Según un veterinario, es posible que estés almacenando mal la comida de tu perro

A hungry dog doesn't care much about your pantry organization. The Drummond dogs are always ready when it's time for a meal! But if you've gotten into the habit of pouring kibble into a container or topping it off whenever it gets low, you may be making a few storage mistakes without even realizing it.

The way you store it can make a difference in how fresh it stays. From tossing the original food bag to keeping it in a warm spot in the kitchen, there are a few common habits you may want to rethink. Rachel Garbutt, Vet Nurse at Butternut Box, explains what dog owners should know about storing kibble—and how a few simple changes can help keep your pup's food fresher.

Keep the Original Dog Food Bag

You might assume that pouring kibble into an airtight container is the best way to store it, but Garbutt recommends keeping the food in its original packaging whenever possible. “I understand the appeal of decanting; it looks lovely lined up on a shelf or on social media, but it's not something I'd recommend for dog food... Many owners don't realize how much work the original bag is doing," she says.

Dry dog food bags are typically multilayered and lined to protect the kibble from air, moisture, light, and contamination in ways that a standard storage container may not. Once the bag is opened, oxygen can cause the fats in kibble to oxidize, which affects freshness and can eventually affect nutritional quality, too. Keeping the food sealed as much as possible helps limit that exposure.

And another reason you shouldn't toss the bag: It contains important information, including the best-before date, batch number, feeding guidance, and ingredients. “Pour the food into an unlabelled container, and you lose an easy way to check exactly what you're feeding and when it came from.” That batch number can be especially important if there's ever a product recall.

Don't Keep Topping Off the Container

Here's one habit Garbutt particularly wants dog owners to avoid: adding new kibble to a container before the old kibble is gone. Crumbs, oils, and small pieces can settle at the bottom of the container, and that leftover food can continue to degrade over time. “Pour new kibble on top, and you're burying older food that's already further along that process, with no way to tell just by looking,” she says.

Instead, Garbutt recommends finishing one batch, then washing the container and allowing it to dry completely before adding another batch. That way, you're not mixing old and new food—or leaving behind residue from the previous bag.

Is It Okay to Use a Plastic Container?

You don't have to give up your storage container altogether. Garbutt says there's nothing wrong with using a separate container as long as it's food-safe, airtight, clean, and completely dry. Her preferred method, however, is to keep the original dog food bag inside the container rather than pouring the kibble directly into it. That gives you the convenience of a container while preserving the original packaging and all the important information that comes with it.

Garbutt also points out that decanting can have another downside: “Decanting jars are also rarely as airtight as the original packaging, and pouring kibble in and out repeatedly increases its exposure to air and moisture.”

Store Dog Food Somewhere Cool and Dry

Just like with many foods in your kitchen, temperature and moisture matter when it comes to dog food storage. Garbutt recommends keeping kibble somewhere cool and dry and away from direct sunlight. A kitchen cupboard is generally a good option, but avoid storing food right next to an oven, radiator, or dishwasher—anywhere that regularly gets warm.

“Heat speeds up fat deterioration, and moisture introduces a separate problem, changing the food's texture and, in the wrong conditions, allowing mould to develop,” she explains. “It's an easy thing to overlook in a kitchen, since the most convenient spots aren't always the best ones for protecting food.”

During hot weather, be especially mindful of where you're keeping the bag. Avoid windows that get direct afternoon sun, as well as hot cars and garages. If your home stays particularly warm for an extended period, Garbutt suggests buying smaller bags more frequently so the food doesn't sit around for weeks.

Know When Your Dog's Food Has Gone Bad

Not sure whether that bag of kibble is still good? Trust your senses. “If kibble looks damp, has visible mould, smells unusually rancid, contains insects or shows any other signs of contamination, dispose of it,” Garbutt says. If you're unsure about the food, she recommends checking the packaging and batch information and contacting the manufacturer. And that's much easier when you haven't thrown away the original bag! “Good storage is a small part of good nutrition, but it matters!” Garbutt says.

What About Fresh Dog Food?

Fresh dog food can eliminate some of the storage challenges that come with kibble. “Fresh food sidesteps a lot of these issues,” Garbutt explains. “The meals come portioned and pre-packed, so there's no decanting, no topping up, and no old and new food mixing together.” Of course, fresh food still needs to be stored at the proper temperature and used within its recommended window. But for dog owners who struggle with keeping dry food fresh, portioned meals can make some of those everyday storage concerns a little simpler.

After all, a happy dog starts with a good meal!