Dry dog food is one of the most common diets for dogs, as it’s a simple and practical way to feed your pet every day. However, it’s important to know how to store dry dog food correctly in order to prevent certain risks.
Let’s see some helpful advice on how to store dry dog food properly without endangering your pet’s health.
Why is it important to store dog food correctly?
Firstly, knowing how to store dry dog food prevents food waste. Inadequate storage compromises the taste of the food and the dog might refuse to eat it. Animals need to be attracted to food by its smell, so if the kibble loses its organoleptic properties, your dog might not find it appetizing.
Conversely, proper storage preserves the flavor and smell of dry dog food so the consistency and taste will be the same every time you open the bag. Similarly, storing dog food correctly extends its shelf life, preserves the product’s nutritional properties and protein, mineral and vitamin content.
Where should you store dry dog food?
The first factor to consider when storing dog food is where is the ideal place to keep the packaging. Dry dog food should not be left on balconies, in cellars, garages or kept in the refrigerator, as these are all unsuitable places to store pet food, regardless of the type of food you buy.
As they are places that are exposed to humidity and considerable temperature changes, this increases the deterioration of the kibble and causes it to lose its organoleptic properties. The ideal place to keep dry dog food is away from direct sunlight, heat sources and in an optimal microclimate that is not susceptible to considerable changes in humidity and temperature.
For example, two places where you can store dry dog food are in a storage cupboard or larder, which are perfect for protecting pet food from temperature changes, heat and sunlight. Also, the bag should not be left on the ground, it should be placed on a raised point, such as a shelf in the larder or in a storage cupboard in the kitchen.
What are the risks of incorrect storage?
Storing dry dog food incorrectly can cause a series of problems, including:
- Loss of crunchiness and fragrance;
- The food is less appetizing to the dog;
- The proliferation of mold and bacteria;
- Faster deterioration of the food;
- Changes to the organoleptic properties (taste, flavor, aroma);
- Rancidification of the kibble;
- Changes to the nutritional properties;
- Reduced product quality;
- Problems with the dog’s health, like intestinal and digestive issues.
Mistakes to avoid
When storing dry dog food, it’s important to be careful not to make certain mistakes. First of all, the packaging must not be accidentally left open after use, otherwise oxygen will speed up the oxidation process and the deterioration of the product, which will also lose its flavor faster. In addition, you should not put the kibble into a smaller plastic container, as this will increase oxidation and make the food less appetizing.
Considering the shelf life of dry dog food, which is one month after opening the pack, it is advisable not to buy a very large bag as there is a chance that the product will not be finished within the recommended use by date after it has been opened. Another common mistake is keeping the food in an unsuitable place, e.g. where it is exposed to climate changes, humidity or possible contamination by rats.
5 tips to store dry dog food
Let’s see 5 useful tips to store dry dog food properly and a series of precautions to take when storing pet food.
1. Store dry dog food in its original packaging
Pet food packaging, like bags of dry food, are designed to ensure the optimal storage of the product, protecting it from light, heat and bad weather, and preserving its nutritional and organoleptic properties. The best option is to keep dry dog food in its original packaging instead of transferring it into other containers that are not designed for it.
2. Always check the expiry date
Dry dog food has an expiry date, which must be stated on the packaging and is one of the mandatory pieces of information on the product food label. Checking this will help you make sure you buy food that is not about to expire, especially when you buy more than one bag to take advantage of offers and promotions.
3. Close the pack properly after opening
Dry dog food packaging must always be kept closed after using in order to prevent it from deteriorating early and compromising the quality and flavor of the food. Some packs have a special closure to seal the packaging after use. If there is no closure provided, you need to carefully roll over the top of the bag and secure it with tools that apply pressure to it.
4. Store dry dog food at the right temperature
In general, dry dog food should be stored at a temperature of between 15°C and 35°C inclusive, and it is important that it is not exposed to temperatures outside of this range as the product could lose its aroma and quality. As previously said, the best places are larders and storage cupboards, preferably inside your home, not outside.
5. Be sure to finish dry dog food within one month
Every dog eats a specific amount of dry food every day, according to its size and stage of development. It’s important to make sure the dog can finish the food in the bag within one month, which is the maximum shelf life of dry dog food after the bag has been opened, and avoid choosing unsuitable sizes of bags even if it would save you money.
If your company specializes in pet food, Volmar Packaging offers dedicated pet food packaging solutions, including quality vacuum bags, which can be widely customized, or flexible films, laminates and COEX, including versions recognized as potentially recyclable. Volmar Packaging offers a customized service to cater to a range of different needs.