Ten Dog Food Storage Container Dos and Don'ts

Now that you've purchased an airtight, food-grade storage container, here are some dos and don'ts to make storing your dog's kibble a cinch.

1. Do store the dog food in the original bag. If that's not possible, use a food-grade plastic liner.


2. Do close the bag inside the container before putting the lid back on. Even airtight containers allow the air that's already in the container to circulate, so it's best to squeeze as much air as possible out of the bag before closing it by keeping the top rolled down tightly.


3. Do place the dog food storage container in a cool and dry place out of direct sunlight. Avoiding sunlight is especially important if your container is made of plastic.


4. Do clean the container regularly using hot water and a mild detergent. Make sure the container is completely dry before you add a new bag of dog food


5. Do consider placing a food-grade silica gel desiccant in your storage container--but not in your food bag--to absorb moisture if you live in a very humid climate. Alternatively, place the container in a room with a dehumidifier.


6. Don't use food-grade containers that have been used for purposes other than food storage in the past.


7. Don't throw out the bag, even if you're not using it to store the food. It will remind you of the expiration date, and in case there's a problem with the kibble, you may need the bar code or batch number that's printed on the bag.


8. Don't add new food until the existing kibble is completely gone. Pouring fresh food on top of old food can eventually result in the kibble at the bottom of the container going bad and contaminating your entire food supply.


9. Don't re-use kibble bags or plastic liners if possible. If you must re-use liners, clean them thoroughly between each use.


10. Don't keep kibble longer than 4-6 weeks after opening the bag. Dry dog foods high in fish or fish oil are best consumed within 2-3 weeks. If you must keep an opened bag of kibble longer than that, consider vacuum-sealing, refrigerating, or freezing some of the food.