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Dinner’s Served – Safely! Pet Food Storage Basics

January 1st, 2025

Have you ever reached into the fridge, stomach growling, only to find last week’s sandwich staring back at you? It might still look decent—maybe even tempting—but that little voice in your head warns you, Don’t do it. A cautious sniff confirms it: this is a bad idea. You toss it, knowing that eating questionable food could lead to regrets—or worse, a bout of stomach-churning illness. Just as we trust our instincts and knowledge to keep ourselves safe from bad food, as dog parents we need to apply the same care and attention to our hungry pet’s meals. Proper storage and handling aren’t just about keeping food fresh—they’re important for protecting our furry friend’s health and plus we don’t want to serve up something that leaves a bad taste in their mouth!

Food safety is a must-know priority because if it is not handled properly it can lead to bacterial contamination, loss of nutrients or spoilage leading dogs to get upset bellies or cause more serious health issues. 

As with all things we sometimes forgot those nitty-gritty details around food safety, so we’ve got a little refresher summary for you.  This little go-to guide will help you make sure whatever nutritious food choices your dog prefers you have the info to keep it safe the next time they wolf down their dinner! 

DOG FOOD STORAGE GUIDELINES

Dry Food

Containers

  • Keep dog food in the original bag, which provides a fat barrier, designed to keep food fresh. If you leave the food in the bag, tightly roll up the open part after each use and secure it with a bag clip or you can also take the whole bag and place into an airtight container.

  • Reseal the bag after every use, using the zip seal or rolling it tightly and clipping it shut.
  • If using a container Invest in a high-quality, airtight storage container to keep kibble fresh and free from pests, moisture, and bacteria. Avoid plastic container that can contain chemicals and leak the taste of plastic on your dog’s food unless they are food-grade or BPA-free. The ideal option is stainless steel containers that don’t alter flavor or nutrients.

Temperature

  • Dry food should be stored in a cool, dry place. The temperature should be below 80° F and a  humidity between 50% and 60%. Heat and humidity can break down nutrients and cause fats to become rancid. 
  • Avoid storing food in areas with temperature and humidity changes, like garages or laundry rooms. Instead, look for a place that stays around the same temperature each day, like a pantry or mudroom. 

Watch the Expiration Date

  • Always check the expiration date before purchasing or feeding dry food to your dog. Once opened, food should be used within 4–6 weeks for maximum freshness.

 

Wet Dog Food

Refrigerate Opened Cans

 

  • Canned or wet food has a shorter shelf life once opened. Any leftover wet food should be transferred to an airtight container or covered with a can lid and stored in the refrigerator. Use within 2–3 days to avoid spoilage.

 

Serve at the Right Temperature

  • Dogs often prefer wet food at room temperature. To warm refrigerated food, let it sit out for 10–15 minutes before serving.

Check Before Serving

  • Give your canned food a once over just to make sure it didn’t go bad, check for mold, discoloration or if it smells rancid. 

 

Raw Diets And Homemade Food

It’s important to note that raw diets and homemade dog meals require extra precautions since they are more susceptible to bacterial contamination.

Freeze Until Needed

  • Store raw or homemade food in the freezer to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth. Thaw portions in the refrigerator, not on the counter, to minimize temperature fluctuation.

Keep it Clean!

  • Always wash your hands, utensils, and surfaces thoroughly after handling raw dog food. This reduces the risk of spreading bacteria like Salmonella or Listeria.

Thawing and Serving Guidelines

  • Serve raw meals promptly and discard uneaten portions within 30 minutes to 1 hour, depending on room temperature.

 

Leftovers from Your Dog’s Bowl

Leftover food can be a breeding ground for bacteria. Follow these steps to ensure your dog stays safe:

Don’t Leave Food Out Too Long

  • Wet food or raw meals should not be left out for more than 30 minutes to 1 hour, depending on the room temperature. Discard any uneaten portions promptly.

Clean Food Bowls Regularly

  • Wash your dog’s bowls with hot, soapy water after every meal to prevent bacterial buildup. Consider using dishwasher-safe bowls for convenience.

SIGNS OF SPOILED DOG FOOD

  • Foul or off-putting odor
  • Unusual color or texture
  • Visible mold or pests
  • Your dog refuses to eat it

 

MORE FOOD SAFETY HABITS 

  • Wash and dry your pet food storage container between each use. 
  • Wash and dry pet food bowls after each use. 
  • Wash and dry scooping and measuring utensils after each use. 
  • Use utensils only for pet food. 
  • Wash water bowls daily. 

 

We’ve given you a lot to chew on, but it is all for the good of your pet pal’s health.  Your furry bestie loves a delicious meal so their little tummies will thank you for keeping their food safe and scrumptious.   

Happy New Year! 

We’re so excited about 2025 and all the new memories we are going to make with both our old furry friends and the new ones who visit us! Happy New Year! Our favorite part of what we do is providing a safe and loving environment for your pups, whether they’re here for training, boarding or running around enjoying our dog park. Here’s to another amazing year of wagging tails, learning new skills, and happy, healthy dogs!