6 Dog Food Storage Ideas to Keep Kibble Fresh & Organized
This post shows you the 6 Best Dog Food Storage Ideas to keep your dog’s kibble fresh and tasty!
There are some pretty cool and creative ways to store kibble, but not all of them will keep it fresh! So that’s why I’ve come up with this list and ranked them from best to worst!
How Kibble Is Made
Before I show you the list, I want to tell you how kibble is made. Kibble is made by mixing all the ingredients (meat, vegetables, grains, fat, and supplements) and then baking that mass under high heat and pressure in big industrial ovens.
Then, to make the kibble taste good and appealing to dogs, it gets sprayed with oils. That’s why your kibble bag and bowl are always super greasy.
Oils are not just there to make kibble taste good; they also add nutrients, as fat is one of the most important energy sources for dogs.
So, what can we learn from this? Knowing that oils are added at the end of the kibble-making process tells us something super important: kibble is sensitive to air, heat, light, and moisture.
That’s how I made this list of the best dog kibble storage ideas, which I’m sharing below! Kibble needs to stay greasy and fresh!
Best Dog Food Storage Ideas (Ranked from Best to Worst)
To store kibble, you need to avoid direct sunlight and anything that will soak up the oils, and you can’t store kibble in humid areas since they can grow mold!
1 Airtight Bins
Airtight bins are the best option when it comes to storing kibble. They’re designed to lock out any moisture (so you don’t have to worry about mold).
They also keep everything fresh since the kibble won’t be exposed to air.
I personally like large, airtight bins that have room for scoops, so you have everything in one place.
If you have a large dog or multiple dogs, then you can get the bin with wheels so you can store the entire giant bag in one bin!
I like the idea of personalization, so I made some stickers with my dog’s name and decorated the bin.
Keep in mind that you need to find BPA-free plastic and make sure that the containers have some sort of certification and quality checks!
Shop similar containers here and explore some of the sturdy options, like this one.
2 Original Bag That Goes Inside an Airtight Container
Now, this is what I call the best of both worlds. If you usually buy large bags of kibble, then you know they come in pretty good original packaging.
What makes the original kibble bags so good is that they’re made of material that keeps the food fresh and retains the natural oils.
Unlike paper bags, kibble bags are made of grease-resistant material, so your kibble will stay fresh.
If you then take that original bag and put it in an airtight bin, you’ll get the best possible protection.
3 Glass Jars with Airtight Lids
Glass jars are also one of the best dog food storage ideas, as glass won’t absorb oils. It also won’t absorb smells like plastic will!
The only reason I didn’t put them as number one is that you’ll have to keep them in the pantry or somewhere dark, away from light.
Glass jars are easy to clean, and you can wash them in the dishwasher.
4 Cabinets With Containers Inside
One of the coolest ways to store dog kibble is using wooden cabinets! They look so cool, and you can make a great dog feeding station with them.
However, never ever store kibble directly in wooden drawers or cabinets without a container inside! I know it looks convenient, but it will smell, the kibble will get dry, and the wood will absorb all the oils that keep the kibble fresh.
This is an example of a poor storage option!
It looks cute, but it’s not practical. If you put an airtight container inside the cabinet, then you’ll have something cute and practical!
So, find cabinets where you can store the kibble in a sealed container, and then place the container in the drawer or cabinet.
Cabinets will keep your home organized, they’ll look cool, and they’ll protect the containers from direct light.
If you’re shopping for something chic that will fit your home decor goals, then check out these cabinets here.
5 Plastic Bags
Plastic bags are not ideal for storing kibble, as they have poor air sealing. They won’t absorb the oils and will keep the kibble somewhat fresh, but they’re only okay for small amounts or travel, maybe.
If you buy an airtight bin or container, there’s no need to keep the kibble in a plastic bag and then in the container.
I used to keep everything in plastic bags, and then I got worried that my dog’s kibble would get moldy. But it turns out, it won’t. It just won’t be that fresh.
So, if you’re in between storage solutions, it’s okay to use a plastic bag, but not as a permanent thing.
6 Paper Bags
Don’t keep your dog’s kibble in a paper bag. You may think it’s healthier, but paper will let the air in, absorb all the oils, and just ruin your dog’s food.
Also, you need to be mindful that dog food is still food, so keeping it in a paper bag can attract pests!
Most pet stores won’t even sell pet food in a paper bag, so no matter how environmentally friendly you want to be, don’t store the kibble in paper; it’s the worst possible thing.
Some Things to Consider When It Comes to Keeping Kibble Fresh
To keep your dog’s kibble fresh, you need to make sure it’s not exposed to:
- air
- light
- heat
- moisture
- pests!
That’s why it’s best to keep everything in the original packaging or airtight containers, whether they’re made of glass or plastic.
You don’t want the oils to evaporate and the kibble to go bad.
You should store everything away from light and keep it somewhat cool.
If you’re storing kibble in a pantry, make sure there’s no moisture, as kibble can be prone to mold growth.
I suggest cleaning and washing the bins once every couple of months, just to keep things fresh.
I also want to address the common misconception that kibble is unhealthy and that dogs should only eat home-cooked food. While it’s absolutely true that dogs should eat meat and home-cooked meals, they should also eat kibble — that way, they get all the nutrients they need.
Most commercial-grade kibble is good enough for your dog, and if you have a trusted brand and your dog eats well, don’t change it.
If you’re feeling lost and want to learn how to recognize good kibble, I wrote a detailed article about dog nutrition, reading and understanding food labels, and choosing the best dog kibble!
Which of these dog food storage ideas do you like the most? Let us know in the comments!
Don’t forget to pin this post so you’ll always have these ideas handy!
Love, life, and fur forever!
This post showed you the 6 Dog Food Storage Ideas to Keep Kibble Fresh & Organized.
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