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Did you know that dog food can go stale? If you buy kibble in bulk, don’t just leave the bag open. Once air gets in, it causes the kibble to oxidize, which results in the degradation of omega-3 fatty acids and other healthy nutrients in the food. And this can happen in less than two weeks after you open the bag. The easy solution is to keep your kibble in a sealed dog food container or better yet an airtight container. Here are our top picks for popular and unique dog food storage containers.
| Airtight | Movable | Design | Travel |
|---|---|---|---|
 |  |  |  |
| Unique Dog | IRIS USA | simplehuman | Unique Dog |
What To Look For In Dog Food Containers
Here’s a quick buyer’s guide to help you know everything you should consider when looking for a dog food storage container to keep your pup’s food fresh and safe.
Best Materials
- Plastic: Sturdy plastic containers are the most popular type for storing dry dog food. But not any plastic will do. Look for a container that’s made from BPA-free plastic to ensure the safety of your pup’s food. You’ll also want to make sure the plastic is “food-grade” or “food-safe.” Two common food-grade plastics are polypropylene and polyethylene terephthalate.
- Stainless Steel: Stainless steel dog food containers are a fantastic choice for both dry and wet dog food. Although they’re more expensive than plastic, they’re more durable (rodent chew-proof) and more resistant to the buildup of stains and odors. Stainless steel also protects against sunlight exposure and the potential for chemical seepage into your pup’s food.
- Glass: Glass containers are non-toxic, odor-resistant, and easy to clean, but they’re usually more convenient for storing dry food for smaller dogs.
Sealed Lid
An airtight container is your ideal option. Airtight lids keep dry dog food fresh for a longer time. They also prevent pests, such as ants and rodents, from gaining access to your pup’s food. And if you think your dog will try to tip the container over to get to his food, an airtight lid can prevent spillage. At the minimum, you’ll need a lid that seals securely.
Container Size
The size of the container you’ll need partly depends on the space where to plan on keeping it. If space isn’t an issue, you can get a container large enough to hold 4-6 weeks’ worth of dry food. It’s not recommended to store opened dog food for longer because it can become stale and lose its nutritional value after this time, even with an airtight container.
Best Dog Food Storage Containers
We based our best dog food container rankings on several factors, including durable and airtight construction, user reviews, pricing, and more.
Best Airtight Container: Gamma2 Vittles Vault Review
Gamma2 gets our nod as the best airtight dog food storage container. The heavy-duty, FDA-approved food-grade plastic is BPA-free and completely recyclable. These tubs have an easy spin on-and-off top and molded handles, so they’re easy to carry. Gamma2 also carries a line of stackable containers if you have multiple dogs or cats eating different diets. Our pick for the best airtight dog food container comes in a variety of sizes as well.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Made from high-density polyethylene, FDA-approved food-grade plastic | Some users complain that the seal breaks after time |
| BPA-free | No wheels |
| Airtight seal | |
| Recyclable | |
| It comes with a one-cup scoop | |
| Stackable options available | |
| Made in the USA |
Price
- Starting at: Check Amazon for availability (12″ x 12″ x 9.8″)
Best Moveable Container: IRIS USA Nesting Airtight Pet Food Container Review
The IRIS pet food container is a super-budget buy. The plastic is BPA-free, and they have an easy snap-tight latch on the top. They’re also translucent, so it’s easy to spot at a glance when food levels are getting low.
The two largest sizes include four free-wheeling casters, so you can easily roll them in and out of your pantry. This container doesn’t come with a scoop, but here’s a dog food scoop we recommend. If you’re looking for stackable containers, IRIS has a stackable container combo that includes a scoop.
We have used this container to store our dry dog kibble for 6+ years. It holds the contents of an entire 30lb bag of food inside, keeping the food fresh. The plastic lid hinges come unattached regularly, but it is easy to fit them back together and continue using it with no issues.
– Michelle Schenker, mixed breed parent
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Budget-friendly | Must purchase scoop separately |
| BPA-free | Some users say that the snap lid breaks easily |
| Airtight seal and easy snap-tight latch | |
| Two large sizes come with casters | |
| Stackable (when wheels are not attached) | |
| Made in the USA |
Price
Best Design: simplehuman Pet Food Storage Can Review
Want something more aesthetically pleasing than plastic? This metal dog food container is a much more attractive, albeit expensive, option. Simplehuman’s airtight storage bins are brushed stainless steel and have a removable BPA-free inner food-safe bucket.
The lock-tight handle is easy to open and close. And built-in rear wheels make these bins easy to maneuver around.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Attractive design | Expensive |
| Removable BPA-free inner food bucket | Available in fewer sizes |
| Lock-tight handle forms an airtight seal | Several complaints that they arrived dented |
| Magnetically mounted scoop under the lid | |
| Built-in rear wheels |
Price
- Starting at: $119.99 (18.1″ x 10.4″ x 19.4″)
Best Travel Container: Unique Dog Travel Bag Review
The Unique Dog Travel bag is perfect for parents on the go. It has a fold-out food and water storage stand elevated off the floor and comes with two stainless steel bowls. There are pockets and ample storage to carry extra food, toys, treats, and more. The bag also has a mini first-aid bag for dogs, so you can fill it with your dog’s medications or supplies your pup might need.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Waterproof material inside | Big and bulky |
| Affordable | Most suitable for one dog |
| Removable stainless steel bowls and first aid bag included | Limited storage space |
| All in one bag with ample storage space | |
| Multiple pockets | |
| 30-day risk-free guarantee |
Price
Best Wet Dog Food Storage Options
You don’t have to find separate storage containers for wet dog food because it comes in cans. But if you find yourself only using a partial can, you can store it in the fridge for up to 5-7 days — as long as you cover it. These BPA-free silicone pet can lids will fit most standard wet food cans for dogs and cats. They’re FDA-approved, non-toxic, and dishwasher-safe.
If you make your own food or looking for a container to hold larger portions of wet food safely, we recommend a Pyrex glass storage bowl and lid. It will keep your food safe from plastic BPA contamination and is freezer, microwave, and top-rack dishwasher-safe.
7 Tips On How To Store Dog Food Properly
A storage container isn’t just about convenience. Follow these tips to store your pup’s food safely.
- Store dry pet food, containers, and unopened canned food in a cool and dry place without exposure to sunlight. According to the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA), the temperature where you store your pup’s food should be less than 80F. Excess heat or moisture can cause the nutrients to break down.
- Most experts advise placing your dog food into the container in its original packaging rather than dumping the food directly into the container. Why? Dog food bags are designed to keep air out. Also, it helps reduce the risk of plastic chemicals migrating into foods that contain fat.
- If you don’t keep your pup’s food in the original bag, the FDA advises you to keep the bag. Why? This allows you to have the UPC code, lot number, brand and manufacturer, and “best by” date easily available in case of a product defect or recall.
- Don’t add new food to old food. If any potential contamination has occurred with the old food, you’re spreading this contamination to the new food.
- Regarding leftover canned, pouched, or fresh food, refrigerate it within an hour to avoid contamination. Otherwise, throw it out.
- For dry dog food containers, thoroughly wash and dry the container every time you empty it. This helps remove any residual fat and crumbs that could contaminate new food.
- For wet and raw food containers, thoroughly wash and dry them after each use to prevent bacterial contamination.
Check out this brief video for more handy tips on what to consider when storing your pet food.
Need A Dog Food Delivery Service?
No time to shop for dog food? Consider having your dog food delivered right to your door. These dog food delivery services can be a huge time saver. Our reviews include companies that deliver all-natural kibble, fresh, human-grade, and traditional dog food. Some companies also allow you to set up recurring shipments so you never run out of food.
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