Dog Food Container Picks: 9 for Perfect Storage
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As a pet parent, making sure that your dog eats delicious and nutritious food is of the utmost importance. After all, a good diet helps ensure that your best friend will live a long and happy life. While many pet parents put a lot of thought into which food they’ll feed their dog, many don’t realize that similar consideration should be given to the dog food container.
Dog food storage can be just as important as the food itself. Improper storage can shorten a food’s shelf life, attract pests like mice and ants, and lead to spoilage, mold, and other contaminants that could make your dog ill.
There are a few things to keep in mind when choosing a dog food container. Those include the material the container is made from and how much food you want to store at a time, as well as your environment (more on that below). If you’re looking for a new place to store your dog’s food, read on for more information and a list of our top dog food containers.
Dog Food Storage: Why It’s Important
Pet parents should familiarize themselves with the ins and outs of dog food and its storage to determine which container is best for them. Dr. Veronica Jones, a veterinarian on the emergency and critical care team at NorthStar VETS Emergency, Trauma, and Specialty practice in New Jersey, says that most unopened pet food has a shelf life of at least a year.
However, pet parents should be diligent in ensuring their pet food isn’t served past its expiration date. “Always look at the expiration date before you purchase [pet food],” she says, “and check what’s on your shelf or pantry at home periodically.”
Jones notes that opened canned food should be stored in the fridge and used within a week. Dry food, once opened, lasts a little more than a month when stored properly.
Temperature is also important.
“To keep food from spoiling, store it in your home where it will be kept at a normal indoor temperature (below 80 degrees),” Jones adds. “Exposure to extreme heat or humidity can sap food of its nutrients and shorten its shelf life.”
What to Look For in a Dog Food Container
There are certain features that separate a good dog food container from a bad one. Here’s what you should look for in a dog food container:
A moisture barrier. “The best containers for bagged dog food will keep it visible and dry,” Jones says.
Moisture is the enemy of dry dog food. “If you store dry food in an area where it can absorb moisture (like a garage or shed), it can grow mold and other toxins,” Jones explains.
A tight lid. You’re not only keeping moisture and pests out of your dog’s food, you’re also trying to keep your dog from snacking. So a lid that closes tightly is essential. “It’s important to remember that dogs sometimes love their food so much that they will seek it out,” says Jones. “If the food is easily accessible, they may overindulge and [develop] food bloat. This is why dog food should be stored in a container and in a space that will prevent your dog from getting into it.”
Easy to clean. And finally, you want a container that can be cleaned. “If you use a container to store your food, make sure you clean and dry it between refills,” says Jones. “Dry food stored with moisture can grow mold, and old food residue can contaminate new food.”
How We Ranked Our Top Dog Food Storage Containers
So, let’s dive into our top dog food containers. We took a number of factors into consideration when compiling this list.
First, we looked for containers that met Jones’ recommendations: tight lids that keep moisture (and animals) out, easy-to-clean materials, and, in many cases, transparent containers that let you see how much food you have left.
We spoke to the dog owners in our lives about their food storage methods and weighed their opinions as well.
Then, of course, we took into account our own personal experiences with dog food storage. Price, availability, and online reviews also played a part in the decision-making process.
Best Dog Food Storage Container: Overall Winner
Our Pick: IRIS Weather Pro Airtight Pet Food Storage Container
As far as we’re concerned, the best dog food container is this Weather Pro Airtight Pet Food Storage Container from IRIS. Made from sturdy BPA-free plastic, it comes in three sizes (10 lb, 25 lb, and 50 lb), has translucent and pearl-colored options (both of which allow you to see how much dog food you have left), and has an airtight lid that locks.
The locking latches are a great feature. Not only do they help the lid stay snug and sealed for food freshness, but they also keep curious pups (or other critters!) out. Plus, the 25 lb and 50 lb versions have removable caster wheels, so you can easily roll the container rather than trying to lug it around.
Highlights
- Comes in three sizes so you can get one that best fits your needs.
- Airtight seal keeps food fresh.
- Locking lid keeps mischievous dogs and other pests out.
- BPA-free plastic.
- Good price point.
Things to Consider
- The 10 lb container does not have wheels.
- If you’re looking for a super stylish storage solution, this basic plastic container probably isn’t it.
Best Airtight Dog Food Container
Our Pick: Gamma2 Vittles Vault Outback
The best airtight dog food storage container is the Gamma2 Vittles Vault Outback. This container is insanely well-reviewed on Amazon, with more than 7,500 5-star reviews. It’s made from a food-grade BPA-free HDPE (high-density polyethylene) plastic and uses a threaded locking system to ensure freshness. It has handles for grip and the lid is easy to spin on and off.
While experts like Jones don’t typically recommend storing pet food outside or in a shed, this container was designed for more rugged use and can be kept in garages, barns, and sheds if necessary.
The 25lb container shown here is one of the most popular models, but Gamma2 offers a variety of containers for pet owners in different shapes and sizes. Some are stackable and some can be mounted on walls.
Highlights
- Truly airtight.
- Comes with a scoop.
- Stackable design.
- Can be stored safely in a garage or shed.
- Comes in a variety of shapes and sizes.
Things to Consider
- Some reviewers note that the mouth of the container may crack if you twist the top on too tightly.
Sample Buyer Review: “Great quality, the plastic is very thick and durable, easy to twist the lid on and off, and great space saver. The seal on the lid is definitely airtight – I’ve noticed for the first time using a dog food container that I’m getting down to the last of the food and it still looks fresh. Usually it would start to look a bit dried out/getting stale. Great product! Highly recommend!”
Runners Up
Best Large Dog Food Storage Container
Our Pick: Buddeez Roll Away Pet Food Container
The Buddeez Roll Away Pet Food Container is our favorite large dog food storage container. It has a slim footprint that makes it easier to store in a closet or corner, and it’s the perfect shape to simply pop an entire large bag of dog food into the container—you don’t have to pour the food out if you don’t want to. If you do want to decant your kibble, the Buddeez Roll Away Pet Food Container holds up to 50 quarts.
The container’s lid is gasket-sealed, so food will definitely stay fresh. We also like that you have to tilt the container to use the recessed wheels, which makes it easy for people to move, but difficult for dogs to do the same.
Highlights
- Recessed wheels.
- Slim shape perfectly fits a bag of food.
- Gasket-sealed lid.
- Comes with a scoop.
Things to Consider
- Slim profile may be easier for dogs to knock over.
Sample Buyer Review: “We have always had an assortment of large dogs and we go through quite a bit of dry food. This container is perfect! It holds a big bag with no problem. The best part is that it has a tight seal on the lid so the food stays fresh. We just flip up the handle and lift the access lid and scoop it out! I’m sorry we didn’t get this years ago.”
Best Metal Dog Food Container
Our Pick: Morezi Dog Treat and Food Storage Tin
If you’re looking to avoid plastic, this metal dog food container from Morezi might be just the ticket. Made from coated carbon steel, the container’s lid has a rubber seal to keep contents fresh. It’s not very big—only holding about 5 pounds of food—but it has a nice design that would look good on a countertop. The container has handles that make it easy to carry, comes with a scoop, and is available in three colors: white, gray, and black.
Highlights
- Attractive design.
- Small profile/easy to carry.
- Comes with a scoop.
- Lid seals to ensure food freshness.
Things to Consider
- Only holds about 5lbs of dog food.
Sample Buyer Review: “Super cute and just what I was looking for to replace my old rusted tin. My biggest concern was the seal. I wanted something that would be airtight. The rubber seal around the tin does just that. The scoop is 1/3 cup. I have a 50lbs and 5lbs dog (they eat the same food) I refill the container about once every 10-12 days.”
Runner Up
- Harry Barker Taupe Bon Chien Dog Food Storage Container (for a larger option)
Best Stackable Dog Food Container
Our pick: Richell Pet Stuff Tower
The Richell Pet Stuff Tower is a great dog food storage option if your pup eats more than one kind of food. We like that it has two bins and that they both snap shut to keep food fresh. Each bin can hold up to 8 pounds of dry food, but you could dedicate one bin to cans of wet food, too.
The Pet Stuff Tower also has a hook on the side for leashes or poop bags, which could help you keep track of your dog’s things. It’s also sturdy enough to put a basket on top to hold Fido’s toys, treats, or other goodies (check out Amazon reviewers’ photos for ideas). Last but not least, we like that you can remove the bins to wash them.
Highlights
- Two bins make this a great stackable option.
- Comes with a scoop.
- Bins are removable for easy cleaning.
- Foot pedal releases the lower bin for easy access.
Things to Consider
- Not completely airtight.
- Assembly is required.
Sample Buyer Review: “Thinner than I realized, but works great and looks great! The slim design actually save[s] floor space, so yay! Our leashes are too wide to hang on the sides, but you can hang bags or something on there. It would be easy to attach some command hooks if I really wanted the leashes on there.”
Runner Up
Best Decorative Dog Food Storage Container
Our Pick: Pet Shop by Fringe Studio Happy Breeds Ceramic Dog Treat Jar
This adorable dog treat jar features unique illustrations of different dog breeds, including a Beagle, a Golden Retriever, a French Bulldog, a Pointer, and a Boston Terrier. And while this jar is designed for treats, it’s a nice countertop decoration for food storage as well.
The container is made from ceramic and the wooden top has a silicone seal to keep treats or food fresh and tasty. Even better is that the jar (but not the lid) is dishwasher safe, so you can keep it clean without any issue.
Highlights
- Cute design.
- Small footprint.
- Seal keeps food fresh.
- Dishwasher safe (without the lid).
Things to Consider
- Can’t store large quantities of food.
Sample Buyer Review: “This treat jar is so cute! Very nice!! If you are looking for something that will look good in your modern home, but still have print on it, this is definitely for you!!”
Runners Up
- zoovilla Windsor Pet Feeder With Storage (for a larger, furniture-like look)
- HARMONY Good Dog Ceramic Dog Treat Jar (more minimalist than our original pick)
Best Dog Food Container on Wheels
Our Pick: IRIS USA 3 Piece Airtight Pet Food Storage Container Combo
Our favorite dog food container on wheels is from IRIS USA. This stackable set of airtight food storage containers comes in a variety of colors and the two bins combined can store up to 35 pounds of dog food. The clear containers let you see exactly how much food you have left so you’re never caught without. The lids have a foam seal and snap shut to keep food fresh. The wheels themselves are on castors, which make it easy to move this bin around your house if necessary.
This particular bin is a favorite on Amazon as well, with more than 26,000 5-star reviews.
Highlights
- Two containers in one.
- Airtight.
- Comes in a variety of colors.
- Comes with a scoop.
- Wheels make for easy moving.
Things to Consider
- You have to take the top container off to access the bottom container.
Sample Buyer Review: “Not only are these containers airtight, they are also dog proof! I left my 3 Boxers inside the house with 2 sets of these containers and came home to find them in various places in the house, with numerous scratches and bite marks, but still closed and the contents safe! Attempts at self-feeding were foiled! Great product!”
Runner Up
Best Travel Dog Food Container
Our Pick: Kurgo Kibble Carrier Travel Dog Food Container
If you’re taking your doggo on a trip and need to carry along a few days’ worth of food, the Kurgo Kibble Carrier is the way to go. This bag holds up to 5 pounds of food and can be rolled down as you use that food up to minimize the space it takes up in your bag or in your car trunk. The bag clips shut to seal in freshness and it has two pockets, which can be used to hold treats or a travel bowl. Also, keeping it clean is no issue because the bag is machine-washable.
Highlights
- Holds up to 5 pounds of kibble.
- Machine washable.
- Seals for freshness
- Has pockets for treats and extras.
Things to Consider
- The bag is soft, so it will not prevent kibble from being crushed. Be careful when packing.
Sample Buyer Review: “This has been great for camping or if my dog spends the night somewhere. I hate being plastic baggies since it’s wasteful & could easily rip. Now I’m not worried about food spilling or wasting plastic baggies. Took a while for me to give in and buy one but so happy I did!”
Runners Up
- YOUTHINK Travel Dog Bowl (perfect for a day trip)
- AUDWUD Silicone Dog Treat Pouch (ideal for hands-free training with treats)
Best Dog Food Storage for Wet Food
Our Pick: IVIA Pet Food Can Lids
This four-pack of BPA-free silicone pet food can lids is perfect for keeping cans of dog food fresh once they’re opened. They’re designed to fit cans that are 65mm, 75mm, and 85mm in diameter and are flexible, durable, and dishwasher safe. Bonus, if you’re keeping your open cans of dog food in the fridge, like Jones recommends, these lids will prevent odors from escaping. They have thousands of 5-star reviews on Amazon
Highlights
- Comes is a four-pack.
- Safe for cleaning in the dishwasher.
- Prevents odors.
- Fits most standard can sizes.
Things to Consider
- May take a little finagling to get on certain cans.
Sample Buyer Review: “These are without a doubt, THE BEST PET FOOD LIDS WE’VE EVER USED! They fit all can sizes (even the 3″ cans) perfectly!”
Runner Up
- ORE Pet Can Cover (a cute, paw-shaped option)
