How to Store Pet Food Properly: Keep It Fresh, Safe and Nutritious
As true-blue Kiwi pet parents, we want our pets to enjoy every bite of their meals as if it were fresh out of the bag—or bowl! But between New Zealand’s varied seasons and bustling family homes, storing pet food the right way is just as important as choosing the right food. In this guide, we’ll show you the best way to store pet food for freshness, so your furry (or feathered!) friends get the best nutrition, every time.
Why Freshness Matters For Pet Food
From NZ-made kibble to freeze-dried meals and wet food tins, pet food is carefully formulated to nourish your pet with every mouthful. But once a bag or can is opened, its exposure to air, humidity and even light can cause food to degrade. When pet food loses freshness, it can affect flavour, nutritional value—and yes, even safety.
Signs that your pet’s food may be past its prime include:
- A change in smell or texture
- Your pet turning their nose up at mealtime
- Visible mould, pests or staleness
At Petdirect, we get pet. That’s why we're here to help you keep food at its best, from storage to bowl.
Top Tips For Storing Dry Pet Food
Dry food (also called kibble) tends to last longer than wet food, but that doesn’t mean you should leave it open on the pantry shelf. Here’s how to help it stay fresh:
- Keep it in its original bag: These are designed with barrier layers to keep out light and moisture.
- Use airtight containers: Pop the whole bag into an airtight container designed for dog food or cat food storage solutions. This double layer locks in freshness better than just pouring it out.
- Store in a cool, dry place: Keep it off the garage floor or hot laundry shelf. A sealed cupboard or pantry is ideal.
- Label expiry dates: Cut out and tape the best-before date to your container to keep track.
Whether you use premium brands like ACANA, ZIWI, or Royal Canin, these tips help your pet enjoy food the way the makers intended—fresh, crunchy and nutritious.
How To Store Wet Pet Food Properly
Wet food is a delicious option for pets, but it spoils more quickly once opened. Here’s how to handle it safely:
- Use proper storage lids: Snap-on lids for cans or BPA-free silicone covers are great for sealing open tins of Fancy Feast or Hill’s Science Diet wet food.
- Store in the fridge: Open wet food should go straight into the fridge and used within 2–3 days.
- Avoid room temperature storing: Wet food left out can develop bacteria quickly—especially with warmer NZ temperatures.
Invest in a couple of smart water fountains too, so your pet stays happy and hydrated alongside their fresh meals. Nutrition and hydration go paw in paw.
For Busy Pet Parents: Smart Feeding Solutions
If your lifestyle is go-go-go, smart feeding can help. Products like automatic feeders and storage-integrated dispensers keep pet food fresh and feed your pet on a schedule you control. Perfect for busy weekdays or weekend getaways!
And if you’d like to avoid running out of food (or fresh breakfast at 6am), our Autodeliver service has your back. Set and forget with regular deliveries of your pet’s favourites, right to your door.
Don’t Forget Small Pets And Birds!
Hamsters, guinea pigs, parrots and finches all deserve fresh, clean food too. Whether you’re offering bird seed mixes or small animal hay, store these in sealed containers kept away from sunlight and high humidity.
Some essentials for small pet food storage include:
- Stackable drawers for hay and pellets
- Clip-top containers to keep out moisture and insects
- Treat jars for small pet snacks
Keep Things Organised With The Right Accessories
Having dedicated feeding accessories helps turn mealtime into less of a chore, especially if you’re managing different diets (puppy vs adult, or dog vs cat). Don’t forget scoopers and measuring cups to portion meals correctly and avoid overfeeding!
Check out our Great Value Everyday Essentials to stock up on all the bits and bobs that keep your pet’s feeding area clean, safe and stress-free!
Store Smart For Happy, Healthy Pets
Proper pet food storage isn’t just about being tidy—it’s about protecting the nutrients, freshness and safety of what goes into your pet’s bowl. At Petdirect, we get pet. That means we understand how much love and care go into feeding them well.
From high-quality pet food to the smartest storage solutions, trust us to support you on your pet parenting journey. Ready to store smarter? Explore our full range of pet accessories and tech today—and don’t forget to join our Pet Perks rewards programme for members-only deals and benefits!