Keep the Bag When Storing Dry Pet Food

A storage bin can make a half-empty bag of kibble look tidier. Before you tip the food in and throw the packaging away, keep the bag. It protects the food and carries the details you'll need if a batch is recalled. The simplest arrangement is often the original bag inside a secure container.

The packaging still has a job

Tufts veterinary nutritionist Lisa Freeman explains that manufacturers test shelf life using the original packaging. The bag helps protect the food from contamination and nutrient breakdown. After serving a meal, squeeze out excess air and close the bag securely with its seal or a clip.

A tightly closed lid doesn't make the bag redundant. Put the whole bag in the bin if it fits, then close both. Keep the bin somewhere your pet can't open it; a determined dog may get through a lid that looks secure to you.

Keep the details for this batch

The US Food and Drug Administration advises keeping the manufacturer and exact product name, UPC code, lot number and best-by date. A brand name alone won't identify the batch in your cupboard.

If you have to decant the food, save those parts of the label. Tape them to the container or photograph them clearly, as Tufts suggests. Replace the record when you open the next bag. An old label on a new supply can leave you checking the wrong batch during a recall.

Finish one bag before refilling

It's tempting to pour fresh kibble over what's left in the bottom. Tufts advises using up the food already in the container before adding more, then washing the container and letting it dry completely between bags. FDA explains that washing removes residual fat and crumbs from the surfaces.

Leave time for drying. The new food should go into a clean, dry container with a lid that fits well. Choosing a bin you can reach into and wash makes that routine easier to carry out.

Store it indoors in a cool, dry place. FDA recommends a temperature below 80 F, about 27 C. A hot garage or a damp corner is a poor choice. Tufts also advises keeping stored food off the floor to reduce access by pests.

Use a separate scoop at mealtimes

FDA's handling guidance says to use a clean scoop, spoon or cup dedicated to pet food. Don't dip the feeding bowl into the bag. Wash bowls and measuring utensils with soap and hot water after each use, and wash your hands before and after handling the food.

Storage time after opening varies by product and conditions. Tufts advises checking with the manufacturer for the particular food rather than assuming every bag has the same usable life. A large bag is less useful if it stays open longer than the maker recommends.

If your pet becomes ill and you suspect the food, stop feeding it and call your veterinarian. Keep the current packaging available so the product and batch can be identified.

References

Proper Storage of Pet Food & Treats — US Food and Drug Administration

The Scoop on Storing Pet Food — Lisa M. Freeman, Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University, 2020

Tips for Safe Handling of Pet Food and Treats — US Food and Drug Administration