Storage Issues With Dry Dog Food
Is your Dog’s Food Going Rancid
If the amount you are purchasing last more than 3 weeks before it is fully consumed it’s going rancid.
Oxidation In Stored Kibble
Oxidation happens which can affect the quality and bioavailability of the food. HEAT is also NOT your friend. Please don't be tempted by those large pallets of food set outside a store to "grab your attention" as the fats and "preservatives" in the food can become rancid in this scenario. And don’t store your dog’s food in the garage in the summer!
Ever wonder WHY a dog doesn't like food when you are getting to the bottom of the bag/container? Or why it may start to smell, or feel greasier than when fresh. These are the reasons.
If you are going to feed dry kibble purchase a SMALLER BAG (yes it may cost you a bit more. Definitely don’t buy the big bags for small dogs. Feeding it in a shorter period of time will help minimize issues from prolonged storage (see above re: air/heat). Saving money by purchasing a big bag that lasts for MONTHS can end up costing you more in health issues with your pets.
Mold In Kibble
Temperature Changes in storage and transport can also contribute to mold growth in an unopened bag of kibble before you purchase it.
Many people who are near running out of food buy a new bag and dump it on top of what’s remaining in the storage container, not realizing what’s at the bottom may be going rancid, or that what’s being poured into the container is starting to mold.
You need to inspect every bag of food you purchase. Mold can have deadly consequences when consumed by your dog.
Storage Mites
You may also start to see storage mites. Storage mites are attracted to dry foods, grains, and cereals. Storage mites feed on the mold that grows on food. Storage mites thrive in environments where there is moisture or increased humidity but are most frequently found in dry food items such as dry dog and cat foods. But they can be in your family’s dry goods too. Most contamination of dry pet food by storage mites occurs once the bags have been opened.
The storage mite's body, as well as its feces, can trigger an allergic reaction in a dog causing atopic dermatitis. Storage mites are not easy to eradicate from your dog’s dry food once they have infested the food!
Allergies to storage mites are quite common in cats and dogs. Pets are exposed to this mite through ingestion or inhalation when consuming contaminated foods.
If your Dog Is Experiencing A Reaction to Storage Mites:
Of course, we can explore natural remedies with essential oils and healthy nutrition. Your vet will likely want to prescribe Immunotherapy (allergy injections or sublingual drops) to reduce any symptoms. Although it is not possible to eliminate mites from the environment, control measures may be useful in decreasing a pet’s exposure to storage mites.
Plastic Containers Are Not Safer Storage
Never mix old food with new in a storage container. Wash the bin and dry completely before starting with a new bag. It’s actually better to keep the food in the original bag, even if you put that in a storage container. The bags are designed to offer some protection. But each time you open the container, what’s in the bag or storage is exposed to air — contributing to oxidation.
Further, plastic breaks down and the small scratches can harbor bacteria that are not easily cleaned when washing. Plastic may contain BPA another hazard to health.
If you must buy in bulk, put a week’s worth in a container for daily use, and put the rest in your freezer!