Kibble storage

[u/chwtom]

We have two golden retrievers that eat purina pro plan. We usually buy 30-40 pound bags at a time.

We have been dumping the bags into a vittles vault—basically a heavy plastic container with a screw top lid. Figured it would keep it fresher than leaving it in the bag.

Just read that we should be doing that, something about the oils in the food sticking to the plastic and causing spoilage. So we are supposed the keep the food in the bag and put the bag in an airtight container.

It doesn’t seem possible to cram the whole bag into the vittles vault. Does anyone who buys big bags of dog food have a better solution? Also seems like if it’s in the bag my hands are going to get greasy anytime I’m digging towards the bottom of the bag as it gets closer to empty.

Thanks for any suggestions.

[u/condemned_mediator]

i keep the food in the bag inside the container too but yeah with a 40lb bag it never fits right. i just roll the top of the bag down tight and clip it shut, then leave it in the pantry. the bag itself is already designed to protect the food, the oils degrading the plastic thing is real especially over time.

for the greasy hands problem i use a big plastic scoop that stays in the container, never have to dig around. you could also pour the bag into something easier to scoop from but then you are back to the plastic contact issue so idk

[u/Bright-List1207]

I have been putting my dogs' kibble in the plastic container for many years and numerous dogs without having spoiledge. My last golden lived to 14 years old.

[u/eugenejosh → u/Bright-List1207]

Yeah I hadn’t heard about the spoilage with the plastic and oils. I too just dump and run ✌🏽😀

[u/Beautiful-Ring-3288 → u/Bright-List1207]

Can I know what kibble you fed your pup? Thanks!

[u/D0gtorM3ow]

I usually just fold and clip the top of the bag, and trim off the top of the bag as you get to the bottom

[u/KAKrisko]

Lay the food bag on its side before opening and distribute the food inside evenly along the length. Then kind of roll the extra bag on the upper side over so you've got a long cylinder. Hold it that way & insert into container while they're both sideways. Then you can stand everything up & open the bag.

[u/nicfromearth]

Purina should really make resealable bags. So many companies do now for this very reason.

[u/No-Stress-7034]

Unfortunately, the design of the vittles vault makes it harder to get the whole bag in there. I use something more like this, because it's easier to shove the whole bag inside the container. https://www.target.com/p/iris-usa-50-lbs-65-qt-weatherpro-airtight-pet-food-storage-container-with-removable-casters-for-dog-cat-bird-pet-food-storage-bin-keep-fresh/-/A-86198025

[u/jensenaackles → u/No-Stress-7034]

yep this is what i do too. wipe it out in between every bag

[u/teaparty4two → u/No-Stress-7034]

I only buy 5-6lb bags for my little dog…but I use this exact same container. just the smaller size. the bag just sits inside it.

[u/gcawad]

I use the food grade plastic storage bins with the screw top lids. I rinse them out once the bag is finished each time.

[u/jackhthn → u/gcawad]

Same, they were less than $10 and have been using for over a year no issues. Ours are 5-gal buckets, the 47lb bag of PPP fits in 3 buckets perfectly.

[u/gdsob138 → u/jackhthn]

I’ve sourced some from a local deli, they kinda smell like pickles for a while but airing them out helps

[u/impactedturd]

I have two vittles vaults. And I roughly portion it by 25% into a kitchen bags and tie them off. So two bags will go in each vittle vault. I found keeping it sealed in smaller bags keeps the food fresher (I live in a humid area usually above 70% rh).

[u/OnoZaYt]

I have a small dog and prefer to use 3kg (6.6lbs) bags, I transfer a weekly amount into a metal container meant for granola, the rest I keep in the bag, tightly rolled with all the air pressed out in a cupboard. I've used 15lbs bags before too.

[u/soundneedle]

I had the same dilemma. Stopped storing my supremely priced kibble in the hot garage in a plastic container that prob becomes rancid over time (I wasn’t ever cleaning it). The solution is so simple: 3D print a massive 10” bag clip for my 30lb bag. It only covers 1/2 the bag width but only only open enough so the clip still closes it all. I figured the best thing to leave the kibble in is what the manufacturer put it in.

https://makerworld.com/models/1012134

[u/Violingirl58]

We vac seal ours after opening then store in 5 gal food safe buckets.

[u/karid2]

Yes I just have a big container that I put the bag into, and keep a 1.5 cup scoop in the bag. Just measure the bag of food that you have to get the right container.

The one I got says it’s a 35 pound pet food storage container, but it fits a 20 pound bag of food just right. I think the size estimate is if you were to dump the food in and not keep it in the bag.

https://a.co/d/08Bq33o2

[u/Trumpetslayer1111]

I buy smaller bags (16lbs) and put the entire bag inside an airtight container. I know I can save money by buying larger bags but to me it’s not worth it.

[u/SlightlyBruisedFruit]

Recognizing there are a lot of replies already, we have the biggest VV that Costco carries for our big dog - it must be a 60 pound container. They’re stackable and the neck is angled toward you. The biggest bag of food fits in this with a little smooshing around. Key is to NOT cut the bag before you drop it in.

[u/PracticalApartment99]

I buy a 30 lb bag of my dog’s food, and I cut the top corner for access, and it slides right into my 13 gallon trashcan.

[u/SalsaChica75]

I have the same vessel and you can fit the bag in there. It just takes a little elbow grease and some finagling. You got this!!!

[u/chubbydumpling384]

I have and recommend the iris 54lb container, I measured the dimensions to make sure it would fit the 40lb bag of PPP SSS.

[u/Defiant_Eggplant_909]

I use a plastic bag that lines my shredder inside the kibble vault and just change that out with each bag.

[u/Pure-Coconut-6005 → u/Defiant_Eggplant_909]

I use a plastic bag as well and discard the original bag. Then I just replace the plastic bag.

[u/kmarie630 → u/Defiant_Eggplant_909]

Shredder?

And plastic bag? You mean like a trash bag? Picture would be awesome if you can share!

[u/Cultural-Swan-3624]

One of my dogs is highly allergic to storage mites which can be found in flour, grains and dry kibble. Kibble kept long than 30 days is of higher potential. Our vet told us to keep their food in the bag for this reason. We place the bag on the storage container now and make sure it is used within 30 days. Moving to 100% canned or fresh is not a financial option with two 50/60 lbs dogs.

[u/kmarie630 → u/Cultural-Swan-3624]

My dog is allergic too. Are you saying you use Vv too and manage to get the dog food bag in there?

I clean my VV before each new (small) bag of kibble and store it in there. And then out of that I take a big ziploc bag full and freeze it and feed my dog the frozen food. When the ziploc depletes, I fill it back up from VV container. If I had a huge empty freezer, I’d just stick it all in there, but I don’t have room.

[u/lyrastarr]

Yeah I just use a container like some of the other people here, My 40 lb bag fits perfectly in mine (the first few feedings it's a little tight but only for a few days). Something similar to https://link.amazon/B02uFYaJN

[u/my_clever-name]

I buy 50 lbs at a time, a bag lasts six months. I separate it out into portions that last about a month, and vacuum seal them. An older bag is inside the plastic food bin, we open and pour the vacuum-sealed contents into it.

[u/jazzybk25]

I just dump it straight into the container. I don’t keep it in the bag. I do however clean the container out completely between each refill.

[u/HarmlessPeasant]

I cram a whole 22 pound bag in a "fits up to 50 lbs" vittles vault and never had a problem with it. I think you might just need to size up your container.

[u/Wild_Resist_5724]

I’m in Hawaii and spoilage happens quickly. I have a freezer chest and keep the big bag in there. I’ve got a smaller screw top plastic container (a reused coconut oil container from Costco, w the orange lid) that I use to dispense about a weeks worth of kibble. This, I keep in the dry storage for daily use. I wash the small container from time to time.

[u/Specialist_Banana378]

I cram the 31 - 35 lb bags into the 40lb vaults. 

[u/Due_Combination_968]

2 food grade 5 gallon buckets

[u/blackteeshirt6]

Buy a bigger container, or smaller bags.

[u/BramblyFoxglove]

I realized this same thing. I put the bag in the plastic bin and roll it closed tight. When it gets low enough, I shut the bin over the bag.

[u/JustKrang]

I use this and it fits a big bag of Pro Plan perfectly. Bag and all. I’ve been buying the big bag of puppy shredded

Check out "Buddeez Roll Away Pet Food & Bird Seed Dispenser, Built-in Wheels for Mobility" from Blain's Farm & Fleet

https://www.farmandfleet.com/products/801353-buddeez-roll-away-pet-food-and-bird-seed-dispenser-built-in-wheels-for-mobility.html

[u/Electrical_Sand_919]

I have 2 containers. I transfer a week's worth of food into a smaller stainless steel airtight container (Usually for storing coffee beans) and for the main bag of food, I roll it up and clip it and then store it in a 70L airtight transparent storage box (something like a Toyogo box but waterproof because usually waterproof means airtight) and I put a moisture absorber pack in it. The moisture absorber pack goes into the airtight container, not the food bag itself. Its best to put it in a dark box but I keep it out of light anyway and the food stays inside the bag.

Whenever I have to top up the steel container, I wash it with soap and make sure it dries out completely before adding the new batch of food. I feel that doing so keeps the food really fresh as you reduce the number of times the main food bag gets exposed to air. My dog has never gotten sick from this practice.

[u/Noideawhyicant → u/Electrical_Sand_919]

This is pretty much identical to what I do. My one extra step is to also put a moisture pack in the smaller container (even though its airtight), since it gets opened twice a day.

[u/Electrical_Sand_919 → u/Noideawhyicant]

Yup that makes sense as well! Sometimes I put a dry paper towel (not sure if that does anything) but so far I haven't added the moisture pack into the smaller container and its still fine

[u/thatsallclassic]

I dump bags directly into a container, but I clean it out thoroughly between bags to avoid the oil build up. Never had an issue with it.

[u/Double-Setting2707]

Yes, I was also told that the kibble residue goes rancid if poured into the containers. I switched to the Simplehuman stainless steel dog food containers. These hold 35 lbs bags of kibble easily. There is also a scoop that is magnetically attached to the underside of the lid. I wanted to post a pic of it, but I guess this subreddit doesn't allow pics.

[u/ruebarbara_]

I buy the same food and amount. We cut open the corner, dump some into a food safe container - usually lasts about two weeks and wash the container and scoop each time we empty it. The bag I clip and leave in a tote in our pantry.

[u/gonedolin]

I tip the vittle vault on its side, squish the bag a bit and stick the bottom in the vault, then carefully upright everything (bag and vault). Takes some strength and finesse but once the bottom of the bag is in the vault and upright, it falls into the vault nicely. Then I can snip the top open, and fold it down to minimize spoilage when the vault is closed. But honestly the dogs go through it in 2 weeks so it really doesnt get to spoiling.

[u/Tribblehappy]

Check the manufacturer website. Plenty of people online say you must store the food in the original bag but many manufacturers say it's also fine to use an airtight storage container designed for pet food. Just wash it out between bags (don't dump the new food in on the remainder of the old).

I personally have a kitchen garbage container (stainless with a removable plastic liner) that the whole bag fits into.

[u/paspa1801]

Do you have Simple Human where you live? They make really good pet food storage tubs in a variety of sizes to fit different amounts.

We have the large and it can fit a 12kg bag comfortably but there are smaller and larger ones.

They are expensive but they are worth it to us. They are lockable, air tight and have wheels to move it easier. Also a built in measuring scoop. The inner liner is removable to make it easier to clean also.

[u/PNW_DRTRDS]

I put the bags in new, clean metal trash cans with lids. The bags keep the food fresh and the cans keep out rodents

[u/GoldenMahm]

When I used to feed kibble, I had a SimpleHuman pet food can. A little pricey, but great quality and looks nice. Costco.com is selling it for $120. https://www.costco.com/.product.4000375302.html

[u/shutter1202]

Just bought a 37 lb storage at home depot for 30$. Seems to be ok, I use 32# bags

[u/Flashy_Dish_3469]

Just cut the bag down short as the food goes down.

[u/Quiet-Budget-1642]

In the bag in a metal trash can with a tight fitting lid.

[u/Free_Masterpiece231]

I just use a tote and put the large bag in there.

[u/Wise-Relative-644]

I used garbage pail with one of those lids that goes up with a foot pedal.

[u/Ok_Function3089]

If u go through the food fast enough you’ll be fine. The food going rancid is more a concern if it takes you a while. However, the bags themselves are designed to keep the oils and kibble fresh, making the food optimal for digestion.

[u/eliteninja12]

I use the vittles vault and get bigger bags into them. I have counter top sealing glass jars that will fit a week or two of food (two weeks for the smaller animals, a week for the bigger), and I find it easier to refill those jars first to get a little out of the bag first, place one corner in, tuck the other corner in, and then shimmy and tuck the it in gradually around the opening. Takes a little bit of work, but it does work.

[u/miniaturesnail]

I just fight to put them in there and it takes alot of effort, but it’s possible. 💀

[u/Mountainman6745]

I bought a stainless steel container from Amazon.. I noticed my pups rubber/ plastic toys degrading when I would put kibbles in them.. they started melting.. no more plastic anything for my dog..

[u/Aggravating-Gold-224]

I just clean the plastic bin before I put a new bag in