Storing pet food: keep the bag, protect the meal
Keep dry pet food in its original bag inside a clean, secure container. Seal and refrigerate unused wet food promptly, following the label. Keep the batch number and dates with the food so you can identify it if a problem or recall occurs.
Before you throw away the packaging
Keep the product name, manufacturer, barcode, lot number and best-before date. A photo can be a useful backup if all details are readable. Write the opening date separately; it does not replace the printed date. When a new bag arrives, replace the old batch details too.
Sources: [1]
Put the bag inside the container
Store dry food somewhere cool, dry and inaccessible to pets and young children. FDA recommends placing the original bag inside the storage container. Between bags, wash the container and dry it thoroughly before refilling. Do not keep topping up old crumbs with new food.
Give opened wet food a fridge routine
Cover and promptly refrigerate unused canned or pouched food, or discard it. Keep the refrigerator at 4°C or below (40°F or below). Follow the product's instructions for use after opening; there is no single storage period for every recipe. Mark the opening date so the next person feeding knows which portion to use.
Keep feeding equipment clean
Wash your hands with soap and water after handling food. Wash bowls and measuring utensils after use, and let them dry. Do not use a dirty feeding bowl as a scoop. Stop feeding a product with damaged or swollen packaging, an unusual odor or other signs of a problem. If your pet becomes unwell, contact your vet and retain the product details.
FAQ
Can I pour kibble straight into a tub?
Keeping the bag inside is preferable. If you must transfer it, use a clean, dry container with a fitted lid and retain the current product and batch details.
How many days does opened wet food last?
Follow that product's after-opening instructions. Ask the manufacturer if they are missing; do not assume another food's limit applies.
Does the best-before date replace opening instructions?
No. Keep both the printed date and the opening date, and follow the label's storage and after-opening directions.
Sources
- Proper Storage of Pet Food & Treats — U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
- Safe handling of pet food and pet treats — American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA)