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Storage Nutrition & feeding

How to Store Pet Food Safely

In short

Store dry pet food in its original bag (for the batch code and freshness barrier), ideally inside a clean, sealed container, in a cool, dry place. Reseal opened wet food, refrigerate it, and use it within a couple of days. Good storage protects both freshness and your pet's health, and keeps the packaging information you would need if there were ever a recall. This page gives general guidance, not a substitute for label instructions.

Dry food storage

  • Keep dry food in its original bag — it holds the batch/lot code, best-by date, and a freshness barrier.
  • If you use a storage bin, place the whole bag inside it rather than tipping food in loose, and keep it clean.
  • Store somewhere cool and dry; heat and humidity speed up spoilage and can encourage mould.
  • Roll down and clip the bag (or seal the container) after each use to limit air, moisture, and pests.
  • Note the best-by date and use food within a reasonable time after opening.

Wet food and open cans

Once opened, wet food behaves like any perishable food.

  • Cover and refrigerate opened cans or pouches, and use them within roughly one to two days (follow the label).
  • Don't leave wet food sitting out for long periods, especially in warm conditions.
  • Wash food bowls and serving utensils regularly to limit bacteria.
  • Throw away food that smells off, looks mouldy, or is past date.

Storage checklist

  • Keep dry food in its original bag, sealed, in a cool dry spot.
  • Note the best-by date and batch code (useful in a recall).
  • Refrigerate opened wet food and use it within a day or two.
  • Clean bowls, scoops, and storage bins regularly.
  • Discard any food that is spoiled, mouldy, or out of date.

What not to assume

  • Do not assume dry food never spoils — fats can go rancid and moisture can bring mould.
  • Do not tip food loose into a bin and discard the bag; you lose the batch code and date.
  • Do not leave opened wet food unrefrigerated for long.
  • Do not ignore label storage instructions, which can vary by product.

When to ask a veterinarian

Nutrition is individual, and this page cannot assess your specific pet. Ask a licensed veterinarian — ideally before major changes — especially in these situations.

  • Puppies, kittens, pregnancy or nursing, or seniors — life stages with particular needs.
  • Weight concerns, a changing body condition, or any recommended weight-loss or weight-gain plan.
  • Any diagnosed condition or prescription diet (for example kidney, urinary, diabetic, or allergy diets).
  • Vomiting, diarrhoea, appetite loss, or refusal to eat that lasts or keeps coming back.
  • Before a major diet change, or if you are considering a raw, vegetarian, or home-prepared diet.

How to Store Pet Food Safely — Frequently Asked Questions

Should I keep dry food in the bag or a container?
Both: the best approach is to keep the food in its original bag and place that bag inside a clean, sealed container. The bag carries the batch code and best-by date and provides a freshness barrier, while the container adds protection from air, moisture, and pests.
How long does opened wet pet food last?
Treat it like perishable food: cover and refrigerate opened cans or pouches and use them within about one to two days, following the label. Discard anything left out for long periods or that smells off.
Why keep the original bag and its batch code?
If a product is ever recalled, the batch/lot code and best-by date on the original packaging let you check whether your food is affected. Tipping food into an unlabelled bin throws that information away.

Sources and further reading

Authoritative references used for general educational context. External links open in a new tab and these organisations do not endorse FaunaHub. Specific feeding amounts and diet choices depend on the individual animal and should be confirmed with the food label and a licensed veterinarian.