Most of us use convenient large packages of granules. But how should we store them at home without degrading their quality? Why buy expensive, high-quality granules to degrade them with storage?
Granules aren't as prone to decomposition as wet canned and pouch food, but many factors can harm their quality. It's therefore necessary to store them properly. This particularly applies to the large packages, which we buy due to their convenient price, but we have them open for a long time.
I became interested in proper storage when my cat stopped eating her granules and I couldn't figure out why. I thought she'd had enough of them and that I will have to buy another flavor. When I consulted my friend, a big cat expert, she smelled the granules and knew right away – they were rancid.
To maintain the quality of the granules, to ensure that your pets eat them and that they cause no health problems, there are a few things to keep in mind:
Most manufacturers make at least the big bags with a ziplock. That's great, as you don't have to think of anything, just make sure the ziplock is always closed properly along its entire length and that you don't pay for your carelessness like me. The airtight closure prevents oxidation of the granules and thus extends their shelf life. If you have trouble removing the granules from the bag or you just want to store them a bit more aesthetically at home, you can put them in a box, barrel or container. I was given a recommendation to put the granules with the original bag into a barrel. Like this you will avoid contaminating the food.
After my experience, I no longer buy a 7 kg pack for my cat (since it receives a dose of wet food several times a day, she doesn't consume as many granules); however, a dog can finish a 15 kg bag of granules before they start to deteriorate. It is recommended to use the opened package within 3 months, so take this into account when buying the granules whether they are discounted or not. Also be sure to check the expiration date.
Granules don't like moisture and heat, so think about where you store them. A balcony or humid cellar are not suitable at all. Choose the driest, coolest place. A pantry is best, if you have one.
Don't let your dog or cat eat granules from the barrel or bag, not even one. Their saliva contaminates the whole batch, opening the door to bacteria.
You should wash the bowls after each meal so that food and saliva residue does not contaminate the next batch.
How do you store granules at home? Do you have any tips or tricks?
When one says a mini breed, most of you will immediately think of a Chihuahua. And it’s not surprising, its the smallest dog breed in the world. They are popular abroad as well as in the Czech Republic and they are often picked by people whose desire...
The Ragdoll, a cat which reminds you of a dog with its behaviour, was in the top three favourite breeds among keepers in 2017. At the worldwide scale, it is on the second place, right after the Maine Coon. The Ragdoll is a very cuddly pet which is into...
Cats have always been regarded as mystical animals with many mysteries. One of them might be the question why these creatures like sitting in a circle so much.
You might be asking why should a cat learn to walk on a leash in the first place? It doesn’t mean you should go hiking with your cat. However, a short walk might be a great adventure for your cat. And you can’t do that without a leash, especially in a...
Keeping an eye on the weight no longer concerns only us, the two-legged creatures. Vets deal with overweight and obese pets more and more often. Most often, it applies to dogs and cats, but even rodents can easily suffer from obesity. How to prevent...
Toxins are accumulated in body during winter and spring is therefore the best season for detoxification. Everything awakens and people purify their bodies so why shouldn’t we involve our closest companions to it?
The fact that it’s no problem to go for a journey across the whole continent (or even the whole world) together with your pet is well-known to the owners of three cat travellers – Bengal cat Suki, courageous cat Wilow and fearless tom cat Simon. They...
One of my New Year’s resolutions this year was to be more active. A dog is a great companion for an active life. What is a healthy level of exercising with a dog?
These portions seem so small, shouldn’t I give my dog more? And should the dry food be dipped or not? And how many times a day should I feed my dog? And should I supplement the food by something? When should we switch to adult dog food? This is only a...
Do you know how to properly behave with your furry friends in national parks and protected nature areas? Are you sick of all the trash in city parks? And are you considering what you should do to be a more eco-friendly dog owner? You can also...
Siberian Husky is an amazing dog breed. It is a very active dog. Agile, strong and distinctive. That’s why many mushers use them to pull their sledges. It is said that all dogs who like pulling are suitable for a dog sled, but a Siberian Husky really...
Domestic cats don’t go outside as often as dogs and you have to prepare them for travelling. However, they won’t avoid visiting a vet or travelling to a cottage from time to time.
