Five tips for keeping your dry dog food from going rancid

As consumers, we have all become aware of the harmful chemicals found in plastics. Including the infamous BPA, and the lesser-known BPS; its toxic replacement. As a result, many of us have probably phased these products out.  

But, do our dogs get the same consideration?  

By looking around the pet store, one could assume with confidence that the answer is no. There are a wide variety of plastic bins and containers for sale that are meant to keep your dog’s food fresh but may be turning it toxic instead.  

If you’re storing kibble in plastic containers, read on to learn more about the dangers associated with plastic storage bins and our five tips for a healthier nutritional routine.  

Not only can BPA and BPS leach into their food, but the microscopic structure of the plastic itself creates a fertile environment for rancid oils.

If you’re feeling a little shocked and grossed out, we at pallaby can relate! For years, we didn’t realize that kibble must be stored a certain way to keep it fresh, and consumed relatively quickly, after the bag has been opened.

Containing the contamination

Grease is gross, but it’s what you can’t see that is most harmful.

It is surprising for most dog parents to learn that after a bag of kibble is opened, it should be consumed within a few weeks. Yes, there is a “use by” date on the bag that says it lasts much longer, but that doesn’t apply after the airtight seal has been broken.

When dry dog food (or any food for that matter) is exposed to oxygen, it undergoes a variety of chemical changes, known as oxidation. In particular, the healthy fats, like omega 3s, will begin to naturally degrade and eventually go rancid.

So the plastic bins should help keep it fresh, right?

The problem with plastic is that these fats are easily trapped in the microscopic pores of the container walls and stick around. They coat each new fresh bag of dog food as it is poured in.  

Studies have linked the consumption of rancid fats to many chronic health problems, heart disease, atherosclerosis, blood clots and cancer.

So what can you do to protect your dog?  

• TIP 1: Scrub your plastic containers regularly, just like you would clean your dishes or a Tupperware you bring to work each day for lunch.
• TIP 2: Keep the food inside the bag, inside the plastic container, then throw out the bag when it’s empty. This will help keep the kibble fresh and prevent any greasy buildup in the plastic container itself.

Moving on from plastic

While the above tips can help if you wish to continue using plastic, they are by no means the best possible solution for your pup. You might consider moving on from plastic all together.

• TIP 3: Upgrade your plastic bins to glass containers that do not leach chemicals. You will still want to clean these regularly to prevent old fats from building up and becoming rancid. But the glass will stay cleaner than the plastic.
• TIP 4: Buy your food in smaller portions. It might cost a little more than the bulk bag, but you’re saving by investing in your dog’s health.

Tip 5… You might have guessed it!

Our final tip is this: consider switching to pallaby.

We built pallaby to do many things, but absolutely to address the problem of plastic containers. Each monthly delivery of daily use portions, stored in eco-friendly pouches, guarantees that your dog will chow on a fresh, balanced bowl of kibble.

Hopefully, one of these tips will help you provide your pup with a healthier nutritional routine. Let us know if we can be of more service. We’d be happy to create a personalized kibble plan and send it on over.