{"id":1777,"date":"2017-07-03T06:00:39","date_gmt":"2017-07-03T06:00:39","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/happypetsinfo.com\/blog\/?p=1777"},"modified":"2017-12-21T23:01:10","modified_gmt":"2017-12-21T23:01:10","slug":"storing-your-pets-food-properly-and-safely","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/happypetsinfo.com\/blog\/storing-your-pets-food-properly-and-safely\/","title":{"rendered":"Storing Your Pet’s Food Safely"},"content":{"rendered":"

SAFETY TIPS ON HOW TO STORE YOUR DOG OR CAT\u2019S FOOD PROPERLY<\/h1>\n

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We all want to feed our pets healthy, wholesome food, but could the food you serve your furry companion be stale, or even (heaven forbid) rancid?\u00a0 Have you ever stopped to think about the impact of improper food storage on your companion\u2019s health?<\/p>\n

Storing and Serving the Food<\/strong><\/h3>\n

How you store your dog or cat\u2019s carefully chosen pet food may be just as important as what her diet contains. Improper storage techniques and lack of daily cleanliness can lead to bacterial infection, contamination and infestation.<\/p>\n

The following mistakes are made by even the most informed and well-meaning pet parents. Breaking these habits will help ensure that your pet gets the freshest, healthiest food every meal time and will keep her happy, healthy, and strong.<\/p>\n

COMMON MISTAKES<\/span><\/strong><\/h5>\n

1. Dumping kibble into containers.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Storage containers are excellent for keeping your dog\u2019s food fresher longer. The mistake that many pet parents make is pouring dry food directly into the container (I have this done this myself in the past!). Instead, experts recommend placing the bag itself into the storage bin and scooping out the kibble. Pet foods will retain their best flavor if stored in the original bag, which provides a fat barrier. This also prevents oils from adhering to the container and contaminating the next batch.<\/p>\n

2. Leaving pet food unsealed. \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\"\"<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

Exposure to the air causes food to go bad faster and increases the risk of contamination by harmful bacteria.\u00a0Pet food should be sealed tightly between each feeding.<\/p>\n

3. Storing food at high temperatures or humidity.<\/strong><\/p>\n

It may seem easier to store that cumbersome bag of dog food in the garage or on the back porch, but weather conditions like humidity can affect food\u2019s freshness and safety. The experts at\u00a0Hills Pet Nutrition\u00a0recommend storing dry food and unopened canned food in a cool, dry environment to prevent vitamin loss and rancidity. Also, be sure bugs and animals cannot access the food.<\/p>\n

4. Leaving food sitting out too long.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

Once opened, canned pet food should not be left un-refrigerated for longer than 2 to 4 hours. \u00a0To serve it after it has been refrigerated, place the amount you want to give your dog or cat in a microwavable dish and set it for 10-15 seconds to warm it up. \u00a0This will make the food more aromatic and appetizing, and it’s a great help for picky eaters.<\/p>\n

It is recommended\u00a0that your cat or dog\u2019s food bowl of dry kibble be washed and filled fresh each day.<\/strong><\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

Dry food\/kibble has an approximate \u2018fresh\u2019 life of two weeks once it has been opened. Although the small print on the bag may say the that bag has a \u201cbest before\u201d date, that refers to when the bag is unopened.\u00a0 Once opened, oxygen gets to the kibble and oxidation starts.\u00a0 Oxidation occurs as soon as the oil in the kibble comes into contact with oxygen from the environment.\u00a0 The oil reacts with oxygen and initiates an undesirable series of chemical reactions that eventually produce rancidity in the oil of the kibble. Most dry pet foods are loaded with many different fats and oils, and some of those fats are extremely sensitive to oxygen. When oxidation takes place, the fats turn rancid.<\/p>\n

How to Enhance the Life of Dry Pet Food<\/strong><\/span><\/h4>\n