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Keeping your dog happy and healthy starts with good nutrition. A crucial part of feeding your dog is storing their food correctly, despite this being commonly overlooked! Luckily, there are plenty of dog food storage containers out there.
As a pet owner myself for over ten years, I’ve experimented with several containers to find the perfect fit for my dog’s needs. Through trial and error, I’ve learned firsthand the importance of airtight seals, durable materials, and convenient features to keep kibble fresh and secure.
However, choosing the right one can feel overwhelming, given the many dog food containers on the market. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the top 5 dog food storage containers, prioritizing the most important features: airtight sealing, durability, and convenience.
By the end of this review, you’ll be ready to choose the best dog food storage container to keep your pup’s food fresh, delicious, and protected from pests!
A Brief Overview of Our Favorites
If you just want us to tell you which dog food storage containers are best, here is a quick rundown:
- Vittles Vault – Best Plastic Container
- Frisco Dog Food Storage Canister – Best Metal Canister
- Gunner Food Crate – Best for Outdoor Storage
What is The Best Dog Food Storage Container?
1. Best Plastic Container – Vittles Vault
Key Features:
- Size: 30 or 50 lbs
- Material: Food-grade, BPA-free plastic
Pros:
- Durable plastic construction is resistant to scratches, dents, and chewing
- Airtight seal keeps out pests
- Easy-to-use latching lid makes scoping food convenient
Cons:
- Plastic construction may not be ideal for some pet owners
- Some users report difficulty opening the lid
The Vittles Vault Pet Food Storage Container is a great choice for pet owners who want a plastic container that is fresh, durable, and convenient for their dog food storage.
The double gasket seal on the lids creates an airtight barrier that locks in moisture and prevents oxidation, which can make the kibble unappetizing. This is especially important for dog owners who purchase in bulk, as it ensures the kibble stays fresh long enough for your dog to eat.
The plastic constriction is another major plus. It’s high-quality and food-grade, ensuring that it’s safe and durable. The container lasts for years, unlike flimsier plastic options.
Vittles Vault’s container comes in several sizes, so you can choose the best one that fits your needs. Plus, the latching lid is easy to use with one hand while you scoop with the other.
While some pet owners prefer a stainless steel container for aesthetic reasons, this container is one of our favorites thanks to its exceptional quality and competitive pricing. We highly recommend this dog food storage container if you just want something that works.
2. Best Metal Canister – Frisco Dog Food Storage Canister
Key Features:
- Size: 16 or 26 qt
- Material: Pet-safe metal
Pros:
- Airtight seal keeps food fresh
- Durable metal construction withstands daily use
- Wide opening allows for easy scooping
- Available in two sizes
Cons:
- Lid can dent if dropped or mishandled
- Heavier than plastic containers
We highly recommend the Frisco Dog & Cat Food Storage Canister for pet owners looking for a durable, airtight metal container to store their dog’s food. This container prioritizes freshness and pest control with a secure seal and durable metal construction.
Because this dog food storage container is made of metal, it is more durable than plastic options. This is a big advantage for pet owners with large dogs or clumsy companions who might knock over the container. It’s also better at defending against mice and rats, who can chew through thin plastic.
We also love that the lid has a silicone seal, which makes it completely airtight. This seal locks in freshness and helps to prevent kibble from drying out or going rancid. Fresh food is not only more palatable for your dog, but it also retains important nutrients.
The wide opening makes scooping food easy. While this may seem like a small detail, it matters when you’re scooping kibble multiple times daily.
It’s important to note that metal can be heavier than plastic, so this container might not be the best choice for someone who needs to move their dog food around frequently. We don’t move our dog food containers around, so this wasn’t a huge problem. However, it could be for you!
3. Best for Outdoor Storage – Gunner Food Crate
Key Features:
- Size: 30 or 50 lbs
- Material: Food-grade plastic
Pros:
- Impenetrable exterior keeps food safe from critters, rain, and the sun
- Lifetime warranty backs up quality construction
- Carrying handle to make transport a bit easier
- Locking lid to prevent clever animals from pushing it open
Cons:
- One of the most expensive options on this list
- Quite heavy
If you’re storing food outside, you have plenty of extra worries to consider, like wild animals, moisture, and the sun. Standard plastic containers can easily succumb to weather damage, warping, or cracking in the sun and are no match for determined raccoons or other curious creatures.
The Gunner Food Crate is one of the few dog food storage containers for outdoor use. This virtually indestructible container is built to last a lifetime, protecting your pet’s food from the elements, pests, and even your dog.
It’s made to be as durable as possible to keep your dog’s food safe and fresh. It has an airtight seal to keep out moisture, and its roto-molded polyethylene exterior is built to withstand extreme temperatures and harsh weather.
That said, this container is quite expensive. It’s one of the most expensive options you can get. However, it’s exceptionally durable and has a lifetime warranty to make it a worthy investment. You’re getting what you pay for!
4. Best for Wet Dog Food – Frisco Silicone Pet Food Can Cover
Key Features:
- Size: Fits standard dog food cans
- Material: BPA-free Silicone
Pros:
- Airtight seal keeps food fresh
- Fits a variety of can sizes
- Affordable option
- Dishwasher safe
Cons:
- Doesn’t work with very large cans
The Frisco Silicone Pet Food Can Cover is a simple yet effective solution for storing leftover wet dog food. Unlike plastic wrap, these silicone covers create an airtight seal and keep wet food fresh (and odor-contained) in the refrigerator.
We all know how quickly that delicious pâté loses its appeal once exposed to air. These silicone covers solve that problem by creating a snug seal around the can opening. No more worrying about dried-out food or funky smells wafting through the fridge.
We chose these covers specifically because of their versatility. The design allows them to fit just about any normal dog food can size, so you don’t have to worry about storing a ton of lids!
5. Best for Travel – Ruffwear Kibble Kaddie™ Dog Food Travel Bag
Key Features:
- Size: 10 L
- Material: Waterproof, food-grade material
Pros:
- Large capacity for extended trips
- Portable and convenient to carry
- Minimizes mess
Cons:
- Not entirely waterproof
The Ruffwear Kibble Kaddie™ Dog Food Travel Bag is a premium dog food storage solution designed for active pet owners. It’s great for camping trips, weekend adventures, or any time when you need to bring your dog food along.
This dog food travel bag’s thoughtful design sets it apart from others. The airtight roll-top closure ensures your dog’s food stays fresh while you’re traveling and helps block moisture. The large 10-liter capacity is also plenty for multi-day adventures (even with a big dog like mine). While this bag is more expensive than others, you won’t have to buy multiple, which could potentially save you money.
The bag itself is lightweight and comfortable to carry. The closure doubles as a handle. We love the extra side pocket, perfect for stashing a collapsible dog bowl.
Best Materials for Dog Food Storage Containers
Keeping your dog’s food fresh and secure is crucial for their health and happiness. But with so many dog food containers on the market, choosing the right material can be confusing. Here’s what we’ve learned about different materials:
- Food-Safe Plastic: Plastic tends to be lightweight and is widely available. You can find tons of different sizes and designs. Many are airtight, too. However, it isn’t as durable as other options, potentially becoming scratched over time.
- Stainless Steel: Steel is durable and resists scratches well. Most are airtight, but they do tend to be more expensive. Many people prefer stainless steel for aesthetic purposes. We’ve found that it works well with larger dogs, as its weight prevents it from being knocked over quite as easily.
- Ceramic: You can find ceramic dog food storage containers. However, we don’t recommend them for a reason. They are heavy and can break easily if dropped. Most aren’t airtight, either. They’re far more aesthetic than functional.
Which material should you choose? It depends on your needs. Food-grade plastic containers are a solid choice for affordability and convenience. We recommend stainless steel if you prioritize durability and have a larger dog.
Final Thoughts
Now that we’ve looked at our favorite dog food storage container options, it’s time for you to buy one!
We highly recommend the Vittles Vault for those looking for a plastic container or the Frisco Dog & Cat Food Storage Canister if you want a metal one. The Gunner Food Crate is an indestructible option that is ideal for keeping food safe outside, too.
FAQ
Is it OK to store dog food in a metal container?
You can absolutely store dog food in a metal container. Metal is extremely durable and often has an airtight seal, making it one of the better dog food storage options.
Is it better to keep dog food in a bag or container?
Using the pet food bag is fine if you’re using the food quickly. However, a container is recommended to help the food stay fresh if you purchase bulk kibble. Wet food that isn’t eaten immediately after opening must be stored and refrigerated.
