelines for Dog and Cat Food
When purchasing pet food from pet stores, always inspect the packaging carefully to ensure it has not been opened, damaged, or expired.
Once you bring it home and start feeding your pet, follow these storage methods:
For Dry Kibble:
After opening, do not expose dry food directly to sunlight. Store it in a cool, dry place, away from humidity and moisture.
High-quality pet food often comes in well-sealed packaging designed to maintain freshness.
For small bags of kibble, simply clip or tightly seal the bag after each use. If the bag has a zip-lock feature, always use it.
For large or heavy bags that are difficult to handle, consider using airtight containers for easier portioning and better storage.
If using storage bins, opt for glass or plastic containers with tightly sealed lids to prevent exposure to air, insects, or pests. However, the best method is to place the original sealed bag inside a storage bin rather than pouring the kibble directly into the container.
Dry kibble should be consumed within six weeks of opening the bag. Choose bag sizes that match your pet’s feeding needs to prevent waste.
For Wet Food & Pâté:
Wet food, such as pâté, is usually packaged in single-serving cans or pouches, making storage easier.
If your pet doesn’t finish a serving in one meal, or if you buy larger cans to save money, refrigerate any leftovers immediately. Make sure to use them within seven days of opening.
Never leave wet food out in the open for more than three hours, as it can become contaminated and unsafe for consumption.
If you prepare homemade pâté for your pet, the best storage method is to divide it into small portions, freeze them, and thaw only the necessary amount before each meal.
3. Frequently Asked Questions
How Should Dry Kibble Be Stored?
After opening, dry dog and cat food should not be exposed to direct sunlight. It must be stored in a cool, dry place, away from moisture and humidity.
- For small bags, simply clip or tightly seal them after each use. If the bag has a zip-lock feature, make sure to use it.
- For large or heavy bags, use storage containers to portion out the food and keep it fresh.
How Should Pâté Be Stored After Opening?
If your pet doesn’t finish its wet food in one meal or if you buy large cans to save money, any leftover pâté must be refrigerated immediately. However, make sure your pet consumes it within seven days of opening.
How Long Can Dry Kibble Be Left Out?
Dry kibble for dogs and cats should ideally be consumed within six weeks of opening the bag. To minimize waste, choose bag sizes that align with your pet’s feeding needs.