Are you careful about storing dog food?

"Dog food is a processed food, so I don't need to worry too much about it, right?"

I'm sure many of you think so.

But that's a big mistake. Dog food contains fat, so you need to be careful about how you store it.

This time, we'll introduce storage methods for different types of dog food and recommended storage containers, so please take a look!

Why you need to be careful when storing dog food

So, why do we need to be careful about storing dog food?

As mentioned earlier, dog food always contains fats and oils. Therefore, when exposed to air, it gradually begins to oxidize and turns into lipid peroxides.

It's easy to imagine the negative effects that feeding your dog oxidized dog food like this could have on its health. It can cause a variety of conditions, including cellular aging, arteriosclerosis, cancer, and allergies.

If you want your dog to stay as healthy as possible, you need to carefully consider not only the dog food you choose, but also how you store it.

Storage Methods for Different Types of Dog Food

Now, let's get started on storing dog food.

There are three main types of dog food, so I'd like to introduce recommended storage methods for each.

Storing Dry Dog Food

Dry dog ​​food has a low moisture content, making it easier to store than other types of wet dog food.

However, oxidation still begins the moment it comes into contact with air.

Most dog foods contain antioxidants to prevent oxidation, but every time you open and close the container to feed the dog, it comes into contact with air.

Each time this happens, the oxidation process accelerates.

The recommended storage method for preventing dry dog ​​food from oxidizing is

• Store in small portions in a cool, dark place
• Store the whole bag in a dog food storage container

There are two ways to store dry dog ​​food.

Whichever method you choose, it's important to use it up within one month of opening.

It's best to use it up as quickly as possible, especially in the summer when temperatures are high and humidity are high. Let's explain each step.

・Store in small portions in a cool, dark place

After opening the dog food, transfer it into small resealable bags, such as Ziploc bags. If possible, it's also a good idea to add a desiccant or other oxygen absorber to each of the bags.

Both individual packs and desiccants are widely available at 100-yen stores, so preparing them isn't too expensive. By dividing the pack into smaller packs, you won't have to open and close them repeatedly, reducing airflow and preventing oxidation.

Also, even if you're using a desiccant, try to remove as much air as possible from the individual pack before closing the zipper. Exposure to air can cause oxidation, so it's important to keep the pack as airless as possible.

Furthermore, store individually packaged dog food in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight. Avoid humid or hot places.

Please note: we do not recommend storing dog food in the refrigerator. Condensation can occur when taking dog food in and out, which can lead to mold growth inside.

For this reason, store it in a room-temperature location with as low a temperature and humidity as possible. Finally, regarding portioning, it's best to give each serving individually, but this will result in a very large portion, so

We recommend limiting opening and closing the container to as few times as possible, such as a daily or weekly amount.

・Store whole bags in a dog food storage container

This method involves placing the air-removed dog food in the bag and storing it in a dog food storage container. This method should also be stored in a room-temperature location with low temperature and humidity.

Adding a desiccant is also effective. Some people simply transfer the contents of the dog food directly into the dog food storage container, but from a hygienic perspective, it's better to store the bag in its entirety.

Another reason why dog ​​food storage containers are a good choice is that they can be easily sealed to prevent air from entering or escaping, and some even have air-removing features, such as a vacuum-like function.

As mentioned many times before, this is a very effective way to prevent oxidation caused by air. Recommended dog food storage containers are listed later in this article, so please take a look.

Storage Method for Soft Dry and Semi-Moist Dog Food

Soft dry and semi-moist dog food contains about 25-35% moisture, making it more susceptible to mold and spoilage than dry dog ​​food.

For this reason, many products are pre-packaged, and some even contain desiccants in each packet. However, even though they're packaged individually, there are times when you can't use up the entire amount in one sitting.

In such cases, store the food in small containers (such as Tupperware) in the refrigerator and use it up as soon as possible.

Also, like dry dog ​​food, it will gradually deteriorate even when unopened, so avoid high temperatures and humidity and store it in a cool, low-humidity place.

How to Store Wet Dog Food (Canned or Retort)

Wet food can be stored for a long time if unopened, but because it contains a lot of moisture, it will not last as long once opened.

Because it has a high moisture content, it spoils faster than the other two dog foods mentioned above. Once opened, consume it within two days at the latest.

If you can't consume it all within one day, store it in the freezer in small individual packets. Thaw it before feeding it to your dog and consume it within two days.

However, even if frozen, it will continue to deteriorate, so consume it within at least six months.

Recommended Dog Food Stockers

We generally do not recommend storing the other two types of food for long-term use. However, dry dog ​​food can be stored for up to one month after opening.

Here are some recommended dog food storage containers for storing dry dog ​​food.

・Turn-Seal Vacuum Storage Container

This dog food storage container creates a vacuum just by closing the lid.

By eliminating air, you can prevent oxidation and store dog food in good condition. It also features UV protection, which is the enemy of oxidation. This vacuum and UV protection combination ensures safe storage of dog food.

・simplehuman Pet Food Can

This is a large-capacity dog ​​food storage container that can store up to 12.3 kg.

Recommended for those who need more storage space, such as those with large dogs or multiple dogs.

While this isn't a vacuum sealer, it does provide a tight seal and has a locking mechanism that prevents dogs from removing the food on their own, allowing for safe storage. It also comes with a dedicated cup and a large opening for easy access.

・Airless Vacuum Storage Container

This storage container can not only store dog food, but also human food.

Place the contents in a small bag and wait for 30-40 seconds to vacuum seal them. You can also vacuum seal dog food bags directly. You can even vacuum seal canned wet food in this container and store it in the refrigerator.

Although it's a little pricey, it's a versatile and convenient item.

Summary

This time, we've introduced how to store dog food.

While many people research the best dog food, few pay careful attention to storage methods.

Even if you purchase premium, additive-free dog food, if it's stored improperly, the quality may deteriorate and have a negative impact on your dog.

Properly storing dog food can help protect your dog's health.