Keeping your dog’s food fresh and safe is important for their health. But is washing the dog food container really necessary? There are a few things to consider when deciding if and how often to wash your dog’s food storage container.
Why Wash the Container?
Here are some reasons why washing your dog’s food container may be beneficial:
- Remove bacteria – Like any food container, bacteria can build up over time. Washing removes bacteria that could contaminate the food.
- Eliminate odors – Dog food, especially wet food, can leave behind odors. Washing helps keep containers smelling fresh.
- Prevent insects – Insects and pests are attracted to pet food. Washing deters them from infesting the container.
- Clean up messes – Crumbs and spills can accumulate. Washing cleans up any messes.
How Often to Wash It
Most experts recommend washing dog food containers:
- Weekly – Wash plastic and stainless steel containers weekly to remove odors and bacteria.
- Monthly – Wash ceramic or glass containers monthly as they are less porous.
- After each bag of food – Give containers a wash when you open a new bag of dog food.
- When visibly dirty – Wash as needed if you notice visible debris or spills.
Washing Methods
Here are some tips for effectively washing your dog’s food storage container:
- Hand wash only – Containers should be hand washed, not put in the dishwasher which can cause warping.
- Use mild soap and hot water – Hot, soapy water is ideal for cutting through oil and grease.
- Use a bottle brush – A bottle brush helps scrub the insides of narrow openings.
- Rinse and air dry – Be sure to rinse off all soap residue and allow to fully air dry before refilling.
- Sanitize monthly – Sanitize with diluted bleach or other sanitizers monthly to kill bacteria.
Tips for Pet Food Containers
Follow these tips for choosing and maintaining the best pet food containers:
- Pick a durable material – Look for sturdy plastic, steel, ceramic or glass containers.
- Use containers with tight lids – An airtight lid keeps food secure and fresh.
- Store out of sunlight – Sunlight can degrade nutrients over time.
- Keep off the floor – Elevate containers to prevent pests and moisture damage.
- Wipe between washings – Quick wipe downs keep containers fresher longer.
- Replace worn containers – Throw out cracked containers that can’t be thoroughly cleaned.
Conclusion
Washing your dog’s food storage container on a regular basis is recommended to remove bacteria, odors, insects, and messes. Plastic and steel containers should be washed weekly, while glass or ceramic can be washed monthly. Be sure to hand wash with mild soap and hot water, sanitize monthly, and fully dry containers before refilling. Following these tips will help keep your dog’s food fresh and safe to eat.