Quick answer: Store pet food and treats by following the package directions, keeping dry food in the original bag, closing packages tightly, protecting them from moisture and heat, washing bowls and scoops, and retaining lot numbers and best-by dates. Do not use food or treats that smell off, look abnormal, are leaking, swollen, damaged, or contaminated.
Best for: pet parents comparing labels before purchase. Not for: emergency symptoms, diagnosis, treatment decisions, or replacing veterinary advice.
Search intent covered: how to store pet food safely, pet treat storage checklist, should I keep pet food in original bag.
Safe storage checklist
- Read the product's own storage directions first.
- Store dry pet food in a cool, dry place and keep the top folded or sealed.
- Keep dry food in its original bag; if using a container, place the bag inside.
- Promptly refrigerate or discard unused canned or pouched food according to label directions.
- Wash bowls, scoops, and measuring utensils with soap and hot water.
- Use a dedicated scoop instead of the pet's bowl as a measuring tool.
- Keep food where pets and children cannot access the whole supply unsupervised.
- Save the product name, UPC, lot number, best-by date, purchase date, and store.
When to stop using a product
Stop using food or treats if you notice foul odor, off color, swollen cans or pouches, leaking containers, foreign objects, unusual texture, pests, mold, or damaged packaging. Preserve the package details before contacting support.
Why the original bag matters
FDA asks for product name, lot number, best-by date, UPC, net weight, purchase location, and storage details when investigating complaints. Those details are often lost when food is poured loose into a bin.
What to do if a pet seems sick
Stop feeding the suspected product, keep the packaging, write down what happened, and contact a veterinarian. Product concerns can also be reported through FDA's pet food complaint process.
Frequently asked questions
Can I pour dry pet food directly into a plastic bin?
It is better to keep the food in its original bag and place the bag inside the bin so lot and best-by information stays with the food.
What temperature is best for dry pet food?
FDA advises storing dry pet food in a cool, dry place and notes that excess heat or moisture can affect nutrients.
Should pet treats be reported like pet food?
Yes. FDA's reporting materials include problems involving pet treats, chews, and supplements.
Related PetVibess products
Related PetVibess guides
- How to Read a Pet Food Label: A Practical Checklist
- Pet Probiotic Chews: What to Check on the Label Before Buying
- Pet Supplement Safety: 9 Questions to Ask Before Adding a New Chew
Sources
- FDA: Tips for Safe Handling of Pet Food and Treats
- FDA: How to Report a Pet Food Complaint
- FDA: Animal Food Labeling and Pet Food Claims
Editorial note: Written by the PetVibess Editorial Team and updated July 17, 2026. This guide uses public FDA and AAFCO consumer guidance and provides general shopping information, not veterinary advice.