How Can You Store Pet Food Safely for Years?

Pet owners are meticulous when selecting the best food for their pets, ensuring it meets their nutritional needs and promotes growth. With the variety of pet foods available today, from dry kibble to raw diets, it’s easier than ever to find the perfect match for your furry companion. But once you’ve chosen the best food, how do you ensure it stays fresh and safe for long-term storage? Using effective storage solutions like oxygen absorber packets can help you preserve pet food for years, reducing waste and saving money.

Types of Pet Foods Available:

There are various types of pet foods, each catering to specific dietary needs. Here are some common types that pet parents often choose:

1. Dry Pet Food:

Dry food, or kibble, is convenient due to its low moisture content. It can be left out for hours, allowing pets to eat as needed. However, it can be prone to staleness if not stored properly.

2. Wet Pet Food:

Wet food is ideal for pets that prefer softer textures and need extra moisture in their diet. It’s easier to digest but requires more careful storage due to its high moisture content, making it more susceptible to spoilage.

3. Semi-Dry/Wet Pet Food:

This option strikes a balance between dry and wet food, offering a chewier texture that many pets enjoy. It provides more moisture than dry food but can still be stored longer than fully wet foods.

4. Raw Pet Food:

Raw diets have gained popularity for providing pets with a more natural feeding option, including raw meats and bones. While it can be highly nutritious, raw pet food requires strict storage conditions to avoid spoilage.

The Common Concern: Pet Food Spoilage

Even with the best food storage containers, pet owners often struggle to keep pet food fresh over time. Spoilage is not only costly but can also lead to health risks for your pet. Additionally, many pets are picky eaters, and sudden changes in their food can cause digestive issues or refusal to eat. Therefore, it’s crucial to store pet food safely to ensure a consistent supply and prevent spoilage.

The Solution: Effective Storage Methods

To keep pet food fresh and safe for years, you need to use proper storage techniques, including using oxygen absorber packets and other protective measures. Here are some effective ways to store different types of pet food:

1. Airtight Packaging for Dry and Semi-Dry Food:

Once you’ve opened the original packaging, transfer dry and semi-dry pet foods into Mylar bags with a resealable closure. Mylar bags provide an airtight seal that protects food from moisture, oxygen, and light, ensuring freshness for extended periods. For added protection, use oxygen absorbers inside the bag to remove excess oxygen that could spoil the food.

2. Refrigeration for Wet Food:

Wet pet food needs to be refrigerated after opening to maintain its quality. Serve your pet only what they will eat immediately, and store the rest in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Proper refrigeration slows down bacterial growth, keeping the food safe to eat.

3. Freezing for Raw Food:

Raw pet food is highly perishable, making freezing the best option for long-term storage. Store raw food in Mylar bags with oxygen absorbers to prevent freezer burn and maintain the food’s nutritional value. When you’re ready to feed your pet, simply thaw the food, and it’s as fresh as the day you stored it.

The Role of Oxygen Absorbers in Pet Food Storage

Oxygen, while essential for life, can be harmful to stored food. When pet food is exposed to oxygen, it encourages the growth of bacteria, mold, and other spoilage agents. Oxygen absorbers are small packets containing iron powder that effectively remove oxygen from sealed containers, creating an environment where bacteria and microorganisms can’t thrive.

By using oxygen absorbers in your pet food storage, you significantly extend the shelf life of dry and raw foods. Combined with Mylar bags or airtight containers, oxygen absorbers prevent oxidation, maintain flavor, and keep your pet’s food safe for years.

Tips for Safe Pet Food Storage:

1. Use Airtight Containers or Mylar Bags: These prevent air and moisture from entering, which are the main causes of food spoilage.
2. Include Oxygen Absorbers: Place oxygen absorbers inside the storage containers to remove oxygen, which can cause food to go stale or moldy.
3. Store in a Cool, Dry Place: Keep pet food in a temperature-controlled area, away from direct sunlight or humid environments.
4. Refrigerate Wet Food: If you’re feeding wet food, refrigerate any unused portions immediately after serving.
5. Freeze Raw Food: Store raw food in the freezer with an oxygen absorber to prevent spoilage and maintain quality.

Conclusion:

Feeding your pet the best food is only part of the equation—proper storage is equally important. Whether you feed your pet dry kibble, wet food, or a raw diet, using oxygen absorbers, Mylar bags, and airtight containers can significantly extend the shelf life of pet food and reduce the risk of spoilage.

For the best storage solutions, Wallaby offers premium oxygen absorbers, Mylar bags, and more to help you safely store pet food for years. Explore their range of food storage products today and ensure your pet’s food remains fresh and nutritious for the long term.

Shop now at Wallaby for all your pet food storage needs!