The way we store our dogs’ and cats’ kibble and wet food is essential to maintaining its freshness and nutritional properties. In today’s article, we explain everything you need to know to properly store and preserve your pet’s food.
Guidelines for preserving and storing your pet’s food
A poorly stored bag of kibble or can of food can encourage insect infestations and even cause food poisoning. If we don’t follow certain guidelines when storing food, over time your pet’s food will lose both flavor and nutritional power.
Tips for storing and keeping dry kibble
To preserve and store dry food for dogs and cats, follow these tips:
- Store kibble in a cool, dry place. It should be kept at temperatures below 26°C (78°F). To avoid mold and pests, monitor humidity and keep your pet’s food off the ground.
- Do not leave food outside of the bag. Dog and cat food is best preserved inside its original packaging.
- Always use an airtight container. The best way to store kibble is to place the closed bag inside an airtight container with as little air as possible. This will keep it fresher longer and prevent insects from getting in.
- Metal and glass containers are better. Plastic containers can transfer undesirable odors or flavors to the food. That’s why metal or glass containers are the best for storing your pet’s dry food.
- Buy only the amount you’ll need. To keep kibble fresh, buy only the amount your pet can eat in 3–4 weeks.
The importance of storing dry food in summer
Humidity and high temperatures during warm months can degrade the vitamins and fats in your pet’s kibble. In addition, heat increases the risk of insect infestations. Especially in summer, bags of dry food for dogs and cats should be kept in a cool, dark, and dry environment.
How to store wet food for dogs and cats
If you want to preserve the flavor and freshness of your pet’s wet food, follow these recommendations:
Do not leave wet food out for long. It should not stay in your pet’s bowl for more than 4 hours. After that, discard any leftovers your furry friend hasn’t eaten.
Clean your pet’s bowl between meals. To avoid bacteria growth, wash the bowl thoroughly with soap and water before reusing it.
Refrigerate opened cans. Open cans or trays of cat or dog food must be kept in the refrigerator to preserve moisture and reduce exposure to air. When properly stored, opened cans can last up to 7 days in the fridge.
Use a silicone lid or an airtight container. The best way to store wet food once opened is by using a silicone lid that fits tightly over the top of the can or tray. If you don’t have a lid, store the wet food in an airtight container, preferably glass.
Never freeze wet food. Freezing wet food for dogs and cats can alter the taste and texture of the food.
As you know, your furry friend’s diet is fundamental to their health and well-being. That’s why you should pay attention both to where and how you store your pet’s food. If you want to keep its properties intact, always remember these tips for storing and preserving your pet’s food.
However, to guarantee your pet’s health, besides storing food correctly, it’s important to offer them high-quality food. For this reason, we recommend dog kibble and cat kibble from Only Fresh, as well as our variety of wet food for dogs and wet food for cats. You’ll find countless premium recipes made with 100% natural ingredients.
