Dog food is a crucial aspect of a pet owner’s life. Whether it has an impact on the vitality, energy, and overall health of our furry friends or serves as a means of expressing our love and care for them, dog food ought to be stored properly as improper storage can affect freshness, nutrition, and taste. In this article, we reveal 8 simple steps to store dog food optimally.

1. Keep original packaging: It’s wise to retain the dog food’s original packaging because it contains essential information about the product like expiration dates, lot numbers, or barcodes that might be critical during a recall or in case of an issue with the food.

2. Consider airtight containers: You can store dry dog food in an airtight container to keep it fresh and prevent contaminants from entering. Ensure that you clean the container thoroughly every time you refill it to avoid bacterial growth from stale leftovers.

3. Avoid sunlight exposure: Exposure to direct sunlight may break down some essential nutrients in the food over time, so consider keeping it away from sunny windows or bright indoor lights.

4. Maintain cool and dry storage: Dry dog food should be stored in cool, dry places with temperatures ranging between 50-100°F and humidity levels below 60%. High temperatures and humidity can give rise to mold and spoil the food rapidly.

5. Seal wet canned foods properly: If your dog doesn’t finish an entire serving of canned wet food, cover it with a plastic lid or wrap the top tightly with plastic wrap before placing it in the refrigerator. The temperature range for wet canned foods is 40-45°F.

6. Rotate your stock: Buy smaller bags of dry dog food more frequently instead of buying large quantities at once that could go stale before being consumed. Rotate your stock on a first-in-first-out basis so you don’t accidentally give your pet expired food.

7. Follow use-by dates strictly: Dog food, just like human food, has expiration dates for safety and optimal nutrient delivery. Pay attention to the date printed on the packaging and be sure to discard any expired food items.

8. Keep an eye out for warning signs: Check the dog food regularly for any signs of spoilage, such as mold, pungent odors, discoloration, or pest invasion. If you spot any of these indicators, discard the contaminated food immediately.

Following these eight simple steps will ensure that your dog’s meals remain fresh and nutritious, and your furry friend stays healthy and content.