The Best Dog Food Storage Containers
For many canines, mealtime is the best part of the day. That's why it's important to feed them fresh food free of dangerous bacteria. To keep your canine's kibble fresh, we recommend a dog food storage container. These simple contraptions lock in the moisture and lock out mold and bacteria. They also provide easier access to your dog food, since many come with wheels, scoopers, and easy-twist tops. Clearly, these containers serve an important role in your kitchen. To help you find the perfect pick, we decided to scour the market for the best of the best in dog storage containers. Most importantly, we considered which containers were airtight and preserved food for the longest. Then, we asked ourselves: Is it durable? Is it easy to clean? Is it convenient? After an exhaustive search, the alpha dog at the head of the pack was the Gamma2 Vittles Vault. We loved how easy it was to twist the top on and off and the durability. In fact, this is one of the few storage containers that you can store outside on the deck. For indoor usage, we loved the IRIS USA options, since they sport convenient features like caster wheels for rolling around those heavy dog food bags with ease. If you want more of the scoop on these products, read on for our in-depth reviews.
Vittles Vault Outback, 25lb Container
One tough tub
Vittles Vault is a big name in the food storage game. Their design features an airtight top that twists off easily, as long as you have human hands. Once open, the top of the “vault” is wide enough to scoop out however much food you need. Made from food-safe materials, this container is durable and keeps pet food dry, even if you leave it in the barn.
Pros:
- The spin-off top is easy to operate.
- We love the cube-shaped design since it’s both space-efficient and stackable.
- The durability is no joke, so feel free to store birdseed, livestock feed, and anything else that needs preserving in the outdoors.
Cons:
- It can have an outgassing smell when you first get it, so you have to let it sit out for a day or two to let the smell dissipate.
IRIS USA Airtight Pet Food Storage Container Combo
Save your back
All that dog food can get pretty heavy. This storage solution makes trucking around kibble smooth and easy with its roller wheels. Just put the whole bag in the bottom 33-quart container and pour a week’s supply into the top 12-quart container. That way, you can open one of those massive dog food bags without worrying about resealing the bag. Great for those with a lot of dogs to feed or those that simply don’t want to keep digging into a food bag come lunchtime, this option will roll right into your kitchen.
Pros:
- The foam seals on the lids do a great job of preserving food for several weeks.
- The transparent container lets you know when supply is low and you have to restock on dog food.
- It’s a great option for those who can’t perform heavy lifting since the smaller container lets you store your week’s supply and the larger container has caster wheels.
Cons:
- It’s not opaque, so you can’t leave it outside in the sun.
IRIS USA, Inc.
Storage that fits
Another fantastic container selection from IRIS USA, this one comes in a wide range of size options. That way, you can feed a bachelor pomeranian or an entire fleet of Great Danes. With sizes ranging from 12 quarts to 69 quarts, these containers sport the same dependable durability and airtightness that we’ve come to expect from this awesome American company. For food storage both big and small, IRIS USA has the perfect option.
Pros:
- The stackable design and space-efficient shape are a perfect fit for smaller kitchens.
- The lid forms a tight seal, but it still pops off fairly easily for a human hand.
- The price is a bargain, so those with multiple pets can buy several.
Cons:
- It’s only meant for use indoors.
Gamma2 Vittles Vault Outback
Lock in the freshness
Far too many pet food containers resemble plastic trash cans, and all too often they’re susceptible to late-night break-ins from our ambitious four-legged friends. Not only is Vittles Vault made from durable food-grade plastic, but, unless your dog grows thumbs, there is zero chance of any food being stolen from this air-tight container. The Outback comes in different sizes, although with a relatively small difference in price, the larger 60-pound option will give you more bang for your buck. Both models have indented channels which make staking several units safe and space-efficient. With unobtrusive handles and a durable O-ring, this pick is our ideal indoor unit that won’t break the bank.
Pros:
- The seal is tight and allows can lock in freshness for several weeks, if not more than a month.
- This large-sized option can hold a massive amount of food, so it’s perfect for those with multiple pets.
Cons:
- Overloading and stacking can cause warping.
Simplehuman Storage Container
Premium paw protection
Calling this container anything that includes the word simple is an understatement. The stainless-steel body touts an extremely fashionable, minimalist design and the easy-to-clean surface seems more fit for humans than animals. While the locking mechanism itself is not metal, it’s complex enough to outwit Fido while keeping his food dry in a BPA-free plastic shell. Given that the smallest model accommodates a substantial 25 liters of food, we found that the built-in wheels and sleek design, make moving and storing the container a breeze for pet parents of all shapes and sizes.
Pros:
- The scooper attaches to the inner lid magnetically, so you don’t have to dig through the kibble to find it.
- We loved how smoothly the wheels roll on hard floors, which makes accessibility a breeze.
- It took a couple of tries to get used to the handle, but once we figured it out it was like second nature.
Cons:
- It’s not cheap.
Frequently Asked Questions
Most of these products seem to be exclusively for dry food. What is the proper way to store wet dog food?
While wet food is a great addition to any dog’s diet, our selections are not particularly suited for it. Instead, wet food should only be left in an opened container for no more than a week maximum, and should be refrigerated the entire time. Leaving wet food out in your pet’s bowl for more than 4 to 5 hours at room temperature can lead to a variety of health issues.
Can containers be safely stored outside?
Unfortunately, it’s not a good idea to use most dog food storage containers outside. While simplehuman’s storage solution would be up to the task, rodents with much sharper claws can eventually burrow their way through the plastic and into your dog’s food. Additionally, unless your container is completely opaque, direct sunlight can be detrimental to your dry food, cutting the amount of time it would otherwise be fit for consumption. Lastly, temperature fluctuations more common outside, regardless of the container’s outer material will more quickly break down components like the gaskets which ensure air-tight seals.
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