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How to store dog, cat and pet food?

You wouldn’t think of leaving a raw steak in the sun or on the kitchen marble after buying it, would you? You know it would ruin because fresh food needs specific storage conditions.

Well, food for your dog, cat or pet can also deteriorate if you don’t store it properly. In summer, you may also want to buy more food for your pet, so you can have some extra stock for a possible trip or a holiday in a second home.

It’s not a bad idea to buy the food in advance (you may not be able to find the brand you usually feed your dog or cat, and to which they are used to). But make sure you use it before the expiration date.

To ensure that your pet’s food retains its quality and all its nutrients, you should follow these 5 basic tips:

  1. The best packaging. Original pet food packaging is designed to maintain its quality and properties. The material they are made of protects the food from light and humidity, two factors that could damage it. Picart Petcare has plastic cans with airtight lids that allow you to store dry feed. They are available in 12kg (Select – Natural Nutrition), 10kg (Select Grain Free) and 3kg (Select Mini).
  2. Temperature and humidity. Direct sunlight, as well as sources of heat (such as a refrigerator or freezer motor) or humidity (common in basements or garages) can deteriorate the food. Choose a cool, dry space to store feed.
  3. Safe from the air. If your pet’s food comes into contact with air, it can lose freshness and go rancid. That’s why food containers usually have an airtight seal. Make sure it is tightly closed after use and, if you are unsure of the seal, transfer the food to another opaque, airtight container.
  4. Look at the best-before date. Yes, pet food also expires. You should not feed your pet, food past the expiration date marked on the original packaging. If you store the food in a different container, label it with the expiry date to make sure it is always in perfect condition. Keep in mind, that you should never mix foods from different containers that have different best-before dates.
  5. Cleanliness is essential. Check that the container, where you are going to store your dog or cat’s food, is perfectly clean and dry before introducing the kibble. Wash it with soap and water, rinse it well, dry it with a clean cloth and leave it in the open air for a few hours to make sure there is no moisture left in it.

How long does dog and cat food last?

The shelf life of pet food depends on the type of food, the brand and the specific ingredients.

  • Dry food. In general, dry pet food has a longer shelf life than wet or canned food. Dry food can last up to a year after its manufacture date if properly stored in a cool, dry place, following the storage guidelines above.
  • Wet food. Wet or canned food has a shorter shelf life once opened. After opening a container of wet food, it is advised to refrigerate it and consume it within 2-3 days to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.

One last tip: always make sure you choose the best food for your dog or cat. Find out what’s right for your pet with Picart Petcare’s Nutritional Search Engine, based on their breed, age and physical condition.

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