When it comes to feeding your best friend, you’ve got plenty of choices. Not only do dog food brands abound, but you have options when it comes to dry versus canned food.
There is also a distinct subset of dog foods that attempt to split the difference with semi-soft kibble. Despite all of the choices, dry food remains among the most popular pet owner selections for a variety of reasons.
Not only does it prove more cost-effective, but it’s easier to store. That said, even dry dog food can spoil or go stale if you don’t take the necessary precautions. That’s where purchasing the best dog food container can save you lots of money.
Keep reading for my full breakdown of the best dog food containers on the market.
Dog Nutrition 101
Did you know that dogs, unlike cats, contain genetic mutations that allow them to digest starch more easily? As a result, they thrive on a diet rich in plant materials as well as meat. Essentially, they’re omnivores instead of carnivores.
Some scientists hypothesize this genetic adaptation represented an essential facet of human domestication. What does this mean for your pooch today?
To provide them with proper nutrition, you need to opt for a diet that includes a carbohydrate component from grains or vegetables. There are even pet owners who cook regular meals for their best friends.
As it turns out, the right combination of potatoes, vegetables, and meat suit canines just as well as humans. Of course, feeding dogs, like feeding people, can add up quickly, and you may not have time for all of that extra cooking.
Luckily, there are a variety of ways to save a little money while still ensuring that your pet has healthy food to eat.
For one, purchasing dry dog food in bulk is a great option. Not only does dry dog food represent a sound nutritional solution for your dog’s daily needs, but when you store it in the correct container, it’ll stay good for many months, unlike softer foods.
More Things to Know About Dry Dog Food
Dry dog food may also represent a better option for maintaining your dog’s dental health. The act of crunching it helps them clean plaque buildup from their teeth.
You can leave dry food out in their bowl for quite a while, too, without any risk of spoilage. Of course, all bets are off if water happens to splash onto it. The same goes for your dog’s saliva.
Besides this, if you live in an area where opportunistic cockroaches, ants, or other insects dwell, then leaving food in your dog’s bowl is an open invitation. Instead of rolling out the red carpet, take precautions to keep your pet’s food safe and edible.
Some owners leave dry dog food in the bag after opening it. They do this under the mistaken impression that dry dog food never goes bad. Under these circumstances, however, expect it to be stale or spoiled within just two weeks.
That’s why proper storage proves so essential when it comes to saving you money.
In terms of your pet’s long-term health, a downside to dry food is the lack of moisture. Over time, this can lead to problems with dehydration and kidney function. So, switching to wet food as your pet ages may be a better option.
Before making any significant decisions about your dog’s health, consult your veterinarian.
Tips for Storing Dry Dog Food
There are a few other ways to make sure your dog’s food stays fresher longer. Although it seems counterintuitive, keep the food in its original bag.
Manufacturers craft dog food storage bags to minimize spoilage in transit. Although they can’t go much past two weeks on their own, they can help optimize the product’s shelf life.
Each time that you scoop food out of the bag, press out as much air as possible. Then, roll down the top and secure it with a chip clip. This practice will reduce oxidation and wasted food.
You should also consider buying smaller bags to reduce the chances of oxidation. Remember, too, to check the sell-by date to avoid getting food that’s already outlived its shelf life.
Of course, the best way to ensure your dog’s food goes the distance is by purchasing an airtight, moisture-proof, and pest-proof container.
What About Makeshift Containers?
At this point, you may be wondering what all the fuss is about dog food containers. After all, can’t you simply reuse an old plastic container to store extra dog food? Not so much.
Generic plastic containers leech a variety of dangerous chemicals into dog food. They also contain nooks on their interior surfaces as well as microscopic pores.
While their surfaces and interiors may feel smooth to the touch, in reality, they can harbor oils and fats from the dog food. Over time, these substances will turn rancid and can lead to spoilage of new food.
What’s more, these surfaces are an optimal location for mold to grow. Again, it’s microscopic and impossible to see with the naked eye.
Nonetheless, it represents a contaminant that can negatively impact the quality of the food and your pet’s health over time. Containers created exclusively for storing pet food, however, don’t have these problems. Since they’re airtight, they also enhance how long you can store dog food.
The best dog food containers also simplify your life. They cut down on mess and odors and keep your spaces tidy and organized. Look for stackable varieties to optimize dog food storage space.
With that in mind, here’s my rundown of some of the best containers on the market.
Gamma2 Vittles Vaults
Vittles Vaults are moisture-proof, airtight, pest-proof pet food containers. Manufactured from FDA-compliant, food-grade polyethylene, they prove durable and shatter-resistant.
You can purchase them in a variety of sizes that all prove stackable. What’s more, the spinning locks on each container guarantee that nobody but you can get into the containers.
Nonetheless, their unique design makes them easy to access and store. The company’s 40-pound container is perfect for storing a standard bag of dog food, and you’ll never have to worry about messes, spills, or unsavory odors.
Bergan Stack-N-Stor 65 Stackable Storage
Another fantastic stackable storage option is the Bergan Stack-N-Stor 65 Stackable Storage bin that can hold up to 18 gallons of dog food at one go. The multi-use containers fit together, making them easy to organize and store.
You can choose from three size options, and you never have to worry about the heavy-duty plastic breaking or shattering. That said, don’t expect them to seal as well as Vittles Vaults.
In other words, if you’ve got a particularly mischievous dog who makes it their priority to get into their food between meals, then opt for Vittles Vaults instead.
Simple Human Pet Food Storage Can
The medium pet food storage can from Simple Human holds up to 25 liters (27 pounds) of dry dog food. It features a magnetic lid-mounted scoop and a lock-tight handle that clamps shut. This clamp is sure to keep curious pets out.
Its silicone gaskets form an airtight seal that ensures bulk dog food stays fresh longer, and it comes with a removable BPA-free inner bucket.
What’s so great about this container? Besides its airtight lock, it comes in a handsome brushed steel finish that’s the epitome of contemporary design. It also has built-in wheels for effortless movement from one place to the next.
You can also purchase it in 30-liter and 35-liter configurations for extra storage options.
IRIS USA Three-Piece Airtight Pet Food Container
If you need to store pet food in different containers, then IRIS represents your best option. It comes with a 12-quart storage container that stacks on top of another 33-quart size as well as a two-cup scoop.
Both containers are guaranteed airtight, and the base unit sits on wheels for easy movement around your house. The containers also effectively keep out moisture and pests, and they’re made from FDA-compliant, BPA-free plastic.
Whether you choose to use the smaller dog food container for specialty food, another pet’s food, treats and chews, or road trips, it’s a handy addition to the set!
The Best Dog Food Container for Your Home
The best dog food container will save you money, keep your house tidy and odor-free, and ensure your pet stays in optimal health.
After all, dry dog food only keeps in the bag for about two weeks, and makeshift plastic containers do more harm than good. Not only do they have nooks and crannies that can harbor mold, but they can hold rancid fat, too.
The much better option remains to purchase a container specifically designed for pet food storage needs. You want your Frenchie to be safe, healthy, and happy after all. When you opt for one that’s stackable and has wheels, you’ll make your life a whole lot easier.
Interested in more tips to make your dog-owning journey go more smoothly? Read on for a buyer’s guide to the best organic dog food brands!
