Here are 9 full-proof ways to store dry cat food long-term!
Do you love shopping for things on sale? Who doesn’t is it? It is too much fun, and we can save a lot of money right? Plus you are not obligated to make a monthly purchase!
However, what is not fun is seeing extra food getting spoil right in front of eyes! I am sure this has happened to you too, and it is a huge pain, right?
Well, not anymore. There are many ways to preserve dry cat food for years and I have come up with the 9 best ways to store dry cat food long term. You can use a metal bin, keep it away from moisture, place it above the floor, avoid the garage space, etc.
9 Ideas to Store Dry Cat Food for Long Term
Place your storage container in a dry and cool place. Your feline’s 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!
It’s time to save money and let’s learn preservation!
1. Store Dry Cat Food in Freezer
Just like we store our favorite dish in the refrigerator you can also freeze your cat’s dry food in it!
Yes, there is no harm. It can keep your cat’s food fresh for straight 26 weeks! Amazing, isn’t 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.
2. Ditch Plastic Containers Use Metals and Glass
Glass and metal containers are better and safer than plastic containers. I know most of us simply buy plastic containers to store our pet food.
But let me tell you plastic can absorb flavors and germs easily and can become home to bacteria and viruses. If your cat scratches the container it can even contaminate the food too! Therefore, ditch plastic containers and use metal and glass bins for storing dry cat food for the long term. Plus you can become an eco-friendly cat owner too!
Best Containers to Store Dry Cat Food
I am attaching one of the best metal bins which I personally like to use for keeping cat food fresh for a long time. You can keep the food along with the original packaging inside it.
Invest in Pets Good Storage Canister it is sturdy, and you can fill food up to 4lbs. It is most suitable to store dry cat food long-term. It comes with a metal scooper which will prevent your hands from getting dirty and seal the food easily!
3. Keep It Away From Insects
We often keep large bags of dry cat foods in the corner of the room on the floor but there are higher chances of food being contaminated.
Due to the tasty flavor of the food bugs and flies can enter your cat’s dry food easily. Therefore, it is quite important that you make sure to put it in an elevated space. Or store it inside your kitchen cabinet it l can be a great option too!
4. Store It in Cool Place
If you keep your dry cat food in a cool surrounding it can definitely increase its shelf life for sure! Even the manufacturers state that in the back of the food label to keep your food packet away from light.
Yes, this is right because air or a source of strong light can easily destroy the quality of food and can decrease the shelf life of the food. Food can maintain its quality for longer if excessive temperature and light exposure are avoided.
That’s why it is vital to place dry cat food in a cool and dry location.
5. Select Food in Good Condition
While you go to the store for buying dry food for your cat make sure that you pick a good packet that is in good condition. I mean it is not torn or has cracked. Because the chances of the bad packaging can also decrease the shelf life of your cat food.
So, make sure to avoid rips and torn dry cat food packets!
6. Avoid Moisture Prone Place
Moisture can change the entire game of shelf life of dry cat food! It aids molds and bacteria to grow which can easily lead to spoilage of food.
Use a dark and low humid place to store dry cat food long-term. It is not just good for shelf life but also essential for saving nutrients.
Wondering what is the correlation?
Well, if the food is placed in a high temperature or moist place there are higher chances of food losing its vitamins and nutrients. Thus, it will take away all the healthy nutrients from your cat which was added to the food.
7. 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 it’s “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!
8. Buy Seal Proof Bag
This one is the most convenient and budget-friendly option to store dry cat food long term!
Just like you seal your sandwich in a seal-proof plastic bag you can also use big seal-proof bags to store dry cat food for better and longer shelf life.
The best part is you don’t have to hunt. It is easily available at any store. Plus it will remain fresh for a long period of time. You can open and pour food for your cat and again reseal it.
Quite convenient? Isn’t it
9. Store It in Original Bag
It is advised to always keep the dry food in its original bag itself this is due to the presence of a fat barrier in the bag, which aids in the retention of flavor. The odor of plastic bags and containers can alter the flavor of food.
The perk of using an original bag is that it is full of important information regarding food if unfortunately, your cat is allergic to it, you can consult with a customer care person.
So, use a clipper to lock the bag and keep it in a safe place, so it remains fresh.
Well, That’s a Wrap!
We all prefer to buy food in bulk and save huge money. That’s why I use most of the tricks and tips to store dry cat food for the long term!
I have personally used all the above ways to store dry cat food long term. It will keep her food fresh for weeks. You can check the packaging condition, expiry date, buy glass or metal containers.
If you find it helpful do leave a comment and don’t forget to share this article with other pet owners!
References
- The Scoop on Storing Pet Food – VetNutrition
- Proper Storage of Pet Food & Treats – US Food & Drug
- The Scoop on Storing Pet Food – Clinical Nutrition Service