Storage conditions for open packages of dry and wet food

Factors affecting the shelf life of dry food

Most dry food is preserved with natural antioxidants, a mixture of tocopherols, a plant-derived vitamin E extract that prevents fat oxidation in sealed packaging. But, as soon as we open it, the contents instantly begin to be exposed to environmental conditions that accelerate the oxidation of fats. Some factors further accelerate the process of spoilage of the product, and it is very desirable to avoid them:

• Air access. It will no longer be possible to completely eliminate the air from the opened bag, but you need to keep it tightly closed by wrapping the top edges. In this case, even if the package has a zip fastener, then before closing it, press on the bag to release excess air.

• Sun rays. Do not leave the opened package in direct sunlight, store it in a dark place.

• Heat. Storing food in a hot apartment, and even more so near a battery, is unacceptable. Choose a dark, cool place for storage, where the temperature does not exceed 20C.

• Humidity. Dry food quickly absorbs moisture, like any other dehydrated product, as a result of which the granules can stick together, and under the influence of other factors, bacteria and fungi can multiply in the food, which can be extremely dangerous for the pet.

• Insects and rodents. Feed often attracts pests and it is highly desirable that they do not have access to it. 

Where is the best place to store dry food?

The best option is a special plastic, glass or metal container with a tight-fitting lid, which should preferably be placed indoors away from batteries, in the driest and coolest place in the apartment – in the corridor, dark room, closet. But you should not choose an open balcony or garage as a place of storage, where temperature and humidity cannot be controlled in any way. 

It is better not to pour the food into the container, but put the whole bag into it, squeezing the air out of it, wrap the edges, fixing it with something (adhesive tape, clothespins) and then close the container with a lid. If overfilling, make sure the container is clean and dry.

How long can dry food be stored after opening the package?

Even with strict observance of all the rules, open dry food is stored for no more than 4-8 weeks, after which even antioxidants cease to cope with the continuous oxidation of fats, the destruction of nutrients. 

You can also pour the food needed for a short period of time, for example, for a week, into a separate hermetically sealed container, so as not to open a large bag every day – this way air will enter it less often, which can prolong the safety of the food.

The longer the food is left open, the more likely it is to spoil prematurely. If you buy a lot of feed at once, keep an eye on the expiration dates and open those bags that were released earlier first.

If during this period your pet cannot cope with a large bag of food, give preference to other packaging options. 

How to store wet food?

Closed pouches and jars of canned food are stored for a long time – up to 3 years. You can store unopened packages at room temperature, if you are not very humid and not too hot, in a cool, dark place, away from direct sunlight. If the apartment is very hot, canned food can be stored in the refrigerator. Open canned food spoils very quickly, so you should not buy a large can of canned food that your pet cannot handle in a short time. You can store open wet food from cans by transferring it to a plastic or glass container with a tight-fitting lid, such as plastic or silicone. Food in spiders can be left in its original packaging, wrapping the edges of the bag down and fixing it with something. Any open wet food should be consumed within 24 hours, maximum 48 hours, if refrigerated. Soft food should not be left in the bowl all the time; it deteriorates very quickly when exposed to warm air. If the pet has not eaten the food, remove it and in the future give the amount that is guaranteed to be eaten at a time. Remember, when feeding wet food stored in the refrigerator, the food must be warmed to room temperature before serving to the pet. Such simple rules for food storage will ensure the safety of products in the proper quality, and you will be sure that your pet will receive fragrant, tasty and healthy food.