How do you keep your stockpile of dog food, fresh?

[Doglover8180]

I have a hard time keeping ants and such out of the sealed bags of dry dog food and when it is sitting for several weeks before opening it - because I stock up on it when I can get a good price, how do you keep it bug free & fresh? Any advice from fellow stockpilers would be greatly appreciated!

[wookin]

I don't have a problem with ants, but I did have a problem with grain mites. They are found in old dog food. A couple of years ago I was able to get 60+ free 4-5 lb bags. I thought I was doing a good thing only to find that some bags had the mites. They don't usually harm dogs but they can. Now I buy in smaller amounts.

If you have a problem with ants, you can put Over & Out around the perimeter of your house. That should stop ants and other critters from coming in.

[mayanfire]

We also stock up on dogfood when it's on sale. We went to walmart and got the huge plastic totes that are waterproof and use those. It works for us. Good luck.

[zydeco]

I use a metal trash can with a good fitting lid. There is some kind of oil in the ones we bought. So I first lined it with a large plastic trash bag. My dogs aren't picky eaters and mix what is on sale with Pedigree. I keep an extra can to store unopened bags in. Their food doesn't last long enough to worry about critters eating it first.
If you are having trouble with ants place the can in a container with a small amount of water. Ants won't pass a water barrier.

[Coinpurse]

Lockable lid rubbermaid trashcan with wheels - holds approx 80-90 pounds and is rodent proof - just ask the raccoon that tried to steal mine. Oops you can't - she got cranky when I invited her to leave and met her maker right quick.

[petulia81]

Rubbermaid trash can here too!

[Doglover8180]

I have that but the problem is - I have alot more bags than what I can fit in the trash storage container... and I have heard that weebles can get inside the sealed bags of dog food - just wondering how to prevent that from happening - while the bags are waiting to be emptied into the rubbermaid container...

[zydeco]

I have that but the problem is - I have alot more bags than what I can fit in the trash storage container... and I have heard that weebles can get inside the sealed bags of dog food - just wondering how to prevent that from happening - while the bags are waiting to be emptied into the rubbermaid container...

I would think then the bugs eggs would have to come already in the bags of food. Maybe a couple of days in a freezer might kill them off. Tho' I'm not sure what that would do to the dog food.
Other than keeping the food storage container wiped out with bleach. There's nothing else I know of. You may also want to call your county extension office and see what they have to say.

You can always make a donation to your local animal shelter.

[kbullsexy07]

I have a hard time keeping ants and such out of the sealed bags of dry dog food and when it is sitting for several weeks before opening it - because I stock up on it when I can get a good price, how do you keep it bug free & fresh? Any advice from fellow stockpilers would be greatly appreciated!

do you have an extra freezer or refridgerator somewhere?? i always use gallon size ziplock bags and put dog food in my freeze... when my freezer is full sadly i even stock pile dog food at my boyfriends!!!