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Entry 374Filed under Breeding

How to Store Dog Food Safely: 8 Steps for Kibble and Leftovers

Keep kibble in its original bag in a cool, dry place, refrigerate wet-food leftovers promptly, and preserve package details in case you need them.
3-minute read By Animalso Team

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Store dry dog food in its original bag, tightly closed, in a cool, dry place below 80°F. Refrigerate leftover canned or pouched food promptly, cover it tightly, and keep the refrigerator at 40°F or below. Keep the package details, use clean serving tools, and secure the supply where your dog cannot reach it.

1. Keep the original bag and its identifying details

FDA recommends keeping pet food and treats in their original package. The label preserves the product name, manufacturer, UPC, lot number, and best-by date—details that can matter if you need to ask about a product or report a problem. The lot number can help identify when and where the food was made.

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If you use a storage bin, FDA’s preferred approach is to place the entire original bag inside it. That keeps the food in its package while the bin adds a barrier against access.

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2. Close the bag securely after serving

Fold the top of the bag tightly down after each serving. If the bag sits inside a bin, keep it intact rather than pouring the food loose when the whole bag will fit.

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3. Choose a cool, dry storage spot

Store dry food and unopened canned food in a cool, dry place below 80°F. Excess heat or moisture may cause nutrients to break down. Avoid locations where the food could get damp or warm, and follow any additional storage directions on the product label.

4. If you transfer kibble, use a clean container with a snug lid

If the bag will not fit inside your storage container, FDA recommends using a clean, dry container with a lid that fits snugly. Keep the original package information available: retain the bag or its label and attach the identifying details to the container if that helps you keep them with the food.

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A container is useful only if you can clean and dry it between bags, keep its lid secure, and store it somewhere your dog cannot get into. No specialized storage container is required by FDA guidance.

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5. Wash and dry the container between bags

When a bag is empty, wash and dry the container before adding a new one. Remove leftover crumbs and fat rather than topping off the old supply with fresh kibble. This keeps residues from accumulating in the container.

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6. Refrigerate opened wet food promptly

For leftover canned or pouched food, promptly refrigerate it or discard it. Cover refrigerated food tightly and keep the refrigerator at 40°F or below. Follow the product label or manufacturer’s instructions for how long that specific food may be kept after opening; FDA’s reviewed storage guidance does not set one universal number of days for opened wet food.

7. Use clean bowls and measuring tools

Do not use your dog’s bowl as a scoop. Measure food with a clean scoop, spoon, or cup, and wash and dry bowls and measuring utensils after each use. FDA advises using measuring utensils only for pet food. Its safe-handling guidance also recommends washing your hands before and after handling pet food and treats.

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8. Secure the supply and act on warning signs

Keep food where your dog cannot reach the supply and overeat. Do not feed food that has a foul odor, comes in a swollen or leaking package, or contains a foreign object. Stop feeding it and contact your veterinarian if your pet becomes sick after eating it. FDA encourages reporting pet food problems to the agency and the manufacturer.

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Keep the product name, lot number, and best-by date available if you make a complaint. FDA says less than half of the pet food complaints it receives include a lot number; the agency explains how to report an issue at How to Report a Pet Food Complaint.

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How long does dog food last after opening?

There is no single opened-food duration in the FDA storage guidance reviewed here for either kibble or wet food. Check the specific product label or contact its manufacturer for directions rather than applying a universal number of days.

For the FDA’s full storage recommendations, see Proper Storage of Pet Food & Treats and its advice on safe handling of pet food and treats.

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

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