The Best Way to Store Dog Food: Avoiding Plastic Bins
When it comes to keeping your dog’s food fresh and nutritious, proper storage is key. Many pet owners turn to plastic bins for convenience, but this common solution may not be the best choice. Here’s why, and what you should do instead.
Why Not Plastic Bins?
1. Bacterial Growth: Plastic bins can harbor bacteria, especially if they are not cleaned thoroughly between refills. The residual oils and fats from the dog food can create a breeding ground for bacteria, which can contaminate the fresh food and pose a health risk to your family and your pet.
2. Chemical Leaching: Plastic can contain chemicals like BPA and phthalates, which may leach into your dog’s food, especially if the bin is exposed to heat or direct sunlight. Over time, these chemicals can pose health risks to your pet.
3. Odor Absorption: Plastic bins tend to absorb odors, including those from the food they store. This can lead to a stale or unpleasant smell, which might affect the taste and appeal of the food to your dog.
4. Degradation Over Time: Plastic degrades over time, particularly when exposed to varying temperatures and sunlight. This can result in small plastic particles contaminating the food, which is not something you want your pet ingesting.
5. Return and Recall Issues: If you need to return dog food to your place of purchase it needs to be in its original packaging. Keeping the original packaging also helps with tracking the lot code, which is important in case of a recall.
Better Alternatives for Storing Dog Food
1. Airtight Containers: Opt for airtight containers made from materials like stainless steel or glass. These materials do not leach harmful chemicals and are easier to clean, ensuring that your dog’s food remains fresh and uncontaminated.
2. Original Packaging: If possible, keep the dog food in its original packaging, which is designed to preserve freshness. Then you can place the entire bag into a larger airtight container or plastic container for an extra layer of protection.
3. Cool, Dry Storage: Store dog food in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Heat and humidity can accelerate the degradation of the food and the container, reducing shelf life and nutritional value.
4. Regular Cleaning: Regardless of the container you use, regular cleaning is essential. Wash and thoroughly dry containers between refills to prevent the build-up of oils and residues that can harbor bacteria.
Additional Tips
– Check Expiry Dates: Always check the expiry date on the dog food bag before storing. Rotate your stock so that the oldest food is used first.
– Avoid Bulk Buying: While it might be tempting to buy in bulk to save money, it’s better to buy amounts that your dog will consume within a reasonable timeframe to ensure freshness.
– Seal Properly: Ensure that the container is sealed tightly after every use. Exposure to air can cause the food to become stale and can promote the growth of mold and bacteria.
– Avoid Hot Environments: Do not store dog food in hot places such as a car or garage. High temperatures can cause the food to spoil more quickly and can degrade the container, leading to contamination.
–Minimize Oxidation: As soon as the bag is opened, oxidation begins. Oxidation can lead to the degradation of fats and oils in the food, causing it to go rancid. This not only affects the taste but also reduces the nutritional value and can pose health risks to your dog. To minimize oxidation, store food in airtight containers and use it within a reasonable time frame.
What Does Beth Do?
What do I do at home? I found a custom built wooden bin, meant to hold a garbage can. Since we have big and multiple dogs, I always buy a large bag. I drop the whole bag in the bin after cleaning and seal it with a clip in between feedings. This is the easiest way that works for our home and family.