Dinner’s Served – Safely! Pet Food Storage Basics
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
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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
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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
Keep it Clean! |
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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:
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Don’t Leave Food Out Too Long
Clean Food Bowls Regularly |
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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!