Dog Food Storage and Safety Tips

You carefully research and select the best dog food for your pet, but how you store that food can significantly impact its quality and safety. Improper storage can lead to nutrient degradation, fat rancidity, mould growth, and pest contamination – turning healthy food into something that could make your dog sick.

This is particularly important in Australia, where hot summers and humid conditions in many regions create challenging storage environments. This guide covers everything you need to know about keeping your dog's food fresh and safe.

Understanding Why Storage Matters

Dog food, whether dry kibble or wet canned food, is a perishable product. Once a bag is opened, exposure to air, light, heat, and moisture begins a degradation process that affects:

• Nutrient content: Vitamins, particularly A, E, and B vitamins, break down over time and with heat exposure
• Fat quality: The fats in dog food can become rancid, creating off-flavours and potentially harmful compounds
• Palatability: Stale food smells and tastes less appealing to dogs
• Safety: Poor storage can promote mould growth and attract pests

Storing Dry Dog Food (Kibble)

Keep It in the Original Bag

Contrary to popular practice, the best approach is to keep dry food in its original packaging. Here's why:

• Food-grade bags are designed to protect against light and air
• Many bags have special barrier properties that help maintain freshness
• The bag retains important information including batch numbers and expiration dates (crucial if there's ever a recall)
• Transferring food to another container can introduce contaminants

Use a Container for Extra Protection

For best results, place the entire original bag inside an airtight container. This provides double protection – the bag's barrier properties plus the container's seal against pests and moisture. Roll down the top of the bag and clip it closed before placing it in the container.

Location, Location, Location

Where you store dog food matters as much as how you store it:

• Cool and dry: Aim for temperatures below 26°C (ideally 15-21°C)
• Away from direct sunlight: UV light accelerates nutrient breakdown
• Off the floor: Reduces exposure to temperature fluctuations, moisture, and pests
• Away from appliances: Don't store near ovens, dishwashers, or washing machines that generate heat and humidity
• Not in the garage: Australian garages can reach extreme temperatures in summer

Refrigeration: Yes or No?

Don't refrigerate dry kibble. The humidity inside refrigerators can cause moisture absorption, potentially leading to mould growth. The exception is if you've added water or toppings to the food – then refrigerate any uneaten portion and use within 24 hours.

Australian Climate Considerations

Australia's climate presents unique challenges for dog food storage:

Managing Heat and Humidity

• Buy smaller bags in summer: Food is used before heat damage accumulates
• Consider climate-controlled storage: Store food indoors in air-conditioned spaces during extreme heat
• Monitor for condensation: High humidity can cause moisture buildup in containers
• Check more frequently: Inspect food for signs of spoilage more often during hot weather

Storing Wet (Canned) Dog Food

Unopened Cans

Unopened wet food has a long shelf life (typically 2-5 years) and is quite stable. Store in a cool, dry place and check expiration dates before use. Avoid storing cans where they might freeze, as this can compromise the seal.

Opened Cans

Once opened, wet food is highly perishable:

• Cover the can with a pet food lid or plastic wrap
• Refrigerate immediately
• Use within 3-5 days (check manufacturer recommendations)
• Allow refrigerated food to warm slightly before serving – cold food is less appealing and harder to digest

How Long Does Dog Food Last?

Dry Food (Kibble)

• Unopened: Check the "best by" date; typically 12-18 months from manufacture
• Opened: Use within 4-6 weeks for best quality
• In bowl: Discard uneaten food after 24 hours

Wet Food (Canned)

• Unopened: Check the "best by" date; typically 2-5 years
• Opened: Use within 3-5 days when refrigerated
• In bowl: Discard uneaten food after 2-4 hours at room temperature

Signs of Spoiled Dog Food

Trust your senses – signs that dog food has gone bad include:

• Unusual smell: Rancid, sour, or "off" odours
• Visible mould: Any fuzzy growth, often green or white
• Insect activity: Pantry moths, weevils, or their larvae
• Colour changes: Significant darkening or unusual discolouration
• Moisture: Clumping in dry food or excessive moisture
• Dog refuses to eat: Dogs often detect spoilage before we do

When in doubt, throw it out. The cost of replacing a bag of food is far less than a veterinary bill for food poisoning.

Preventing Pest Problems

Nothing ruins dog food faster than pest contamination. Common culprits include:

• Pantry moths: Lay eggs in dry goods; larvae can infest entire bags
• Weevils: Small beetles that breed in grain-based products
• Ants: Attracted to both dry and wet food
• Rodents: Can chew through bags and contaminate food

Handling and Hygiene

Food safety isn't just about storage – how you handle dog food matters too:

• Wash hands before and after handling dog food
• Use a clean scoop dedicated to dog food (not your hands)
• Clean the scoop regularly
• Wash food and water bowls daily
• Clean storage containers when empty, before refilling
• Don't mix old and new food – finish one bag before opening another

Proper storage and handling of your dog's food protects their health and ensures they get the full nutritional value you're paying for. By following these guidelines, you can be confident that every meal you serve is fresh, safe, and as nutritious as intended.