If you are a pet owner with several, or just large, pets, you know their food has become considerably more expensive. For those owners who are will to spend the money for the higher quality food, have it spoil and be wasted can definitely put a strain on anyone’s budget. In addition, food doesn’t have to show visible spoilage to have lost it’s nutritional value if you don’t get it stored well. Knowing how to properly store your pet’s food is a smart decision for any owner.
When your pet food has been stored properly you also have stopped the threat of mold, bacteria, insects, and even oxygen destroying the integrity of the food. Many don’t know that the presence of oxygen getting to food can cause oxidation – which is the same chemical process that makes iron rust. Bottom line is the nutritional value of the food will be depleted. Although the threat of oxidation can’t be completely prevented, short of vacuum-sealing the food yourself, it can at least be reduced. Whenever it’s possible be sure to keep the food in the original container and just set that inside of a sealable container. This will greatly reduce any airflow to the food and keep it fresh much longer.
A second agent threatening the nutritional value and even the safety of pet food is bacteria. Warm, damp, and dark conditions are conducive to bacterial growth. Moisture and temperature can be regulated to a large degree to extend the life of pet food; darkness is harder to control. A cool, dry place should be found to house the pet food. A drawer under a kitchen counter (but not under the sink!), a garage, or even a dry, shady outside area would make suitable storage areas; basements and bathrooms should not be used, as these are usually moist areas.
The same cool and dry conditions will inhibit growth of molds. A refrigerator may seem a preferred place to store pet food, and it does preserve the nutritional value, but it may make the food less palatable to the pet, even if it is warmed before serving.
Lastly, it’s important to know that even the most carefully stored pet food has a definite shelf life. Pay attention to the “Best Used By” date on your pet food, and avoid purchasing too much pet food in one visit to the store–you don’t want to end up with more than you can use before it goes bad.
When you are searching for indoor dog gates be sure to look at Jen’s latest site. This writer has also written content on getting fantastic stackable storage cubes.
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