Do I need to buy a food container for my dog? This is a question that many dog owners get in their heads when they get a dog. Some people just buy it without thinking much if they needed it but some are skeptical about this buying.
If you don’t want to learn the best ways of storing food, then how you can be sure that your dog will get all the nutrients, fiber, protein, and fat from the food? You invest a great amount of money in good food but don’t store it properly, do you think it’s worth it?
Now when you are already “afraid” I want to assure you that storing food properly is easy, and not time-consuming, and you just need the right food container for your dog.
That’s why I am here, with this dog food container guide, made by lots of research, lots of questions to the vet of my dog, and checking many food containers online and in-store.
You can check:
How to Choose Food for Puppies?
How to Choose Food for Senior Dogs?
How to Choose Food for Adult Dogs?
if you are in search of the right food for your dog.
Let’s start with the most important question of this article:
Why Do I Need to Store Dog Food In a Container?
Dry dog food shouldn’t be in contact with air for long as it will get stale and then won’t be good for consumption by your dog. How to avoid air contact?
You are buying a big packet but when you open it, it will get torn and that’s normal. But if you think to keep the food still in the torn plastic bag then it will get air in the food until the food finishes. Which is a long period of time and during this time food will lose part of its benefits. And with during this time food is getting stale.
If you cut the packet with some scissors then this will be a better option. But you should make sure every time that you have closed it well and it should be tightly closed.
Another reason is that dogs easily can tear the package and eat a lot of extra calories which can lead to weight gain and it will be a waste of food.
Be with an open mind and think ahead, investing money in a container of high quality will return its price while throwing food in the trash because it’s not already good for eating, will not.
Why Do I Need a Special Container?
Some dry foods are in plastic bags, while others are in their own containers. On the label, it is written that you can keep storing them in their containers. But that’s not a good decision.
Why?
Dog food should be in an airtight container. Is the container from the bough food airtight? Maybe in the first 2-3 openings and then it will be not.
Why an airtight container?
- to make sure food can’t get stale;
- to make sure that pests stay away from the food.
Characteristics of Dog Food Container
There are so many options for good containers for dog food, some are expensive and others are affordable. But you know sometimes affordable things are better, while sometimes this logic doesn’t work.
There are four types of material food containers are made of and they can be:
- plastic:
- it’s the most common type;
- in many cases the cheapest;
- lightweight – good for moving it around but bad if the dog decided to play with it;
- easy to break;
- not long lifespan;
- stainless steel:
- long lifespan;
- very difficult to break;
- heavy;
- a bit expensive.
- wooden:
- look very classy;
- eco-friendly;
- difficult to break if fall;
- depending on the wood some are very expensive; (must check first)
- ceramic:
- the most expensive;
- heaviest;
- some are easy to break.
The questions you need to ask yourself when you are looking for a food container:
- Is it airtight? If it is not then, you do not need it. This is the most important characteristic that you need to look for.
- Is it enough big for the amount of kibble you are buying?
- Does the plastic container include BPA? It’s important the food container you choose for your dog is BPA-free because BPA (bisphenol-A) is dangerous for dogs and may cause many health problems. If you want to be sure that the container is BPA-free then look for the label BPA-free.
- Is it enough stable? It’s an important feature as it mustn’t be easy for your dog to make the container fall.
I think you already have knowledge on this topic and we can go and look what are my top picks for dog containers. But even if you don’t like any of my options, that’s not a problem because you already know what to look for in the best food container for your dog.
1. IRIS 3-Piece Airtight Pet Food Container Combo
The first dog food container is IRIS 3-Piece Airtight. The material of this container is plastic, but you shouldn’t worry as they have made sure this product is BPA-free.
Pros of this container:
- There is a scoop for measuring the food – labeled with measurements;
- Wheels to move it around freely;
- Airtight – won’t let pests inside;
- The seal is attached to the container;
- Easy to clean;
- Translucent – easy to check the remaining amount;
- BPA-free;
- Multiple colors to choose from.
Cons of this container:
- If you usually buy a big pack of over 35 lbs this food container will not work out for you;
- The two containers aren’t connected.
- You have to take off the top container to have access to the bottom one.
The scoop measures up to 2 cups of scoops of food. The wide opening is making the cleaning so easy. It’s very easy to move around because of the caster wheels.
2. Simplehuman Stainless Steel Food Storage
Pros of this container:
- Robust lock-tight handle;
- Airtight seal;
- Includes a scoop that attaches magnetically under the lid;
- Space-saving shape;
- Removable inner BPA-free bucket;
- Built-in wheels;
- No dog food smell;
- Suitable for human food like rice, flour, oats, sugar, etc;
- 10 years warranty;
Cons of the stainless container:
- A bit expensive;
- Customers experience difficulty when they should rotate it on a smooth floor.
There is a removable inner bucket that is BPA-free. But as it’s removable it makes the cleaning easier. The company promises that this food container will last 10 years or more.
3. Gamma2 Vittles Vault Outback Edition
Pros of the container:
- Large capacity;
- Easy to clean;
- Included scoop;
- Airtight seal;
- Grip molded handles;
- Storage efficient shapes;
- BPA-free;
- Heavy-duty construction.
Cons of the container:
- Not waterproof;
- The screw lid takes time to open and close;
- No variety of colors.
There was a discussion on Reddit about dog food containers and many people have suggested this one exactly as they are very satisfied with the product.
4. Van Ness Food Container
Pros of this container:
- Easy to clean;
- Wheels to move it around freely – only the 25 and 50 lbs containers;
- Locking front latch;
- BPA-free;
- Fresh-tite seal;
- Cheapest.
Cons of this food container:
- Easy to spill if it’s knocked over;
- The maximum capacity is 50 lbs.
The most budget-friendly option still meets the characteristics that dog owners should search for in a food container. Small options don’t have wheels – only 25 lbs and 50 lbs have them.
5. Gunner Food Crate
Pros of this container:
- Airtight chamber;
- Waterproof;
- Odor proof;
- Lifetime warranty;
- BPA-free;
- Has a handle when needed to change location.
Cons of this container:
- Not easy to clean;
- Difficult to move around;
- Weighs 10 lbs when empty;
- Very expensive.
That’s the most expensive option for food containers in this guide. But that is because of the material it’s made and maybe because of its lifetime warranty. GUNNER Food Crate has an IP66 rating, meaning it is waterproof and dustproof. It’s also odor-proof.
6. IRIS Premium Airtight Pet Food Storage
Pros of this dog food container:
- BPA-free;
- Easy to move around – has wheels;
- Airtight seal;
- Easy to scoop because of the wide top.
Cons of this dog food container:
- You have to install the wheels yourself;
- Customers share that the handle easily beaks.
The dog food container comes with attachable casters, so you have the option to have them off or on. Store it on a shelf or attach the wheel to roll it from the storage area to your dog bowl. The slim plastic container design is space-saving and keeps your food storage area neat and organized.
7. RUFFWEAR Kibble Kaddie Dog Food Storage
Pros of this container:
- Compact;
- Travel-friendly;
- Easy to dispense;
- Secure closure;
- Grab the handle at the bottom for easy pour;
- Waterproof;
- Separate internal compartments;
- Easy to adjust the size – when food gets less.
Cons of this dog food container:
- Not easy to wash;
- Only one color – state blue.
You can buy it from the official site of Ruffwear.
Waterproof, food-grade material is oil-resistant and seals off odor. It’s easy to pour from it and it’s a great solution for a few day’s travel adventures, it can store up to 42 cups of dog food.
8. Kurgo Kibble Carrier
Pros of this dog food container:
- Compact;
- Travel-friendly;
- PVC-free;
- Extra zippered pockets on each side;
- Lifetime warranty;
- Affordable.
Cons of the container:
- Difficult to wash;
- It will not prevent the kibble to be crushed.
A great solution for a few days away from home and it even has a lifetime warranty. It holds up to 20 cups of kibble. There is a side pocket for treats and a bottom opening for a travel bowl.
9. IRIS USA Elevated Feeder with Airtight Storage
Pros of this dog food container:
- Variety of sizes and colors;
- Bowls are removable for better and easier cleaning;
- Airtight seal with snap-tight latches;
- Reduces neck strain and helps for better digestion;
- Bowls are made from stainless steel.
Cons of the container:
- You have to remove the top to get out the kibble;
- Isn’t good for messy eaters as the food or water can get under the plates.
It is a great option for pet owners with 2 pets or if you don’t have 2 pets you can put in the first bowl the food and in the second water.
The small size is great for small breeds like Chihuahua, Yorkshire Terrier, Toy Poodle, etc. The medium size is great for Beagle, Bulldog, Corgi, Dachshund, and more. And the large size is a great solution for Beagle, Bulldog, Corgi, Dachshund, and more to reduce their neck muscle strain.
10. Richell Pet Stuff Tower for Food Storage
Pros:
- Includes 1.5-cup scooper;
- There are side hooks (you can use them for collars);
- The foot pedal provides easy access to the lower bin;
- BPA-free;
- Each bin has a snap-lock lid to keep everything from dust and dirt;
- Bins are removable for easy cleaning.
Cons:
- Not completely airtight;
- Assembly is required.
Read the instructions first. Once snapped together the manufacturer says the parts can’t be disassembled! It’s a great option to store two types of food or in one of the bins to store dog toys.
Tips for Longer Life of Dog Food
- Make sure that the container is in a dry, clean, and cool area. Excess moisture and heat will be of no good to the stored food.
- For big containers, it’s useful to have wheels as it will be easier for you when you have to clean that area or you just need to move it around.
- If you don’t want to clean the container after every package of food, you can put the food directly inside with a plastic bag.
Let’s Wrap Up!
No matter which dog food container you will choose it’s important to know what characteristics you should look for in them.
- Is it airtight?
- Is it enough big for the amount of kibble you are buying?
- Is the container BPA-free?
- Is it enough stable?
You can share with us which food container you use for your dog food.
