Storage To The Rescue
Cat food storage containers ease the burden of food spoilage, high food costs, and loss of space in your kitchen. Your cat gets a fresh meal each time, and you can still move around without tripping. No matter what your situation, you can find a storage solution that works wonders for you and your kitty.
Editors’ Recommendations
Do Not Purchase Airtight Containers But Use Tight
One of the biggest mistakes that pet owners make when keeping their cats food fresh is purchasing airtight containers. Airtight containers can cause moisture and condensation to form inside, which eventually causes mold and bacteria to grow.
Instead of purchasing a container with an airtight seal, look for one that fits your cat food perfectly without allowing too much oxygen to get inside.
This will help prevent moisture from forming inside the container and make it easier to keep kibble fresh! With time, you will know which type of container works best for your cats food.
Does Dry Cat Food Go Bad Once Opened
It all depends on the way you are storing it. If you just open the bag and leave the food inside it, especially if its somewhere where its not cool, dark, and dry, it will go bad real fast. On the other hand, if you store the food properly , it can last for up to 24 weeks after the bag has been opened but be sure to first check if the best-by date doesnt expire before that.
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Keeping Cat Food Fresh After Its Served
Its easier to leave dry cat food in a dish throughout the day but wet food can quickly dry out and become unpalatable to your pet. Whilst trying to keep wet food cool might keep is fresher, many cats will turn their nose up at cold food, preferring their food to be served at room temperature. To keep wet, and dry, food fresher after its been served, you could invest in a SureFeed Microchip Pet Feeder. The feeder contains a sealed bowl that will keep the food fresher for longer and prevents flies settling on the food. It has the added benefit of keeping the food separate from other pets and preventing certain pets overeating.
The Measured Food Storage Container
No one likes admitting their cat needs to lose a few ounces. And pouring out a diet-size portion of dry food through a tub or open bag gets difficult. Having a built-in measuring cup takes the guesswork out of diet regulation. Pissions Pet Food Storage Container secures a measuring cup into the lid. The pour spout makes feeding time even easier, risking fewer chances of kibble spilling onto the table or floor. You even get a grooved handle for a sure hold. For people concerned with precise food portioning, this food storage container earns top marks.
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Why Cat Food Storage Is Important
Storing your cat food properly is necessary for many reasons, the most important being maintaining its freshness and nutrients.
Storing food inappropriately can affect nutrient degradation and result in a food that is lower quality than it was when it left the factory, says Dr. Cailin R. Heinze, a board-certified veterinary nutritionist based in Massachusetts. Improper storage can also result in pests, or bacterial or mold growth in food. In the worst-case scenario, this could lead to health problems, such as nutrient deficiencies, or even the production of toxins, for example, from mold.
Correct cat food storage also keeps the food fresh and tasty, something that is especially important to cats, who can be finicky and may turn their nose up at food that is slightly stale. Improperly stored cat food can even go rancid, which is dangerous.
Best Cat Food Storage Containers
Once you open your bag of kitty kibble, where do you store it? If youre looking for a solution, weve got our list of the best cat food storage containers.
If you feed your cat dry food, purchasing a good quality pet food storage container is a smart move. Rather than opening up a bag of dry food and then leaving it to be exposed to humidity, air, and pests, a good storage container will create an airtight seal that can help keep moisture and insects out. This may help maintain the nutritional quality of your pets food by preventing it from degrading and spoiling quickly, and it might also help reduce the risk of bacterial contamination.
Whether youre looking for a small container thats easy to pick up to pour food into your cats bowl, or you would prefer a large container with wheels that can hold a lot of food for several kitties, there is something for every pet owner. In addition to looking at dimensions, though, we also recommend always reading through a products details carefully to ensure it is made of high-quality materials like food grade plastic that is safe for pets.
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Editors Choice: Paw Prints Pet Food Storage Container 15
This 15-pound food storage container by Paw Prints features a modern marble print with the words meow the front, and it can help keep your furry friends food nice and fresh, thanks to the airtight gasket-sealed lid.
This product is made of BPA free plastic, and it also comes with a 1-cup scoop that conveniently locks into the lid. And it can sit flush against a wall so you can store it out of the way while still keeping it within easy reach when you need to feed your pet at mealtime.
When your cats dry food is stored in this container, it will be less likely to go stale. Plus, this product is easy to clean and durable. All you have to do is hand wash it with some dish soap whenever necessary, and then dry it well to ensure no water or moisture remains before filling it up again with more of your kittys food.
Never Forget To Check Manufacturing And Expiry Date
We often end up buying kibbles in bulk especially when there is a sale going on! Right?
Well, there is no harm in that but storing it for a long time can be quite challenging therefore always make sure to check the expiration date on the food label. Check its best before date and plan your extra purchase accordingly. And, use that before it expires.
Most of the cat owners make mistakes they buy in bulk and forget to check the years of expiry date hence, they fail to use that in a limited period of time! Therefore, get the freshest food for your kitty!
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Keep Food In The Original Container/packaging
Cat food storage ideas abound online. Pouring the entire bag of dry cat food into an airtight cat food container might sound like a good idea, but its actually better to keep opened food in the original packaging. Those thick bags are carefully designed to keep food fresh.
Packing products to maintain nutritional quality is a whole industry in itself, Heinze says. You can earn a Ph.D. in packaging! Some manufacturers put significant sums of money into producing packaging that reduces nutrient loss and maintains food quality with storage.
If necessary to protect it from pests, you can place the entire bag into a pet food container. If you need to pour dry cat food into another storage container because the original package has become torn or damaged, make sure the container is clean and perfectly dry, and has an airtight lid, says Dr. Gary Weitzman, CEO of the San Diego Humane Society. The lid will help to maintain the foods freshness, in addition to preventing your pet from getting into it, Weitzman says.
If you have to transfer food to a container, hang on to the original packaging so you can refer to important information, including the UPC code, date and lot codes, plant codes, and the expiration date. This is vital info to have in the case of a cat food recall or other problem with the food.
Best Dispenser: Buddeez Bag
With the Buddeez Bag-In Pet Food Dispenser, you can rest assured your cats food will remain as fresh as the day you first opened the bag. This container is made in the USA, and it is made of food grade, BPA free plastic.
What makes this container unique is the fact that it boasts whats known as a bag grabber design. This lets you keep your pets food in its original packaging, so its one less thing you need to worry about because you wont have to empty the bag into the container and then scoop the food out or pour it out. And this also means that you can keep the foods packaging, just in case you need the product information on the label for any reason. Plus, some pet owners prefer this type of container because it means the food wont be exposed directly to the plastic, and this might help with keeping the container cleaner for longer. And the fact that the container is clear means you can see the bag thats inside, which is convenient if you have more than one pet and they consume different foods.
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Metal Or Glass Containers Are Better Choices Than Plastic
Plastic containers might seem like an obvious choice for storing dry cat food, but actually, metal or glass containers are both better options. Plastic can give off an odor that can affect the taste of the food. If your cat is fussy, they may notice this. Plastic can also get scratched, leaving areas where bacteria can collect.
Metal bins are available in many different sizes and are a good choice for storing opened or sealed bags of food. If possible, keep the cat food within the original packaging and then place it in the metal bin. Glass containers are also a good option for keeping smaller quantities of your cat food in the kitchen, for example.
Find A Cool Dry Storage Space
The quality of both bagged and canned pet foods suffers in high temperatures. If you keep yourpet food in an enclosed space with unregulated temperatures, like a garage or a shed, it may get exposed to soaring temperatures that hasten its natural decomposition. Instead, keep your dog food and cat food in a cool, dry spot, preferably inside your home, such as a pantry, storage closet or cellar. Youll also want to raise the food off of the floor to prevent infestation by insects and rodents.
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Do Not Put Too Much Food Into The Container
Its tempting to purchase several bags of dry cat food at a time because its time-saving and cost-effective. You may need to diversify your felines diet in that method, feeding her with totally different flavors.
However, please dont open all of the packages and put all of the kibbles into containers directly. Thats how to store dry cat food proper:
- Open just one box at a time,
- be sure the quantity within the container is sufficient to feed for a couple of weeks, and
- hold different bags sealed in the meantime.
And Keep in mind to clean cat food containers with hot water frequently. Earlier than refilling, be sure theyre super dry.
Utilize Reusable Plastic Containers
Plastic containers can be a great way to store dry food. However, it would help if you made sure that the container is airtight when it is not airtight as this can cause moisture and thus mold growth.
When purchasing a plastic container, look for one with a silicone seal instead of a rubber one since its less likely to break down from exposure to cat food.
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The Stackable Food Storage Container
Say you have a variety of animals in your house or even cats with multiple dietary needs. You dont want to take up a lot of space, but you also dont want to hit the pet store every other day. Gamma2 Vittles provides multiple sizes of stackable food storage containers. The twist-close lids prevent your cats from sneaking snacks between meals while keeping the food superfresh. And you wont have to give up much room in your kitchen!
Store Dry Cat Food In Freezer
Just like we store our favorite dish in the refrigerator you can also freeze your cats dry food in it!
Yes, there is no harm. It can keep your cats food fresh for straight 26 weeks! Amazing, isnt it?
Well, you have to be pretty careful while storing it in the freezer because if the packet is leaked. All your dry food will get moist. So, before putting it inside the fridge completely wrap it.
Also, before feeding it to your feline make sure to keep the food at room temperature.
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How To Store Dry Cat Food And Keep It Fresh
When it comes to storing any kind of food, it is important to seal it in a way that will keep it fresh and ready to consume. The same goes for your cats food. Luckily, there are so many great food storage options and ideas to make sealing up food easy and quick. Many dry cat foods come in bags and resealing these bags is almost impossible. Because of this, it is important to store your cats kibble in ways that will keep it fresh for weeks to come. You wouldnt want your own food just sitting around, open to the air, dirt, and dust, so dont let your cats food fall victim to bad storage methods, either. Check out some of the best and most creative ways to keep your cats dry food fresh and delicious.
Inspect New Food Before Feeding It
Before opening dry food, check the bag for tears, holes, mold, or other signs that the food may have been exposed to air or moisture. Cans of cat food should be sealed tight, and not appear swollen or bulging. After opening it, Weitzman suggests looking at the food and smelling it to ensure it has not spoiled. If something looks or smells off, call the manufacturer for advice .
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Ideas To Store Dry Cat Food For Long Term
Place your storage container in a dry and cool place. Your felines dry food requires to be stored in a dry, dark, as well as cool place so that it remains fresh. If you store it in a high-temperature place it can disturb its healthy vitamins and allow bacteria to grow. Keep the food that is going to expire soon in the front of your rack.
These 9 ways can preserve your dry cat food for weeks and months. Freeze it, pack it, conceal it, or keep it at a height you can use any of the formulas as per your preference!
Its time to save money and lets learn preservation!
Honorable Mention: Komax Biokips Large Food Storage Container
In multi-cat households, organization is everything and a large, airtight food container such as this one can really make your life easier. Meant to hold up to 10 lbs of dry cat food, Komax Biokips Large Food Storage Container will keep the kibble fresh and protected from insects, rodents, or your curious feline friend. The lid is airtight but the food is easy to access through a door hatch, so you wont have to open the whole lid every time you refill your pets bowl. It also comes with a measuring scoop so you can easily portion your pets meals without any trouble at all.
In addition to being heat-resistant and dishwasher safe, this cat food container is also made from food-grade BPA-free recyclable material that is fully safe for pets and humans alike. Best of all, Komax Biokips Large Food Storage Container is stackable, so you can get a few of these to store all your pets food and treats while saving up on space.
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How Do You Know If Wet Cat Food Is Bad
If you leave wet cat food out for long or if it is past its expiration date, there is a high probability that it has gone bad. This means the food is spoiled and unfit for your pet’s consumption as eating it could cause an upset stomach or make her really ill. That’s why it’s very important to always check the quality and freshness of the food that you’re serving.
Some of the signs that wet cat food is already bad are the presence of molds, pests, and other contaminants. The smell would also be off because of the rancidity of the fat contained in the wet food. Sometimes there are no tell-tale signs on the food itself but your cat would refuse to eat it. This is especially true for those canned foods that are past their “Best By” date. They have already lost their nutritional quality over time that’s why they’re no longer palatable to your pet.
Mackerel Recipe For Senior Cats
Fish is an excellent source of fatty yet nutritional oils for cats. When we think of their love for fish, tuna might be the first swimmer to pop into our heads, but mackerel is a much healthier option. This recipe would be a great treat for a senior cat once or twice a week to ensure they get their fill of the healthy fats mackerel provides! Sardines are another great alternative if you are looking to swap mackerel occasionally.
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