How to Store Dry Dog Food and Keep It Fresh
Dry dog food is convenient, but it still needs to be stored carefully. Air, warmth, moisture, pests and repeated handling can all affect an open bag.
The simplest approach is to keep the food somewhere cool and dry, close the original packaging securely and avoid buying more than your dog can use while it is fresh.
Where should you store dry dog food?
Choose a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and large changes in temperature. A kitchen cupboard or clean indoor utility space is usually more suitable than a warm conservatory, damp garage or outdoor shed.
Keep the bag off a floor that could become damp and away from household chemicals or strongly scented products.
Should dog food stay in its original bag?
Keeping food in its original bag has important advantages. The packaging is designed for the product and carries the:
- Best-before date
- Batch or lot number
- Full feeding and ingredient information
- Manufacturer’s contact details
The batch information is particularly useful if you ever need to ask a question about the food.
Can you put the bag inside a container?
Yes. Placing the entire closed bag inside a clean, dry container can provide additional protection from pests and accidental spills while preserving the original information.
Use a container intended for food storage with a secure lid. Make sure the outside of the bag and the container are dry before closing it.
Should you pour kibble directly into a storage bin?
You can, but it creates extra cleaning responsibilities. Oils and crumbs from the previous bag can remain inside the container and affect the next batch.
If you decant the food:
- Use a food-safe container
- Empty and wash it before adding a new bag
- Allow it to dry completely
- Do not top up old food with new food
- Keep a photo or section of the packaging showing the batch and best-before details
Never add dry food to a damp container.
How should you close an open dog food bag?
Press excess air out gently, roll or fold the top down and use the bag’s seal or a strong clip. A poorly closed bag is more exposed to air, moisture and curious noses.
Do not leave a scoop buried in the food if it is wet, dirty or handled frequently. Keep measuring equipment clean and dry.
How long does dry dog food last after opening?
There is no single answer for every food. Check the manufacturer’s instructions and best-before date. The date normally applies to unopened food stored correctly, so opening the bag starts a period in which storage has a greater effect.
Choose a bag size your dog can finish in a sensible time. A very large bag is not better value if the final meals have lost freshness or need to be discarded.
How can you tell if dry dog food has gone bad?
Do not feed food that:
- Smells rancid, sour or noticeably different
- Has become damp or unusually soft
- Shows mould or discolouration
- Contains insects or evidence of pests
- Came from damaged or swollen packaging
- Your dog suddenly refuses when they normally eat it happily
If you are uncertain, keep the packaging and contact the retailer or manufacturer with the batch information.
Can you refrigerate dry dog food?
Dry food normally does not need refrigeration. Moving it between cold and warm environments can introduce condensation if it is not handled carefully. Follow the storage instructions on the product rather than assuming colder is always better.
Can dry dog food be frozen?
Do not freeze it unless the manufacturer says the product is suitable for freezing. Moisture introduced during freezing or defrosting can damage dry food if the process is not properly controlled.
What about moistened dry food?
Once water or another moist ingredient has been added, kibble should no longer be treated like dry food. Serve it promptly and discard uneaten food rather than leaving it at room temperature for hours.
Wash the bowl after use and provide fresh drinking water separately.
Storing Dewkes dog food
Store Dewkes dry dog food in a cool, dry place, keep the pack sealed and follow the information printed on the bag.
Dewkes offers different pack sizes across the range, so you can choose an option suited to your dog and how quickly they use it. If you have not chosen their preferred recipe yet, start with a £1 taster pack before opening a larger bag.
Dry dog food storage checklist
- Keep it cool, dry and out of sunlight
- Close the bag firmly after every use
- Retain the original label and batch information
- Use a clean, completely dry food-safe container if required
- Never mix the remains of an old bag into a new one
- Choose a pack size your dog can finish while fresh
- Discard food that smells or looks wrong
