Dog food storage | Dry food and opened wet food
Keep dry food in its bag in a cool, dry place. Promptly refrigerate or discard leftover wet food, and follow the product’s label.
Keep dry food in its original bag
If you use a storage container, put the whole original bag inside rather than pouring the food directly into it. The US FDA advises keeping dry food and unopened cans in a cool, dry place below 80°F (about 26.7°C) and out of your pet’s reach. Also check the storage instructions printed on your own product.
Keep the label details when transferring food
If you need to pour food out of the bag, use a clean, dry container with a snug-fitting lid. Keep the product name, manufacturer, lot number and best-by date, for example by attaching the packaging details to the container. Replace those details with each new bag. Wash and dry the container after finishing one bag and before adding another.
Refrigerate leftover wet food promptly
Promptly refrigerate or discard unused food from an opened can or pouch. The FDA advises setting the refrigerator to 40°F (about 4.4°C) or below. If you use only part of a can, refrigerate the remainder promptly and follow that product’s instructions for how long to keep it. Do not apply one storage period to every wet food.
Clean feeding tools and inspect the food
Wash and dry food bowls and scoops after use, and wash the water bowl daily. If a product smells foul or its can or pouch is swollen or leaking, do not feed it and contact the manufacturer. If your pet develops a health problem after eating, stop feeding that product and contact your veterinarian; keep its name, lot number and date for reference.
Frequently asked questions
Must I pour dry food into a new container?
No. You can place the original bag inside a storage container. If you transfer the food, keep the product name, manufacturer, lot number and best-by date.
How long can I keep opened wet food?
Follow the product’s own instructions. The FDA recommends promptly refrigerating or discarding leftovers but does not provide a single storage period for all products.
Editorial guidance based on public resources. This is not veterinarian reviewed diagnosis or prescription information.
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Public data · original packaging and lot number · dry food and unopened can storage temperature · opened wet-food refrigeration · cleaning and product concerns
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