In light of recent dog food recalls due to common bacterial contaminants like Salmonella and Listeria, you might be wondering,
‘How can I ensure my dog food is safe?’
Proper storage of dog food is vital for maintaining its flavor and nutritional value. Like human food, improperly stored dog food can go stale and invite serious infections.
In this article, we take a view of how you as a pet owner can take extra care of your dog by storing pet food the right way!
Why is it important to store dog food correctly?
- Maintaining nutritional value: Dog food is formulated to provide balanced nutrition with all essential nutrients, vitamins, and minerals. When stored correctly, the nutrition is retained until the marked shelf life but when not done right, these nutrients degrade over time.
- Preventing contamination: Contact with moisture and improper storage can attract pests like insects, parasites, and rodents which pose a serious threat to your pet.
- Health risks: Feeding spoiled food can lead to gastrointestinal issues, infections, and other health problems. Ensuring their food is stored correctly minimizes these risks, promoting a longer, healthier life for your pet.
How to store dry dog food correctly?
- Use airtight containers: Invest in high-quality, airtight containers made of safe, non-toxic materials, such as BPA-free plastic or stainless steel, to keep out moisture and pests. This will help preserve the freshness of the food and prevent it from becoming stale.
- Store in a cool, dry place: Keep your dog food in a cool, dry area away from direct sunlight. Direct sunlight and high temperatures can spoil the food and also lead to contamination by bacteria.
- Clean the storage containers regularly: Over time, oils and residues from the dog food can build up, leading to rancidity, so periodically clean your storage containers.
How to store wet dog food correctly?
Wet dog food is a popular choice, especially for senior dogs that need extra hydration or have dental issues. Wet food has a tendency to spoil early, so it requires careful storage.
- Refrigerate after opening
Once a can is opened, refrigerate it within 2 hours of unfastening it. If the original packaging is not resealable, transfer any unused wet food to an airtight container. This helps maintain its moisture and flavor while keeping it safe from contaminants.
- Use airtight containers
An opened tin should not be stored for more than 5 days in the fridge, even if some food is left. It is best to discard it within a week’s time. If your dog doesn’t finish the food within 30 minutes, throw away the remainder.
To ensure your dog’s food stays fresh, avoid these common storage mistakes:
- Using original bags: While it may seem convenient to keep dog food in its original bag, these bags are not always airtight or moisture-proof for storing long-term. Transferring the food to a proper airtight container is a better option.
- Ignoring expiry dates: Don’t risk your pet’s health by feeding it expired food as it can lead to severe dehydration or vomiting. Make it a habit to check the ‘use by’ dates on dog food bags and cans before purchase.
- Mixing old and new food: Finish the old food before introducing new one. Avoid mixing old food with new. This can lead to a contaminated new batch.
Conclusion
Making informed decisions about storing dog food is vital for supporting your dog’s overall well-being and longevity. Proper storage practices not only maintain the nutritional value of the food but also prevent contamination that could harm your pet.
As a responsible pet owner, it’s essential to stay educated about best practices for dog food storage and consult with your veterinarian about your dog’s dietary needs.
Virbac India is committed to providing reliable and effective nutrition solutions for dogs, ensuring that your furry friends receive the best care possible. It offers high-quality products designed to support overall dog health.
Virbac Veterinary HPM® dry dog food is a high-protein formula with 90% animal protein and low carbohydrate content which is highly palatable. Dry kibbles promote health benefits like beautiful skin and coat, digestive tolerance, weight control, tartar control, immune and kidney support.
With the belief that each animal is unique, its diet must be adapted to its specific needs and additionally; it is essential to choose a food according to a dog’s age, size and physiological stage.
Remember, a little attention to how you store your dog’s food can go a long way in promoting their health and happiness.
