Keeping your pet’s food fresh is important, but how you handle and store it matters too. Proper food-handling habits can help reduce the risk of contamination and keep mealtimes safer for both your pets and your family.
Wash your hands with soap and water before and after handling pet food, treats, and feeding dishes.
Wash your pet’s food and water bowls regularly with hot, soapy water. Don’t let old food sit in bowls longer than necessary.
Keep dry pet food in its original bag whenever possible, ideally inside a clean, dry, airtight container with the bag label available. Store food in a cool, dry place away from household cleaning products and other potential contaminants.
Once opened, canned or pouch food should be covered and refrigerated according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Use it within the recommended timeframe and discard leftovers that have been sitting out too long.
Before feeding your pet, check the food for anything unusual, including an off odor, unusual appearance, damaged packaging, or signs of spoilage. When in doubt, throw it out.
If you use a scoop or measuring cup for dry food, keep it clean and dry. Avoid using the pet-food scoop for other household foods.
Keep pet food and feeding supplies separate from dishes and utensils used for human food.
Occasionally check for pet food recalls and keep track of the product name, lot number, and expiration or “best by” date.
Safe handling isn’t complicated. Clean hands, clean bowls, proper storage, and paying attention to freshness can all help make your pet’s mealtime safer.
For specific storage and serving instructions, always follow the manufacturer’s recommendations on the product label.