How To Store Your Pet Food To Reduce Loss Of Nutrition?

Cooking for your pet every day may not be an option, so how do we store dog food? In this scenario, we may be cooking once a week or maybe for three or four days and storing it. How you store your pet food is important to keep it nutritious so that your pet remains in good health and does not fall sick eating stale food.

How to Store Pet Food?

“If you want to store dry pet food in another storage container, put the entire bag into the container rather than pour the kibble directly into it.” – Food And Drug Administration.

So the first consideration that you should exercise when storing pet food is to ensure that it is in a cool and dry place that is out of any exposure to direct sunlight. Temperature is important, particularly if it is not refrigerated; dry dog food storage temperature for instance is 80 degrees Fahrenheit or 27 degrees celsius. Keeping the food away from moisture is a must so use airtight containers like Tupperware. This is the most important factor in avoiding the formation of mold via the oxidation of pet food exposed to moisture and the air. Your pet has a fine nose and will not be appetized by smelly moldy food. This is less crucial for dry food which may sit in your pet’s bowl for a while but don’t let it stay there for beyond 12 hours or so, depending on your local climate.

Tips To Store Food To Prevent It From Getting Spoilt

To place this in pointers that answer the question ‘where do you store pet food?’: –

• If you are cooking food for your pet, either weekly or every few days or so ensure that you refrigerate it.
• Use airtight containers where possible.
• An additional consideration, if you are purchasing pet food is to keep the original packing in case any food borne diseases or allergies are noticed. This will help you check the nutritional information and ingredients on the wrapper if you are required to relay such information to a veterinarian.
• Can food, a common form of packaging for pet products should be refrigerated once the seal is opened.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

• The most common mistake regarding pet food is buying too much as this will always make storage a bother. Plan ahead and don’t stock up for more than a month’s worth of pet food. It will also give you a sense of how much they are eating and you will be able to ration it accordingly.
• Not checking the date of expiry upon purchase is also human and frequent. Stores can be lazy in getting rid of old stock and as the owner, it is your responsibility to check expiry dates to ensure that what your pet is eating is fresh and palatable.
• Overfeeding treats is a tendency we see with many pets and obesity, especially with some breeds such as Labradors, pugs and beagles are not uncommon if care is not taken.
• Buying into a boutique brand may be tempting but it is always more important to be aware as to what actually goes into the food that your mutt or feline may be consuming. Check labels, do your homework, consult a vet if you have to. The bottom line is that you have to make responsible decisions.
• If you are cooking for your pet yourself it is equally important to consider that the diet they require may not be the same as ours and here it helps to consult an expert.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Pet Food Regulated?

In the US, the Food and Drug Administration regulates both finished pet food and pet food products like chews and supplements, including their ingredients.

Are The Use Of Artificial Flavoring Agents, Colors, etc. Safe? 

The FDA monitors the ingredients that are used to make pet food. In order for any of the above substances to be utilized in making pet food, they must first have been approved by the organization.

How Often Can I Give My Pet A Chew Or A Treat?

Treats are a great instrument in the training of your companion and help with bonding as well. They should be used sparingly however as they are not replacements for a regular diet. It is recommended that no more than 10% of the daily caloric intake are drawn from such treats.

Can I Soak My Pet’s Dry Food?

Soaking dry kibble may bring out its natural aroma and warm it. Cats, it is found, tend to prefer this.

How Long Can I Store My Pet’s Food?

Conditions are everything here. Meat in the deep freezer may last a week or more. Food that your pet does not eat or finish, like when left in their bowl should be cleared within four hours or so.

Is It Safe To Store Pet Food In Plastic Containers?

Plastic or stainless steel containers are fine as long as they are airtight.

Final Thoughts

Don’t be overwhelmed by any of this. Having a pet at home is a joy and you will form a bond worth sharing as you learn how to care for each other. It may be painstaking at first but once you become accustomed to these habits you will do it almost as though it were second nature.

Be attentive to your pet as they cannot communicate the way you and I can. Notice signs like lethargy, belching, hair fall, or itchiness, and do not be afraid to consult your veterinarian if you have any doubts regarding their wellbeing and how to secure it. The pet’s wellbeing and your happiness depend on it.