Food Storage: 5 Tips on Storing Dog Food

Lugging a giant bag of dog food around at mealtime can take a toll on your back, the amount of space left for you dried goods and aesthetics of your kitchen or pantry. Our suggestion? Dump the bag and pick up a container for easy storing and handling.

Here are 5 tips to help you find the right one for you. 

1. Let the Container Blend in
If you’ve got a little extra room and are looking for something to tastefully hide large bags of food, try a tilt out hamper in a wood finish. This option from the Home Depot matches any wood cabinets or dining sets and its flat top provides additional space for a vases or appliances that may be needing a home. If you’re limited on space, however …

2. Let the Container Stand Out
Just because you’ve got to keep your dog’s food out in the open doesn’t mean you can’t find a container that’s appealing to the eye. These canisters from Harry Barker are made from FDA-approved recycled steel and can fit from 10 to 40 pounds of dry dog food. If silver doesn’t match your décor, the bins also come in white.

3. Store Food and Toys (or Treats) in the Same Place
We all love buying one product to solve multiple problems, and dog food storage is no exception. Try using a dual-bin garbage can like this one from The Container Store to keep your dog’s dry food and toys in the same place but separate by bin. If you’ve got lots of bite-size treats in addition to dry food, a dual dispenser is another great option to help clear up some counter space and keep food and treats in the same place.

4. Make Sure it’s Airtight
There are a lot of different options to utilize when storing your pet’s food but the one commandment to follow across the board is to keep food in airtight containers. This will keep any unwanted pests (or pets) out and allow food to stay fresh. This large, airtight food storage bin comes with a washable liner and a magnetic scoop that stores underneath the lid of the bin. If you’re looking for a smaller option, try the Gamma Vittles Vault that holds up to 25 pounds of food in a white, high-impact resistant plastic container.

5. Plan for Storing Food on the Go
Once you’ve figured out a plan for how to store food at home, make sure you’ve got one in place for travel, too. This feeding system from Gamma Vittles includes a four-quart airtight plastic container, two dishes and a handle for keeping everything together. If only packing your own suitcase was as easy!

The Food and Drug Administration advises keeping all dry pet food in a cool, dry place under 80 degrees inside a clean plastic container with a lid. If possible, keep your pet’s food away from your garbage and household trash and any areas where you prepare or store your own food. Any unused wet food should be refrigerated or discarded immediately after mealtime, according to the FDA.