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Storage Buying Guide

Best Dog Food Storage Container for Freshness

Jacky Chou

Bringing another member into the family means caring for them. If you want to add a dog to your household, you’ll have to buy some essential things to get them started. These include the best dog food storage container for meals, toys, collars, and a plush bed.

All these additions are meant to keep your furry friend comfortable in their new home. You wouldn’t be excited if you spent a significant amount of money on food to throw it away for going bad due to poor storage.

So, after testing several dog food storage containers, we came up with this list to identify some of the best in the market.

Best Dog Food Storage Container

Rank

Product Image

Brand Name

Link

1.

Gamma2 Vittles Vault Outback Airtight Pet Food Container, 25 Pounds

GAMMA2 Vittles Vault Outback Pet Food Container

 

2.

IRIS USA 3-Piece Airtight Food Storage Container Combo with Scoop for...

IRIS USA Airtight Pet Food storage container

 

3. 

Van Ness 10-Pound Food Container with Fresh-Tite Seal (FC10)

Van Ness 10-Pound Food Container

 

4.

Large Elevated Feeder with Airtight Storage, Almond

IRIS USA Elevated Feeder with WeatherPro Pet Food Storage Container

 

5.

OXO 7100200 Airtight Pet Food Storage POP Container,White,5.8 Quart

OXO Pet Food Storage POP Container

 

1. GAMMA2 Vittles Vault Outback Pet Food Container

Gamma2 Vittles Vault Outback Airtight Pet Food Container, 25 Pounds

Gamma2 Vittles Vault Outback Airtight Pet Food Container, 25 Pounds

  • Airtight Pet Food Container: This pest-proof pet food container for dry food keeps food fresh with our patented airtight sealing system that…
  • Food Storage Container: The pet food pail is made of food-grade, BPA-free HDPE plastic that won’t shatter if dropped & can be kept in…
  • Airtight Engineering: Our Gamma Seal technology makes for a controlled moisture balance & features a threaded locking system with reliable…
  • Made In America: GAMMA2, Inc. created & patented an airtight container in 1989 & has always been committed to manufacturing in the USA. Our…
  • GAMMA2: Dog & cat dry food stays fresh & nutritious with our collection of airtight food containers. Features wall mounted containers,…

Buy on Amazon

The Gamma2 Vittles Vault Outback is ideal for storing sealed dog food. It employs a threaded locking system to maintain freshness and is constructed from food-grade HDPE (high-density polyethylene) plastic that is BPA-free.

I could easily spin the lid to open the container. While it is recommended that you store your food in a dark place, from direct sunlight, this Gamma2 is constructed for use anywhere. For example, I could use it to store dog food in the garage, barn, or shed; the food will still be fresh as a daisy.

Image Source: Andrew P, Amazon.com

Although Gamma2 offers a variety of sizes, we preferred the 25-pound container, as its size was the most appropriate for us. Plus, we didn’t experience any incidences of the dog food getting spoilt for the three weeks that it was in the container.

  • PROS
  • Airtight
  • Stackable design
  • It comes with a scoop
  • Available in different shapes and sizes
  • It can be used to store food in the garage
  • CONS
  • Not suitable for storing food directly

2. IRIS USA Airtight Pet Food storage container

IRIS USA 3-Piece Airtight Food Storage Container Combo with Scoop for...

IRIS USA 3-Piece Airtight Food Storage Container Combo with Scoop for…

  • This plastic airtight container is the ideal solution for storing dog or cat food, other pet food, and more.
  • Pet food bins have airtight seals and snap lock latches to keep out moisture and pests for secure dry food storage.
  • 12 quart storage container stacks on the 33 quart storage container, and included scoop makes measuring food easy.
  • BPA free rolling storage bins come with casters for easy mobility. Perfect for dry dog food, cat food, or birdseed
  • Dimensions: 16.50″L x 10.83″W x 18.63″H

Buy on Amazon

The Iris Pet Food Storage Container is a three-in-one buy since it includes a smaller top container perfect for cans of wet food or treats and a bottom container that is wonderful for dry food. The bottom and top containers are easily removable with a snap. Additionally, a scoop is included, so we didn’t have to buy another one separately.

Image Source: Kenneth, Amazon.com

Removing the bottom wheels and attaching them back while moving the container is something I did in seconds. It doesn’t require much time or energy. The one thing I did not find interesting is that the bottom container is not accessible without first removing the top.

  • PROS
  • Three-in-one
  • Suitable for both dry and wet pet food
  • Attachable wheels
  • It comes with a scoop
  • CONS
  • The lower container is only accessible after removing the upper one

3. Van Ness 10-Pound Food Container

Van Ness 10-Pound Food Container with Fresh-Tite Seal (FC10)

Van Ness 10-Pound Food Container with Fresh-Tite Seal (FC10)

  • Ideal for owners of small dog’s and cat’s who want to store 10-pounds of pet food
  • Fresh-tite seal ensures your pet’s food will stay fresh longer reducing spoilage due to pests and moisture
  • Made from united states food and drug administration approved plastic for food contact

Buy on Amazon

This dog food storage container provides an easy, cost-effective solution to food storage demands. This smaller container is perfect for a dog owner living in a small apartment because it can carry up to 10 pounds of food. In addition, it had no problem fitting into my smaller cabinets.

Image Source: Madalaine, Amazon.com

This container is airtight and durable, keeping my pet’s food fresh for a long time. The airtight seal also prevents the smell from permeating the room, and this is only for the better as it means bugs will stay away.

With its amazing shape and size, cleaning it is no hassle and takes only a moment. The only thing that bothered me with this container was that my dog could easily open it. However, that wasn’t concerning to me as all I needed was to store it somewhere the pup couldn’t reach, and it was all good.

  • PROS
  • Ideal for smaller apartments
  • Airtight seal keeps bugs away
  • Budget-friendly price
  • Easy to clean
  • CONS
  • Not dog-proof

4. IRIS USA Elevated Feeder with WeatherPro Pet Food Storage Container

Large Elevated Feeder with Airtight Storage, Almond

Large Elevated Feeder with Airtight Storage, Almond

  • This elevated feeder improves your pet’s digestion and helps reduce neck muscle strain
  • Airtight seals & snap-lock latches keep dry food fresh & pests out
  • Dimensions: 21.53″L x 14.29″W x 15.04″H
  • Includes 2 stainless steel Bowls, removable for cleaning
  • Great for indoors, outdoors, camping, or traveling

Buy on Amazon

The Iris Airtight Elevated Storage Feeder is a two-in-one product with two stainless steel bowls that rest in spaces on top of the storage container. Additionally, you can choose the small, medium, and large sizes and the green, black, and tan color options to personalize your elevated storage feeder.

Image Source: McNett, Amazon.com

I didn’t find cleaning the steel bowls difficult as they are removable Additionally, the stainless steel bowls each contain up to two quarts of food or liquid. So, my pup was always satisfied with the portions

This storage container has snap-tight closures and an airtight seal.

  • PROS
  • Comes with easy-to-clean stainless steel feeding bowls
  • Airtight seal
  • Sturdy
  • Ideal for traveling
  • CONS
  • Bowls are rather small for the large storage container
  • Latch handles can easily come off while opening the container

5. OXO Pet Food Storage POP Container

OXO 7100200 Airtight Pet Food Storage POP Container,White,5.8 Quart

OXO 7100200 Airtight Pet Food Storage POP Container,White,5.8 Quart

  • Press button once to open and again to seal
  • Use pop-up button to easily remove lid. Dimensions-6.35 x 6.45 x 13.5 inches
  • Rounded corners allow for easy pouring
  • Wide opening for reaching and scooping
  • Ideal for 6.5lbs of dog food, 4.5lbs of cat food, 3.5lbs of dog or cat treats, 10lbs of bird food, or 7.5lbs of hamster food

Buy on Amazon

A good seal is everything when it comes to pet food storage. OXO couldn’t be any better, and it has a button at the top to seal and unseal, which ensures food stays fresh and moisture-free.

Image Source: Laylia, Amazon.com

The wide opening meant that I could easily scoop your pet food or transfer it into the container. Although it doesn’t come with a scoop, it makes up for that with its rounded corners that make pouring much easier.

The container is made of BPA-free plastic, ensuring your dog eats safely stored food.

  • PROS
  • Airtight and maintains food’s freshness
  • Easy to clean
  • It has a button for opening and sealing the lid
  • CONS
  • It does not come with a scoop

Tips for Storing Wet and Dry Dog Food Properly

Even if you provide your dog with nutritious food, you should still learn how to store it properly to keep its nutritional value. You can check out more tips on the proper storage of pet food. Do it well; it will last longer and won’t quickly deteriorate or go stale, making your dog sick.

a) Dry Dog Food Storage

The “best by” date is imprinted on the bags of dry dog food to indicate how long you can store it. However, many dog owners are unaware that this date is no longer accurate once the bag is opened.

Once you open the new bag of dog food, its freshness is exposed to elements like varying temperatures, moisture, and air. These are responsible for affecting the nutritional value of dog food.

Here are a few ways to minimize their effect;

i) Seal the Bag

Sealing the dog food bag minimizes its air exposure, which can lead to contamination with bacteria. To seal the bag properly, roll down the opened side and use a bag clip to close it up.

Image source: greatpetcare.com

ii) Use Airtight Containers

Airtight containers are the best for storing dog food. This is because dry dog food is sprayed with oils that break down once exposed to air, which could make the food go rancid.

iii) Leave it in the Original Packaging

Try as much as possible to store the food in the container with the original package. This ensures that the fats remain within the bag and don’t turn rancid after some time.

Pet parents can access the UPC, lot number, “best by” date, brand, and manufacturer information by keeping dog food in its original bag.

iv) Keep the Food Container Clean

Pet owners commonly add new food to the old stock once the container runs low. However, this is not the best thing to do. You need to empty and clean the container before refilling it.

Image Source: petMD.com

The oils from the kibble make the container greasy, and rancid oil from the old bag can also ruin the fresh food. After cleaning the container, dry it completely to eliminate all moisture.

v) Keep it in a Cool, Dry Place

Mold growth in food can be caused by moisture and make your pet ill. In addition, high temperatures can hasten the decomposition process and accelerate the breakdown of the food’s nutrients. So, keep food dry and cool if you want to store it long-term.

Avoid keeping your dry dog food in a garage, shed, or any other area where temperatures can get above 100 degrees Fahrenheit.

b) Wet Dog Food Storage

If a can of dog food is not opened, it might last for months or even years. However, cans with deep dents, air bubbles, or swelling should be thrown away since these are indications that the can’s seal has been broken and bacteria is probably growing inside. Or, it could be expired, and you must know what to do with expired cans of food.

If your dog doesn’t consume all the food in one sitting, you have 24 hours to preserve it before it goes bad.

i) Seal and Refrigerate

Once opened, canned food should be refrigerated for three to five days. Ensure you check it well before serving and throw it out if there is a change in texture or smell.

Image source: survivalfreedom.com

You can ensure it is well-sealed by wrapping the open end in foil and hold in place with a rubber band. This way, the food can last up to a week in the fridge.

Best Materials to Use for Dog Food Containers

Manufacturers use three basic materials to make dog food storage containers. They all have their merits and demerits, making them function differently. The materials include;

a) Plastic Containers

Although plastic products are frequently more affordable than other materials, you should check for BPA-free plastic in the things you buy. You might also need to wash a new bin a few times to eliminate the plastic smell.

Image source: containerfaqs.com

Since many plastic storage containers are translucent or transparent, monitoring how much food is still in them is simple. This will help you from suddenly realizing that you are out of dog food.

It’s a good idea to seek thick, resilient plastic that won’t crack easily or be easily chewed

b) Wood Containers

Some manufacturers still employ wood, which is somewhat of a throwback material, to create storage containers. Natural wood enclosures have an appealing appearance, and they are typically also extremely sturdy. They do, however, have a few shortcomings.

For instance, food that has not been bagged shouldn’t be stored in wood since the material’s pores can support the growth of molds or bacteria. Furthermore, wood containers are hardly insect-proof, so you can find bugs in the food you give your dog.

Additionally, wooden storage containers are rarely airtight, which makes it difficult to maintain the freshness of your dog’s food.

c) Stainless Steel Containers

Despite typically costing more than their plastic counterparts, stainless steel goods are strong and long-lasting. Additionally, stainless steel dog food containers are largely inert, so your dog’s food won’t react with them.

They are also quite simple to keep clean, preventing your dog’s food from going bad. Additionally, many people dislike the scent of plastic and prefer the sleek appearance of stainless steel!

Frequently Asked Questions on the Best Dog Food Storage Container

1. What is the best way to keep pests from dog food containers?

The simplest method to prevent pests from getting into dog containers is to select an airtight, ant- and pest-proof container and ensure that it is tightly sealed. Additionally, the dog food is kept as fresh as possible in these containers by keeping the food dry.

2. Are plastic containers safe for storing dog food?

You can store dog food in a plastic container as long as it is made of food-grade plastic, but you should also steer clear of plastics that contain BPA to minimize your dog’s exposure to this substance.

You can put the food in its original bag and place it in the plastic container if you’re concerned about it being in contact with the plastic.

3. Can canned dog food go bad?

Canned canine food that hasn’t been opened can stay fresh for years if stored in a cold, dry environment. Therefore, only purchase the number of wet food cans your dog can consume by the “best by” dates indicated on the cans.

It would be best if you used any opened wet food cans of food within a week. If your dog doesn’t eat that much-wet food, you may always cut the wet food into single parts and freeze them. When your dog needs to eat, thaw the portions and feed them.

Use plastic dog food lids to protect the flavor and moisture of your dog’s open wet food cans.

Jacky Chou