If you have a large dog or more than one small dog, you know that storing large amounts of dog food can be a challenge. Quality dog food isn’t cheap, so make sure to store it properly to not only prevent spoilage, but also so that the food doesn’t get contaminated from vermin that can get into the container, or from the container itself.
My two dogs are hearty eaters and we often have two doggie guests, so I buy dog food in large bags, but they’re unsightly and don’t seal well. Plastic storage bins are an option, but most aren’t food grade and could leach harmful chemicals into the dog food. I’ve purchased some cheap containers that emitted such a strong odor that they’ve been relegated to the garage, so I’m definitely not going to use them for food storage, even for a dog. So what other options are there to store your dog food?
The bag the dog food is purchased in should be food grade and safe, other than the fact that it likely doesn’t seal well once opened. Keeping the food in the original bag is a good idea since it’s already moisture proof, and putting the bag inside another container will keep it safe from mold and mildew, as well as inaccessible to mice and other pests.
There are many types of containers that can be used to safely store dog food, and you might even have one already in your garage. Any container with a tight-fitting lid should do the trick; here are a few items that might spark more of your own.
Trash can
A metal or plastic trash can is ideal for storing large amounts of dog food. If you don’t already have one in your garage, you can pick one up at any discount or hardware store for a lot less than what you’d pay for a fancy dog food storage bin from the pet store, and it will work just as well. Try to find one that closely matches the size bag of dog food you will be storing, and simply put the bag inside the trash can. You could even paint the outside of a metal trash can to match your décor, or paint some appropriate words on the outside signifying the contents, or perhaps your dog’s name with a paw print or two. Stickers would also work well for decorating the outside of a trash can. Don’t add harmful fumes and chemicals by painting the inside of the can, though.
Hamper
A clothes hamper with a lid would also be suitable to store dog food. It won’t be completely airtight if made of wicker or bamboo, but if the bag of dog food is set inside, it will be sufficient enough to prevent spoilage. Find one to match your kitchen or pantry, or as with the trash can, freshen it up with a bit of paint (again, exterior only).
Wooden chest
A bin made out of wood should be safe to store dog food, as long as the interior hasn’t been treated with stains or dyes. Putting the bag of dog food inside the wooden chest should prevent any seepage from harmful chemicals, though. Avoid aromatic woods like cedar, as the odors could transfer to the food and be potentially harmful to your pet.
Plastic bin
As mentioned above, plastic storage bins might allow harmful chemicals to seep into the dog food, so don’t use them as-is unless you know that they’re food grade. Putting the dog food in the original bag inside the tote will keep the food from touching the plastic, eliminating any concern of chemicals leaching into the food.
You want the best for your pet, so don’t pay high-dollar for premium dog food then toss it into a container that might be ultimately more harmful than a cheap dog food full of fillers and by-products.
More from Marie Anne:
Neuticles: Fake Testicles for Your Dog
Is Natural Dog Food Best for My Dog?
Is Dry Dog Food Better for Your Dog?
