While food storage isn’t the most exciting item you’ll purchase for your cat; it is one of the most important. A suitable food storage container will help keep your cat’s food fresh and free from pests.
This article will explain how to store cat food correctly and what to look for in a cat food container. We will also review our eight best cat food containers. They are
- Gamma2 Vittles Vault
- Van Ness 25-Pound Food Container
- Pethiy Cat Food and Treats Container
- IRIS USA 3-Piece Container
- Simplehuman Pet Food Storage bin
- TIOVERY Pet Food Storage Container
- GreenJoy 2 Pack Pet Food Storage Container
- SACRONS Pet Can Covers
How to Store Cat Food Correctly
We need to store our cats’ food correctly; doing so will help maintain the nutritional value of the food. So how do we store pet food properly?
Any wet food leftovers can stay in the can, but they need to be covered and refrigerated. The best way to store kibble is to leave it in its original packaging, then place it in an airtight container.
There are several reasons we should leave the kibble in its packet:
- Manufacturers have designed the packaging to keep the food fresh and lock in flavor.
- There’s essential information on it, such as the expiration date and feeding directions.
- You need the UPC, batch number, and other details from the packaging if the product is ever recalled.
Place the bag of kibble in an airtight container to avoid exposure to air. Air exposure can cause a decrease in nutritional value and increase the chance of bacterial contamination.
If you wish to decant the food, make sure the new receptacle is clean and dry with an airtight lid. Don’t mix the fresh food with old, since they will have different expiration dates, and make sure you clean and dry your food storage between every transfer.
Keep your cat food out of direct sunlight. Exposure to sunlight can increase the temperature inside the packaging, which causes the food to sweat. This makes the food degrade quicker. Store your kibble in a place that’s cool and dry—somewhere like a pantry would be great!
What to Look For in a Cat Food Container
When shopping for a cat food container, there are three main things to find out before purchasing.
- Is it airtight? Using a container with an airtight seal will prevent degradation. It will also stop pests from invading your kitty’s chow.
- How much does it hold? Size matters! Always check the capacity of the container. The last thing you want is to purchase a container that can’t take your usual supply of cat kibble.
- What is it made from? Manufacturers usually make pet food containers from steel or plastic. If you opt for a plastic container, it’s wise to check that it’s an FDA-approved plastic. If the plastic is FDA compliant, it’s safe when in contact with your four-legged friend’s food. Stainless or carbon steel is another food-safe option; however, steel containers don’t often have an airtight lid.
8 Best Cat Food Containers
Gamma2 Vittles Vault
Your cat’s vittles will stay fresh in this vault. The Gamma2 patented airtight sealing system is threaded with a double rubber gasket to keep moisture and pests out. However, a minority of customers reported ants had infiltrated their container because of the gasket coming loose.
Made from BPA-free, FDA-approved plastic, there’s a choice between a 40 or 60-pound capacity—both come with a scoop. This sturdy, shatterproof storage solution keeps the smell of cat food in the vault.
The vittles vault’s impressive design is a great space saver that’s perfect for stacking. Although if placed in a stacking position, you won’t be able to fill to maximum capacity. This is only achievable when the container is in the upright position.
Pros
- Airtight.
- Stackable.
- Made from BPA-free, FDA-approved plastic.
- Durable.
- Large capacity
Cons
- Loose gasket in some units.
Van Ness 25-Pound Food Container
This Van Ness offering is a simple storage solution for your cat kibble, made from BPA-free, FDA-approved plastic with a 25-pound storage capacity. This clear container makes it easy to see when your pet’s food is running low.
For ease of mobility, the Van Ness has four in-line wheels. The wheels are robust and built to withstand the maximum capacity of this container, although being on axles does limit movement.
The product’s fresh-tite seal ensures that your pet food stays fresh and free from moisture. Unfortunately, some consumers have stated that pests have managed to access their pet food.
Pros
- Robust wheels.
- Large capacity
- Fresh-tite seal
- Made from BPA-free, FDA-approved plastic.
Cons
- Reports of pests gaining access.
Pethiy Cat Food and Treats Container
The Pethiy cat food container’s country home look wouldn’t be out of place on your kitchen worktop. Its carbon steel body will keep your cat food hidden and your home looking neat.
It can hold five to six pounds of cat kibble and comes with a durable serving scoop. The airtight lid keeps kitty paws out and prevents food from becoming damp or contaminated. A few customers did mention that the rubber seal was loose on their product, but many thought it was fantastic.
Pros
- Airtight.
- Looks good.
- Made from food-safe carbon steel.
Cons
- Rubber seal was loose on some containers.
IRIS USA 3-Piece Container set
The IRIS is made from BPA-free, FDA-approved plastic, and it comes in a range of colors. The airtight seal and snap-lock latches keep moisture and pests away from your feline’s food stash. Some reviewers have argued that the product’s seal isn’t airtight as pests have found a way in.
The smaller 10-pound storage container is great for storing cat treats, and stacks comfortably on the larger 25-pound storage unit. No need to worry about the weight of the food as the whole thing is on casters for easy mobility.
There’s a two-cup scoop provided with this product, making it simpler to measure out food for your four-legged friend. The clear design makes it easy to see when it’s time to go to the pet store for a top-up.
Pros
- Wheels for easy mobility.
- BPA-free, FDA compliant.
- Stackable.
- Great capacity.
- Two compartments.
Cons
- Some customers argue that it isn’t airtight.
Simplehuman Pet Food Storage Bin
If you have a bit more cash to spend on your storage solution, the Simplehuman food bin is a great buy. With its sleek and slender stainless steel design, it’s perfect if you want to keep your pet food hidden. The surface is also finger-print resistant, so it’ll maintain its shine and look fantastic in any home.
The inner container is BPA-free plastic, and it’s removable for easy cleaning.
The airtight seal and lockable handle are guaranteed to keep your kitty’s food fresh. Unwanted visitors don’t stand a chance of getting into this container. On the inside of the lid, you’ll find a magnetically mounted scoop to measure out your cat’s kibble.
The container comes in three sizes—up to a 40-pound capacity. All sizes have two rear wheels and a robust handle for easy movability.
It’s difficult to find any flaws with this excellent storage solution. However, many consumers have complained about customer service and quality control at Simplehuman after having defective items sent out.
Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k59uNhOBxBM
Pros
- Lockable, airtight lid.
- BPA-free, FDA-approved inner container.
- Great design.
- Wheels for easy movability.
- Choice of capacity.
Cons
- Poor customer service.
- Poor quality control.
TIOVERY Pet Food Storage Container
If you’re in the market for a smaller container, then this 3.5-pound capacity unit could be for you. This storage solution is ideal if you want to transfer smaller amounts of kibble to store somewhere practical.
The plastic container is BPA-free and FDA-approved, with four seal buckles on the lid to keep it airtight. The container is transparent, so it’s easy to know when a refill is needed.
The design features a useful handle and spout to pour out your cat’s lunch with ease. It also has a measuring cup so you can keep an eye on the amount you are feeding your feline.
The container’s spout has an airtight seal when the cup is pushed down, but some reviewers say the cup is ill-fitting. Customers have also said the spout isn’t suitable for all pet food brands, as the opening is quite small.
Pros
- BPA-free, FDA-approved plastic.
- Spout for easy pouring.
- Airtight seal.
- Measuring cup.
- Portable.
Cons
- Spout too small for some kibble.
- Poor seal around the spout.
GreenJoy 2 Pack Pet Food Storage Container
Greenjoy has come up with this practical storage solution for your pet food. They claim that they have a 2-pound capacity.
Some consumers said the product was smaller than they anticipated. However, several others said they were pleasantly surprised, stating that the containers held more than they expected.
There are two in a pack, so it’s brilliant to keep old and new food separate, or if you have multiple cats on different diets. Greenjoy made these containers from BPA-free, FDA-approved plastic, and they are molded to fit your hand perfectly for easy grip when pouring.
The spout on the lid pours well, and each container comes with a measuring cup that fits tightly over the spout.
Pros
- Airtight.
- Made from FDA-approved plastic.
- Spout for easy pouring.
- Added measuring cup.
- Two containers.
Cons
- Small capacity.
SACRONS Pet Can Covers
I know we’re reviewing storage containers here, but out of added interest, I thought I’d throw these in. A great alternative to decanting wet food, these BPA-free silicone can covers come in a range of colors.
All You have to do is stretch them over the can, and they create an airtight seal, then you can refrigerate. Suitable for standard-sized pet food cans 3-ounce, 5.5-ounce, and 12-ounce. They’re easy to clean and dishwasher safe.
Pros
- Made from BPA-free food-grade plastic.
- Dishwasher safe, easy to clean.
- Fits multiple-sized cans.
- Airtight.
Cons
- Don’t fit all can sizes.
FAQ’s
How long does dry cat food last once opened?
Dry cat food can last up to six months after opening if it’s stored correctly. Once opened, the expiration date is irrelevant unless it expires before the six months..
At what temperature should I store cat kibble?
The FDA recommends that dry food storage conditions shouldn’t exceed 80 degrees Fahrenheit.
The Verdict
Not all pet food manufacturers supply their products in packaging that will keep your kibble from degrading. The FDA recommends that pet food is stored in an airtight container to prevent loss of nutritional value. Doing this will also obstruct moisture, pests, and eager paws.
The Simplehuman pet food storage bin performs amazingly and looks great! Its airtight lockable seal is guaranteed to keep your cat’s food fresh and free from bacteria and pests. However, this isn’t in everyone’s price range.
If you’re on a budget, the Vittle’s Vault is an excellent choice. Its sturdy, stackable design is a convenient way of storing food, and its airtight double rubber seal will help lock in nutrition and flavor.
Are you looking for something a little smaller? The Greenjoy containers are great for storing smaller quantities of kibble, and the spout makes pouring and measuring food easy.
Whatever you decide on, make sure they meet your needs. Remember, check the container is airtight and made from an FDA-approved material. Also, check the size and capacity are suitable for where you’re storing and the amount you want to decant.