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Quick answer: keep dry food in its original bag, tightly closed, inside an airtight container in a cool, dry, dark place. Try to finish the bag within a few weeks of opening it. Opened wet food should be covered and kept in the fridge and used within the time stated by the manufacturer; serve it at room temperature.
Poorly stored food loses its aroma, can go rancid and attracts insects or damp. Storing it properly protects its quality, stops your pet turning its nose up at it and saves you money.
Dry food: 6 basic rules
- Do not take it out of the bag and pour it loose into a bin: the original packaging protects the food and keeps the batch and best-before details.
- Close the bag tightly with a clip or its zip seal after every use.
- Use an airtight container and put the closed bag inside it.
- A cool, dry place, away from sunlight, the oven and damp (avoid the garage in summer).
- Wash the container between bags so no greasy residue is left behind.
- Write the opening date on the bag.
How long does an opened bag last?
It depends on the food and how you store it. As a general guide, try to use it within about 4–6 weeks of opening and never after the best-before date. If you have a small dog, a huge bag may last too long: compare bag sizes before you buy.
Wet food: tins, pouches and trays
- Once opened, cover it (there are silicone lids for tins) and keep it in the fridge.
- Use it within the time stated on the packaging.
- Take it out a while beforehand or warm it slightly: many animals refuse cold food.
- Do not leave wet food in the bowl for hours, especially in hot weather.
Signs that food has gone off
- A rancid smell or a smell different from usual.
- Damp, mould or kibble stuck together.
- Insects.
- Your pet suddenly refuses it.
If you notice any of these signs, do not feed it.
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Frequently asked questions
Can I freeze dry pet food?
It is not usually necessary, and moisture when thawing can spoil it. It is better to buy a size you will use up in time.
Is it bad to store dry food in a plastic bin?
The best approach is to put the closed bag inside the bin, not loose food.