Dog food is the one constant purchase that you continually have to make for your dog. While you could buy kibble in smaller packs, it's not very practical or cost-efficient. Why make continual trips to the pet store when you can buy in bulk?
That said, there is one issue you have to consider: storage.
Your pup's food is just like the food you eat. It can go rotten and stale. Not only that, but it attracts bugs and bacteria, too. Those enormous kibble bags are good for transport and temporary storage, but they don't offer nearly as much protection as you need.
That's where storage containers come in. Think of them like Tupperware for you canine kibble! The best dog food storage containers will keep your dog's meals fresh and pest-free.
Need help finding the best storage container for your needs? We have you covered.
7 of the Best Dog Food Storage Containers to Keep your Dog's Kibble Fresh and Tasty
1. Bergan Smart Storage
This simple container from Bergan has all the great features you need. Made of BPA plastic, the container has a stackable shape. Get a couple of them to create a compact storage area for all your pets.
The bottom of the container is solid. However, the top lid is clear so you can keep an eye on your stock. A smaller hinged opening built on the lid provides easy access to food even when the containers are stacked high.
Both the large and small openings utilize rubber gaskets to create a tight seal. Plus, they have a snapping closure that will prevent even determined pups from getting in!
2. IRIS Airtight Food Storage Container & Scoop Combo
Here's a container set that can store both treats and standard kibble. The set includes a larger 33-quart container and a small 12-quart container. It also comes with a handy 2-cup food scoop!
All of the pieces are made of BPA-free plastic that's FDA-compliant for food safety, so no worries there. As for design, the containers are quite convenient. The larger unit has smooth wheels for easy transport. Meanwhile, the smaller unit is molded to fit right on top of the bigger one for a small footprint.
The lids are both airtight and feature a durable closure system. These containers are clear. But, the tops and scoop come in a range of fun colors.
3. IRIS Elevated Feeder with Airtight Food Storage, Green/Gray
Perfect for travel and home, this container from IRIS does double duty. It can keep your dog's food fresh while also acting as a raised feeder! The container portion is clear and can hold about 5 pounds of food.
The lid is translucent green. It features a strong clasping handle on both sides. Plus, there's a rubber gasket around the entire perimeter to create that airtight seal that you need.
On top of the lid are two inserts. The set comes with two stainless steel bowls. They're easy to clean and fit perfectly within the lid's inserts for comfortable feeding.
4. Bergan Wall Mounted Pet Dispenser & Storage
Here's another great option from Bergan. This is a unique dog food storage container that can free up some valuable space on the floor. It mounts to a wall and acts as a convenient dispenser.
The entire thing is made out of thick plastic. On top, there's a hinged lid that you can use to fill the dispenser. It's airtight and durable enough to stay secure. On the bottom, you'll find a pull handle. When you pull, the food comes flowing out!
The great thing about this design is that it still offers plenty of portion control. Pull lightly for controlled flow! In total, the container can hold an impressive 40 pounds of food.
5. Bergan Stack-N-Stor Pet Food Storage
Have several pets with unique dietary needs? Check out this modular container. A single unit can hold either 9 gallons or 18 gallons of food depending on the specific model you choose.
Made from thick BPA-plastic, these containers are very sturdy. That's a great thing because you can stack multiple units up high. The bottom feature molded feet while the top has small inserts. Use the legs and inserts to create a stable food storage system.
The door to access the food is located on the front. It's airtight and has a handy hinge. The doors are pretty secure on their own. But if you want some extra security, there are lock loops.
6. simplehuman 25 Liter Pet Food Storage Can, Brushed Stainless Steel
This beautiful storage container from simplehuman will blend right in with your kitchen appliances. The exterior is clad in stainless steel. It features a hinged lid with a lock-tight clamp for security. Around the perimeter of the lid, you'll find a silicone gasket to create an airtight seal.
Inside the container, there's a liner made out of BPA plastic. But that's not all. Take a look underneath the lid and you'll see a built-in scoop. The scoop attaches to the lid magnetically to ensure that it's always within reach.
The simplehuman container is available in 25, 30, and 35-liter sizes. There are also wheels on one end to make moving it in and out of storage a cinch.
7. Park Life Designs Wallace Food Storage Canister
This chic little container is great for treats or smaller dogs. It holds about 140 ounces of food and sits nicely on top of kitchen counters or tables.
The unit is made out of carbon steel. The material is lead-free and completely food-safe. There's also a silicone seal around the lid to keep moisture, air, and pests out.
The exterior of this unit is beautifully designed. It's available in two different color schemes and has some retro text to fit into a well-decorated home. The container is coated in smooth enamel. It shines in the light and turns the container into a showpiece!
The Benefits of a Dog Food Storage Container
You might be asking yourself, "Do I really need a separate container for my dog's food?"
For many owners, a simple bag clip is the go-to. Kibble bags are usually thick and non-porous, so they're good enough, right?
The truth is, there's a lot that can go wrong with your dog's food when kept in the bag. Once you open it and break that freshness seal, the clock starts ticking. It's only a matter of time before the food goes stale or is invaded by pests.
The worst part is that these issues usually go unnoticed. You're not the one eating the food, so the quality of the kibble could become compromised without you even realizing it!
There are many reasons why you should use a dog food storage container. Here are just a few.
Maintain Freshness
Did you know that exposure to light, air, and hot temperatures can shorten the shelf life of dog food? Those tiny morsels of food might look tough, but they can sour just the same.
All food contains some level of fat baked in. That fat can go sour. Not only does this affect the taste of the food, but it also changes its nutritional value. Once the fat starts to rot, the other constituents will go soon after.
Dog good products have a "best by" date. This is more than a guide than anything else. In most cases, you can still feed your dog the food even if it's a few months "expired."
But, that "best by" date only applies to unopened bags of kibble. Those bags are tightly sealed to prevent the food from being exposed to things that could make it go stale.
Letting the kibble sit in an opened bag for weeks on end will only speed up the spoilage.
A container won't make the food immune to spoiling. However, it can keep it fresh for much longer. This is especially true with containers that have an airtight seal.
Prevent Mold and Bacteria
When food starts to mold, it becomes the perfect breeding ground for mold and bacteria. Mold can start to form on the pieces due to moisture in the air. If you live in a particularly humid area, this will happen sooner rather than later. But even in dry climates, mold can still take over.
The same goes for bacteria. While manufacturers go to great lengths to prevent contamination, bacterial issues can still be a problem. Bacteria is all over your home. Keeping dog food out in the open will only attract microorganisms.
Both bacteria and mold could cause some serious health problems for your dog. The best thing you can do to avoid them is to keep your pup's food in a safe environment like a storage container.
Protection from Pests
We all know what happens when we leave a piece of food sitting out. Everything from insects to rodents will try to take a piece!
The same thing happens with dog food. In fact, dog food can attract more pests than human food! That's because it contains ingredients that animals want and need. It's full of flavor, contains fat, and is high in protein.
On top of all that, kibble is easy to steal. Rodents can easily crawl into an open bag, grab a handful of food, and bring it to their den. This could be happening every night without a single sign.
Of course, the biggest issue here isn't that pests are stealing food for themselves. The problem lies in what they're leaving behind.
Pests are known to carry all kinds of diseases and bacteria. If they have a chance to wriggle around in the kibble, you might unknowingly be feeding that stuff to your dog!
Convenience
We can't talk about storage containers without touching on the convenience they offer. A high-quality container can make your life a whole lot easier.
Instead of plopping the kibble bag down in a storage closet, you can keep it in a uniformly shaped container. Most are stackable, letting the container fit right into your pantry or closet.
You can also get containers will caster wheels or built-in scoops. These small details might not seem like they would make a big difference. But when the days of lugging around heavy bags of food end, you'll be thankful you made the upgrade!
What Makes a Good Dog Food Container?
Containers come in all shapes, designs, and materials. Before you go out and buy the first container you see, it's a good idea to consider how it will fit into your life and routine.
Not all containers are going to serve you well. If you want to invest in a high-quality storage medium that lasts, keep the following factors in the back of your mind as you shop.
Adequate Volume
The first thing to think about is how much volume you need. This factor is more important than you think!
You want to choose a container that holds all of the kibble. If you can only pour half of the bag into the container before it fills, you're going to still have leftover kibble sitting in a bag. It just defeats the purpose.
Go for a container that at least matches the volume of the bag. If you can get one that's slightly bigger, that's even better!
Most manufacturers offer kibble bags in a range of sizes. These include smaller 5-pound bags up to 30-pounds bags.
Now, weight is very different than volume. So, there's going to be some experimentation involved. Use the dimensions of the kibble bag as a guide and find a container that will hold everything.
Food-Safe Material
You wouldn't keep your own food in a container with toxic chemicals. So, why do that with your dog's food?
Look for food-safe materials that won't leach chemicals into the food. You have several options here.
The most common and cost-effective is plastic. Choose BPA-free plastics that are thick and durable. Make sure to wash it out a few times to get rid of that freshly molded smell!
You can get a clear plastic container if you want to keep track of how much food you have left. Or, you can get a solid-colored one that matches your decor. The choice is yours.
If you want something a bit more heavy-duty, you can get a stainless steel container. Stainless steel is naturally food safe and resists corrosion. While it will cost more, these bags are ultra-durable and look great.
Many have plastic liners inside, so make sure that the material that's actually touching the food is safe.
Other materials, such as stone and wood are available, too. Stone products are usually much smaller, so they're not going to do you much good for kibble. But, they can safely hold treats. Just make sure the stone is sealed with food-safe coating.
Wood is not a good material for food because it's naturally porous. Mold and bacteria can still persist with a wood container. That said, you can still get a wooden model if the food isn't touching the material directly.
You can place the entire kibble bag in the container. Some may even have liners like stainless steel models.
An Airtight Lid
An airtight seal is a must. This is the thing you want to pay attention to most.
Just because a box looks sealed doesn't mean that it is. Even tiny cracks will allow air to flow and spoil the food.
Keep an eye out for rubber seals along the top of the lid. The rubber will conform to the container when you snap the lid on, creating a very tight seal that doesn't let moisture or air in.
Secure Lid
Have a curious pup that likes to get into the trash? If so, you're going to need a container with a tight lid.
If the container is airtight, it shouldn't attract your dog. The seal will prevent smells from wafting in the air. But, your dog could learn where you're hiding his or her kibble!
Tight latches and secondary locks are great for keeping dogs and any pests out.
Easy Stowage
This one is for you. Choose a container that's easy to stow away when not in use.
Containers with a stackable design can easily blend in with your pantry. They offer a clean and clutter-free look. Easy transport features are good to have, too.
Wheels and durable handle will make moving the heavy container in and out of storage a breeze.
Conclusion
Don't let your canine companion's food go sour! Keeping their kibble in a simple bag will only lead to spoilage, mold, or pests problems. But, a high-quality dog food container will keep it tasty for your pooch.
Whether you buy food in small quantities or like to invest in bulk products, a good container is a must!
