If you want your dog to live a long, happy, and healthy life, you need to get the best possible dog food for him or her. Even though you go through a lot of trouble, comparing the benefits and drawbacks of multiple options before you select the food for your furry friend, you need to make sure you take care of it.
You might buy the best dog food available, but this is not going to mean much if it spoils shortly after you purchase it. What are some tips you need to keep in mind regarding storing dog food? Take a look at a few key tips below, and make sure you give your furry friend the nutrition he or she deserves.
Store the Food Inside
First, make sure you store your dog food inside. There are a lot of dog owners who store dog food in the garage; however, this is not the best place for it. For example, during the summer, the excess heat in the garage can decorate a lot of the essential oils that are present in the dog food.
Even though it may take down a bit of storage space to keep the dog food inside, it will last longer. Think of your dog food as other pantry items. Store the dog food in a cool, dry environment.
Make Sure You Seal It Properly
Next, you need to keep the dog food sealed properly. For example, you should always make sure to fold up the bag of dog food when you are done pouring food for your dog. You may even want to use an extra clip to protect it from going bad.
If you leave the dog food unsealed, oxygen will get inside the food. This can cause the fat to go rancid, which can ruin the flavor. It can also make your dog sick if you give this food to him or her. Take the bag of dog food and place it in an airtight container. That way, it is not going to spoil prematurely.
Leave the Food in the Original Bag
You need to make sure you seal the dog food when you are done pouring it out; however, you should still leave the dog food in the original bag. Even though you want to put the food in an airtight container, that does not necessarily mean you take the food out of the original bag. If you pour the dog food into an airtight container, this could cause the food to go bad more quickly.
Furthermore, when you pour dog food into a separate container, it can scratch the inside of that specific container. This can create a crevice for bacteria to colonize the container. If they get ahold of your dog food, it can cause it to spoil more quickly.
Check the Expiration Date
Finally, you should also check the expiration date. This is another danger with pouring the dog food out of the bag. If you get rid of a bag when you are done, you may not realize when the dog food spoils. There is a reason why the expiration date is printed on the package. It is possible for your dog to get sick if you give expired dog food to him or her.
Even if your dog does not get sick, expired dog food does not necessarily have the same nutritional value as fresh dog food. Take the expiration date seriously. If the dog food has expired, it is time to get rid of it.
Protect Your Dog Food from Harm
If you keep these tips in mind, you should give your furry friend plenty of nutrition every day. Take the time to review all the options available when you are looking for dog food.
Keep in mind that the best dog food for one dog is not necessarily going to be the best food for your dog. You may even want to talk to your veterinarian if you are trying to find the right food for your dog. Then, after you find the best option available, make sure you take care of that food. That way, your dog will have the nutrition that he or she requires.
