How to Store Wet and Dry Dog Food?

How to Store Wet and Dry Dog Food?

Pet parents usually spend a lot of time figuring out exactly which recipe to choose, and then wonder how to properly store their dog's dry and wet food. To ensure that the quality of the products does not deteriorate, store all recipes airtight and away from light and moisture (in a cool, dark, and dry room). Furthermore, keep dry food in its original packaging inside a tightly sealed container, and once opened, transfer wet food to a sealable container and store it in the refrigerator for a maximum of 2–3 days.

Table of Contents

• How to Store Dog Food? The Basic Rules

• How to Store Wet Dog Food?

• How to Store Dry Dog Food?

• Storing Dog Food – What Else Matters?

• How to Store Wet and Dry Dog Food? Summary

How to Store Dog Food? The Basic Rules

Both dry and wet food should be stored in their original, specially designed packaging that prevents air from getting inside. Exposure to air is highly undesirable because it causes the fats contained in the recipe to oxidize—or go rancid—which leads to rapid spoilage (causing a change in taste and smell, as well as a drop in nutritional value).

Store recipes at room temperature, ideally between 18–21°C, in a dry and dark room. Light and heat sources (ovens, radiators, etc.) also cause food to spoil by destroying vitamins and oxidizing fats, and they carry the risk of attracting insects. In a humid environment, mold, bacteria, and mycotoxins—which are often invisible to the naked eye—can develop.

How to Store Wet Dog Food?

Unless the manufacturer indicates otherwise on the packaging, store unopened wet food at room temperature in a dry, preferably shaded place. A pantry or a kitchen cupboard is perfect, as sunlight does not reach these areas. It is also crucial that wet food is not placed directly next to heat sources (ovens, radiators, stoves).

How should you store wet dog food if your four-legged friend doesn't eat the entire contents at once? Once you open a can of Carnilove Wild Meat or any other high-moisture product, transfer the uneaten portion into a tightly sealable container—preferably glass or ceramic—and place it in the fridge. Remember that from this moment on, time is of the essence: the high water content causes wet food to spoil much faster. In a refrigerator at a temperature of 2–8°C, the meal can safely wait for your pet for 2–3 days.

How to Store Dry Dog Food?

Store dry dog food in its original packaging—manufacturers design it specifically to protect the contents from moisture and air exposure. After opening, ensure the bag is sealed tightly, for example with a clip or the built-in zip-lock feature (available on Carnilove dry food bags).

It is also an excellent idea to place the recipe, still inside its original bag, into a separate storage bin (e.g., a stainless steel container) for extra protection against light, moisture, and temperature fluctuations. Some people choose to pour the kibble directly into plastic bags or containers, but such substitute packaging does not prevent the food from going stale or the fats from spoiling.

The storage location is equally important. Dry food should not be kept in rooms with high humidity or shifting temperatures, as these conditions can cause it to lose its freshness. Garages, bathrooms, balconies, or kitchen windowsills are not suitable places for storing dry dog food.

Storing Dog Food – What Else Matters?

Dry dog food should ideally be used within 30 days of opening (the maximum storage period for an opened bag is 45 days, or about 6 weeks). Therefore, when choosing a recipe for your pet, pay attention not only to the ingredients and its purpose, but also to the bag size. Match the size of the product to how large a daily portion your pet eats and how much food they actually need for that period.

Wet foods spoil much faster—hence the need to keep them in the fridge and use them within a few days. You should also pay attention to the following points:

• Do not serve wet food straight from the fridge: Wait until it warms up to room temperature. Cold food does not have such an intense aroma, which might make your dog reluctant to eat it.

• Discard food left out for too long: If a can or pouch has been sitting open at room temperature for several hours, the best idea is to throw it in the bin, as harmful microorganisms may have already started to develop.

• Freezing is not recommended: It is not advisable to freeze wet dog food, as the product can lose its nutritional value through this process.

How to Store Wet and Dry Dog Food? Summary

Both wet and dry dog food can gradually lose their properties if you do not ensure proper storage conditions. In practice, this comes down to a few simple rules that are worth applying every day.

What is worth remembering?

• Keep both dry and wet food in a cool place, away from heat sources, light, and moisture.

• Store dry food in its original packaging and make sure it is tightly closed.

• Match the size of the dry food bag you buy to your pet's actual daily needs.

• Always store opened wet food in the refrigerator and use it within a maximum of 48 hours.

• Do not leave food in the bowl for long periods (maximum 15–20 minutes, even if the dog doesn't finish their portion).

By following these rules, you can be sure that the food you serve to your four-legged friend retains its premium quality, which directly translates into your pet's eagerness to eat!