The food we give our pets has a huge influence on their health. So how can you keep it as fresh as possible to make sure your pooch gets the biggest benefits, and best taste, and avoid getting sick? Well, there are a few things to keep in mind and quite a number of handy products to help you do so as conveniently as possible.
What Type Of Food Are You Storing?
The most important thing to consider is what type of dog food you will be storing. Typically there are three options: wet food, homemade or raw food, and dry dog food. For the most part in this article, we will be focusing on the dry option since that is what most pet owners are looking for solutions for.
Wet Dog Food
Wet dog food normally comes in cans and needs to be kept in a cool and dry place to prevent spoilage and rust. Keeping cans out of direct sunlight from windows is important and for this reason, a cabinet is usually the best option. However, once cans have been opened they can be placed in the fridge for a few days as long as you use a lid or cover the top with wrap or foil.
If you are looking to store wet food for a few months you can also freeze it in a freezer-safe container or freezer bags. Don’t forget to check the “best by,” date on the cans when you purchase them.
Homemade/Raw Dog Food
Homemade and raw diets are becoming more and more popular. Many owners will make a batch and then separate it into portions in freezer bags or containers and either place them in the fridge or freezer.
The same goes with raw diets where all the ingredients needed for one meal are placed together normally in a plastic container. How long you keep them in your fridge or freezer will depend on what ingredients you are using since each will have a different shelf life, so it is important to do a little research.
Dry Dog Food
Dry dog food is considered to be the most convenient option for owners. This is because it isn’t messy, requires no preparation, and can be bought in bulk to save cash. That being said to make sure it stays fresh until its expiration date it’s important to make sure it is kept dry and cool.
Most dry dog food storage containers are specifically designed to also be airtight which can go a long way in helping to preserve freshness as long as possible. Purchasing a container from a quality manufacturer will also help to ensure it has a strong seal that keeps out pests like ants and rodents and won’t allow the “dog food smell,” to escape which otherwise can be a big problem in places like closets.
Storage Options
Here are the top options you’ll want to consider when looking for a dry dog food storage bin for your home:
Plastic Dog Food Storage
For budget-friendly choices and convenience, plastic is hard to beat. Plastic is also the first choice of those searching for airtight dog food storage containers since they can provide some of the most efficient seals which are ideal for keeping out pests and keeping in freshness. Many pet owners also like the fact that they are lightweight and are often designed so that they can be stacked on top of one another or used on shelves.
Some will also have wheels so that even when a large amount of dog food is inside you can still easily move the container around. Plastic is, of course, water-resistant so it will keep moisture out and the container itself won’t require any maintenance like with many types of wood. This can be a huge plus if where you are keeping your pet food is prone to flooding or dampness.
Units made from plastic come in a wide range of colors but also sizes. Whether you are looking for a pint-sized option for travel or feeding one of the small dog breeds or an extra-large dog food storage container for a big pooch or just storing as much food as possible there will be a plastic option that works.
A lot of containers are made so that you can see right through them which can instantly let you know how much you have left. This can be an easy way to keep track allowing you to plan your shopping so that you never run out at the last minute leaving your dog hungry.
Plastic containers are not only a smart choice for dry dog food storage but also can be used by those who want to keep cans of wet food and are often really handy for keeping food items such as rice and flour for owners as well.
Metal Dog Food Storage
Another material commonly used for storage is metal. While metal dog food storage containers aren’t as lightweight as plastic they are a simple and very attractive way to keep your kibble. Cans and buckets made from metal should of course be kept in a space where there is no moisture so that they are protected from rust.
Like plastic, many metal containers have seals that are also airtight. If you want something that can be stacked however you should make sure you choose one that has a flat lid. Metal options can be quite decorative and many manufacturers offer smaller containers for treats to match your dog food storage tin which can really add to the look of your kitchen or wherever you are keeping them.
Wooden Dog Food Storage
Usually more expensive than both plastic and metal are wooden containers. When purchasing one you will want to make sure you follow the maintenance instructions for the type of wood that it is made out of. This is very important since each specific variety of wood needs a different amount of care.
For a rustic or even high-end look wood can really make an impression. Most people who decide on wooden dog food storage will use a garbage or plastic bag as a liner inside. Another option is to simply place the entire dog food bag in it.
Dog Food Storage And Feeder In One
Older pets and those that are taller may benefit from an elevated feeding station. Having both their water and food bowls higher up is easier on your canine’s joints and muscles, keeps floors cleaner, and lets owners fill them up without having to bend down as far themselves. Fortunately, nowadays you can purchase an all-in-one style feeder that has bowls on top, and below is a storage container for food.
This keeps everything in one place and makes efficient use of the space underneath which would have been wasted. You will find that these are usually made from either plastic or wood and can be used to store other dog-related items as well such as treats, toys, and more.
On The Wall
An often overlooked spot for storage is on the wall. With a wall-mounted dog food storage container, you can save precious floor space and reduce clutter. These are normally plastic or metal and are airtight.
They can store a large amount of food and are ideal for anyone who has back problems or physical disabilities because once full all you have to do is pull the lever to fill up a bowl. Placing your container on the wall can also help to protect food from particularly troublesome pests like rodents, raccoons, and squirrels.
DIY Dog Food Storage
If you love DIY projects there are many ways to make your own container that doesn’t require any skill. You can even make this into a family activity. Metal bins, buckets, and containers can be painted and re-purposed for holding food. And there are many plastic options that are usually made for human food or even standard storage that can work well too.
Don’t overlook wooden containers you may have purchased for storing other items either. If you have woodworking skills you may want to download some plans from the internet to help you build your own container either from recycled wood or that which you have purchased from a home store.
The Original Bag
While not one of the most creative dog food storage ideas keeping the food in the original bag it came in can work for storage too although definitely not for as long as other choices. You will have to watch out for pests though since an open bag can make an easy target and many animals may simply chew through it.
A bag clip while not able to make your bag one hundred percent airtight, can be a huge improvement over simply folding your bag closed. Some are actually designed to even be used as a handle to help you move the bag as necessary. You can also use the original bag in one of the dog food storage container choices listed here which can work just like a liner to keep the inside of the container clean.
When keeping your pet’s food fresh, free of pests, and in a manner that is convenient for you, you’ll want the proper container. With many of the best dog food storage containers pictured and discussed above you now have all the knowledge you need to get started finding one!
Start Shopping for Dog Food Storage!
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