These guidelines were formulated for non-SHTF situations. If SHTF you will have to improvise to the best possible solution to keep your furry family member healthy. If SHTF there may no longer be a source of traditional dog food.
Dry Dog Food Storage
Kibble is easy to store and feed, but like all types of pet food, it is perishable.
Bags of dry dog food are imprinted with a “best by” date to let you know how long you can keep it. However, many dog owners do not realize that this date becomes inaccurate once the bag is opened. As a rule of thumb, vets recommends that pet parents use the dog food only one month after opening if it has been properly stored.
Once you open a bag of dog food, its freshness is exposed to the elements. The three factors that affect the nutritional value and quality of a dog food once it has been opened are air, moisture and high temperatures. To help combat these forces, here are some tips for dry dog food storage.
Seal Your Bag: The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and dog food companies recommend that you seal your dog food, because it minimizes its exposure to air, which can contaminate your dog food with bacteria.
To seal your dog food bag, you can roll down the sides and use a bag clip to close up the bag. For extra protection, an airtight container.
Airtight Dog Food Storage Containers: Dry dog food is extruded, and then sprayed with oils that start to break down and go rancid once the food is exposed to air, so kibble needs to be kept in an airtight container.
When it comes to the type of dog food containers you should use, plastic or stainless steel containers are fine for storing kibble as long as they are airtight. Stainless steel is preferred because it is easier to clean and lasts longer.”
Best to Keep it in the Original Packaging: You should store the whole bag of dog food inside of the airtight dog food storage containers. That way, the bag can provide an added barrier that helps seal in fats and oils to prevent them from becoming rancid later.
Keeping dog food in the original bag will also ensure that pet parents have access to the UPC code, lot number, “best by” date and brand and manufacturer information in case of a problem, like a defect or recall, according to the FDA. When you file a complaint about your dog’s food, all of this information likely will be required.
Keeping Your Dog Food Container Clean: Many dog owners simply top off the dog food storage container with a new bag of dog food as it starts to run low - this is a bad idea. Always wash out the container between refills. The oils from the kibble tend to make the container greasy, and you can then end up having rancid oil from the old bag contaminating the fresh food. Wash stainless steel or plastic dog food storage containers with hot, soapy water or white vinegar. Then, rinse and dry completely before refilling. Excess moisture can cause mold and mildew to grow on the food.
A Cool, Dry Place is Ideal: In order to maintain the nutritional quality and shelf life of dry dog food, it is important that you store the food and its container in a cool, dry place. Moisture can lead to mold, which can make your pet sick. High temperatures can also speed up the degradation process and cause the nutrients within the food to breakdown. You will want to avoid storing your dry dog food in places where temperatures can exceed 100 degrees Fahrenheit, like a garage or shed. Make sure the chosen location of your dry dog food storage is secure and can’t be accessed by your dog to prevent him from sneaking a snack on the down low.
Dry Dog Food Storage
Dry Dog Food Storage
“Two is one, one is none”