When it comes to feeding our pets, we often spend a lot of time picking the right kibble or wet food. But we don’t always think about how we store that food, and that’s super important too! Proper storage keeps the food fresh, tasty, and full of nutrients. It also helps stop harmful bacteria, bugs, and mold from getting in. If we don’t store it properly, the food can spoil, which might make our pets sick or even cause them to refuse to eat it. 

Like human food, pet food can be affected by air, moisture, and temperature. By avoiding common storage mistakes, we can make sure our pets enjoy safe and nutritious meals every time!

Mistake #1: Leaving Food in the Original Bag

Opening a bag of kibble is easy, but it’s a mistake to leave it in the bag. Most pet food bags aren’t airtight, which lets air in and makes the food go stale. It can also lose nutrients and get mold and bacteria. 

To keep your pet's food fresh, just transfer it to a good airtight dog food container right after you open it. This keeps out air, bugs, and moisture. You can even pop the original pet food packaging in the container to keep the label close for expiration dates.

Mistake #2: Storing Food in Hot or Humid Areas

It's best not to keep pet food in hot and humid places like the garage or near the stove. Doing so can spoil the pet food and lead to mold and bacteria. This is especially important in humid areas.

Instead, store it in a cool, dry place like your pantry or a cabinet, away from sunlight and heat. Invest in stainless steel dog food storage. The ideal temperature for pet food storage is between 15°C and 24°C (59°F to 75°F).

Read more: Pet Supplies Checklist: 6 Must-Have Pet Essentials

Mistake #3: Mixing Old and New Kibble

Many pet owners fill their pet's food container with new kibble before finishing the old stuff. While it might seem fine, this can actually lead to some issues. Rancid food at the bottom can spoil the fresh kibble, and it also makes it hard to know how fresh your pet's meals are. Plus, if your pet gets sick, it’s tough to tell if it’s from the old or the new dry dog food. 

To keep it simple, always empty and wash the container before adding new dry cat food or dog food, and let it dry. Try to finish one bag before opening another. This little routine ensures your pet gets the freshest food!

Read more: Optimizing Your Pet's Diet: Wet vs. Dry Pet Food

Mistake #4: Not Cleaning Containers Regularly

Even if you keep your pet's food in a sealed container, oils from the kibble can stick to the sides and bottom. If you don’t clean it, those oils can go bad, affecting the food’s smell, taste, and nutrition. Plus, the buildup can attract bugs and promote bacterial growth, especially if you leave wet food in without cleaning the container. 

To prevent this, wash your pet's food containers at least once a month with warm, soapy water and rinse them well. Let them dry completely before adding more food to avoid moisture problems. For wet food, make sure to wash the container after each use.

Mistake #5: Ignoring Expiry Dates

Be careful with expired pet food! Giving your pets old dry or wet food can lead to sickness, nutrient loss, or even food poisoning. Many pet owners overlook the "best before" or "expiration" dates on their pet food, especially if they stock up on supplies.

While buying in bulk might save you some cash, it only works if your pet finishes the food before it goes bad. Once you open dry pet food, it usually stays fresh for about 6 to 8 weeks, as long as it’s stored properly. Canned food can last longer, but still check the expiry date on the can.

What to do: Always check the expiration date before buying. When you get home, stack the newer bags behind the older ones so you use the older food first. If your pet is small or doesn't eat much, consider buying a smaller dog food or cat food container to avoid waste.

Read more: Cat Not Eating? Causes & Solutions for Fussy Eaters
Woof Woes: Why and What to Do If Your Dog Is Not Eating

The Takeaway

To keep your pet healthy and happy, it's important to store their food correctly. If not stored properly, the food can lose its nutrients, taste bad, and even become contaminated. 

At Pet Express, we know your pet deserves the best food there is. Whether you need crunchy kibble or wet cat food in a can, we have what you need to make sure your pet's meals are safe, healthy, and tasty.

Visit Pet Express today or shop online for a selection of pet food and supplies. Because what your pet eats is key to their health!