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Your Guide to Storing Your Dog's Food 

As a responsible and loving dog owner, you’ve probably put a lot of time and effort into finding the right food for your pup because you know that dogs need fresh, nutritious food to stay healthy. The next important step is knowing the best methods for dog food storage to keep their food fresh so your pooch can access the nutrition they need to thrive.

The importance of storing dog food correctly

Knowing how to keep dog food fresh is essential for several reasons:

• Nutritional value - incorrect storage of dog food can reduce its essential nutrients, making the food less beneficial for your dog.
• Food safety - exposure to moisture, air, and pests can contaminate dog food, posing health risks to your pet.
• Shelf life - storing your dog food properly supports the product's shelf life, ensuring it remains fresh and tasty for longer so you don't need to buy it so often, making it more cost-effective.
• Portion control - if you have multiple pets in your home with different dietary requirements, or just a hungry pup, keeping dog food sealed and stored safely out of sight is vital in maintaining a healthy diet and avoiding overeating.

Properly storing dog food offers lots of benefits to your pet, from maintaining their health and nutrition, to minimising the risk of illness, and guaranteeing every meal is packed with delicious goodness. 

Storing dry dog food

Dry dog food can benefit your dog’s teeth and is convenient as it does not have to be refrigerated once opened. Kibble, like PEDIGREE® Dry Dog Food, offers a balanced and nutritious option for your pet’s mealtimes. However, dry dog food needs proper storage to retain its quality and ensure your pooch can gobble up every last bite of goodness.

Keep the bag sealed and in its original packaging

Dog food packaging is designed to make your life easier and keep your pup’s food fresh for as long as possible. Wherever you are in Australia, whether you’re sweltering through the summer or dealing with a damp winter, it’s important to always seal your kibble tightly after opening. This will minimise any potential exposure to contaminants as well as keep the food fresh.

Use a clean airtight container

For additional protection, try using a dog food storage container to keep food dry and fresh. Ideally, keep kibble in its original packaging inside the container. An airtight container is a great way to prevent potential moisture or pest damage and lock in those all-important nutrients for a happy pooch. Just make sure the container is clean and dry before adding in the food.

Store in a cool and dry place

The heat and humidity of summer wreaks havoc on food preservation and our pooch’s kibble is no different. Dog food loses its nutritional benefits and tastiness when exposed to heat or humidity so a golden rule for dry dog food storage is to store it in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and heat sources.

Check expiry dates

Eating food that has expired can cause health issues for your beloved pup, so keeping an eye on expiration dates is crucial. Rotate your dog food regularly and always use food within expiry dates. 

Storing wet food

Wet dog food can be more appealing for dogs and contains fewer carbohydrates than dry food. Delicious and hydrating, wet dog food, such as the PEDIGREE® wet products range, is a tasty option for your pet, when it is properly stored to remain safe and fresh. 

Seal and refrigerate

Once opened, wet dog food should be tightly sealed and kept in the refrigerator. Storing your wet food in a food-safe container with a tight-fitting lid can help prevent contamination and keep your pup’s food fresh for up to three days.

Check expiration

As with dry dog food storage, expiration dates on wet dog food cans are important and should be regularly checked. Before feeding, inspect the food for any signs of spoilage, such as unusual smells, colours, or textures. If you notice anything off, it's always better to err on the side of caution and discard the food.

Keeping dog food fresh with proper storage is essential for your pooch’s health, well-being, and even their taste buds! Whether it's dry or wet food, paying attention to food storage conditions will help you provide the best care for your four-legged friend. By following these simple guidelines, you can make sure your dog gets the maximum benefits from fresh, nutritious, and safe food. For more food and nutrition tips, visit our PEDIGREE® brand health hub.

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