Storing pet food safely

When it comes to storing pet food safely, do you give it as much attention as you might your own food?

If your answer’s no, then you might not realise the impact this is having on, not only the freshness and nutritional values of the product, but also your pet’s health.

Dry dog food can go rancid

Let’s start with kibble. People seem to have the misconception that dry dog food can’t be contaminated with salmonella, E-coli and other bacteria, and this simply isn’t true.

If dry dog food is not stored properly and is exposed to moisture or air, it can cause the food to become stale and lose its nutritional value, attract pests, or lead to mold growth and bacteria that can cause gastrointestinal issues such as vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal pain… just like any other food.

That’s why you should always securely close the bag, and ideally store it in an airtight container to protect it from moisture, air and pests.

Also keep it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures to prevent it from going rancid. Always check the ‘best before’ date, use it before it expires and, once opened, use it within 1-3 months, depending on the packaging and storage conditions.

Storing cooked wet food

Cooked Wet dog food must also be stored properly to maintain its freshness and safety.

Unopened cans or pouches should be stored in a cool, dry place, but once opened, any leftovers should be stored in a clean, airtight container, and put it in the fridge straight away. Use it within 2 days, to prevent bacteria and spoilage.

Throw away any leftover cooked dog food that has been left out at room temperature for more than 2 hours to minimize the risk of salmonella and other foodborne illnesses when it comes to storing pet food safely.

Keep raw food fresh

If you feed your dog a raw food diet, keep it frozen until you’re ready to use it.

Thaw it overnight in the fridge or, if you forget to defrost it, you casn pop it into a bowl of cool water for about 30 minutes. Avoid thawing it at room temperature.

Again, store any unused portions in an airtight container in the fridge and use any thawed raw dog food within 2-3 days to ensure its safety and quality.

Pet food hygeine

When handling any pet food, make sure you clean and sanitize all surfaces, utensils, and containers to prevent cross-contamination with human food and surfaces.

For more Vitapet tips, and to check out their food and treat range, visit their website.

Lara Shannon is a certified dog behaviourist and trainer, pet food nutrition specialist, Executive Producer and Host of Pooches at Play on Channel 10 and editor of Poochesatplay.com. Lara also runs her own dog training business in Melbourne’s Bayside area and is the Author of World of Dogs and Eat, Play, Love Your Dog