Skip to main content

Dog food 101: Can you freeze dry dog food?

So you’re looking for dog food storage tips to make your pet’s meals last. When you make too much food, it is ideal to freeze the excess. It is the best way to ensure no food goes to waste. You may have wondered if you can do the same with your dog’s dry food. When you’re shopping for deals and savings on your dog’s favorite food, it can lead to overbuying. Luckily, there is no need to worry about the expiration date on your dog’s food. There are many great tips and tricks for freezing dry dog food that will ensure freshness and longevity.

Brown dog eating out of metal bowl
Nicole Lienemann/EyeEm/Getty Images

Airtight is key

Dog looking at bowl owner is holding
Yellow Dog Productions/Getty Images

When it comes to freezing any kind of food, keeping the container airtight is so important. By storing dry dog food in airtight containers or bags, you will ensure no freezer burn and promote freshness. You can choose from many great airtight containers that will stand up well in the freezer. Depending on how much dog food you need to store, you may want to buy one large one or multiple small ones. The benefit of having multiple smaller-sized containers allows you to portion your dog’s food out.

Recommended Videos

When you are ready to utilize the frozen food, simply take out one of the correctly portioned containers and allow it to defrost before serving to your dog.

If you want to store your dog’s dry food in bags, you should consider a vacuum-sealing machine. This type of machine provides an airtight seal on your dog’s food. If you don’t want to buy one of these machines, another way to get an airtight seal on a bag is with a bowl of water. Fill a resealable plastic bag with the right portion of dog food and submerge the bag in water up to just below the resealable top. Seal the bag and you’re done. The water will push out all air from the bag allowing for an airtight seal.

Remember to dry off the bag before freezing and enjoy easy storage for your dog’s dry food.

Always label

Two large dogs eating from metal bowls
Westend61/Getty Images

Labeling is key when it comes to freezer storage. Your freezer can become overwhelming when there are a lot of different bags and containers stored with no labels. Bags and containers also fog over so it can be difficult to know what is inside. Luckily, a quick and simple label can be the perfect solution to any freezer headaches.

For plastic bags, simply use a sharpie or other permanent marker to write the food name, date in the freezer, and expiration date on the packaging. The freezer date is helpful if you put multiple batches of dry dog food into the freezer so you can use the oldest dog food first. Dry dog food can typically last anywhere from 6 months to a year in the freezer.

When it comes to reusable containers, writing on them with permanent markers may not be the best option. It will render the container useless for future labeling. Instead, utilize removable label stickers on your containers. This way, you can label and re-label your containers with ease.

Another option is to put smaller-sized containers into resealable plastic bags. This way, you can label the bag while also providing an extra layer of protection for your dog’s dry food.

Buy in bulk

Woman buying dog food
VLG/Getty Images

Freezing your dog’s dry food is a great, effective way to not waste excess food. So, if you buy more food than your dog needs, no need to worry. These great tips can help ensure an efficient storage system. Now, you can buy the massive dog food bags when they go on sale.

Just use containers and storage bags with an airtight seal to ensure freshness and no freezer burn.

70 cute dog names for every vibe: From cottagecore to Y2K
These unique dog names are inspired by aesthetics, like barbiecore
A corgi dog standing in front of a pink background looks up and to the side with big eyes

If you spend enough time on social media -- particularly sites like TikTok, Pinterest, or Tumblr -- you'll become familiar with "aesthetics." These are moods or styles that influence art, clothing and decor choices, and even what someone posts online. Any vibe can be an aesthetic if it drives your style choices, so why not let your favorite aesthetics inspire your new dog's name as well?

These canine monikers range from timeless to eccentric (and everything in between), but they all have one thing in common: They're all sure to put a smile on your face. Whether they remind you of something adorable, something nostalgic, or something totally epic, these cute dog names are the perfect wealth of information to start your search with. We hope this list leaves you feeling inspired!
Cottagecore dog names inspired by the cute, woodsy aesthetic

Read more
Xylitol and dogs: 10 unexpected products that contain this toxic ingredient
Products that hide xylitol and can be toxic to dogs
A Labrador retriever lies on the wooden floor next to a food bowl

Chocolate, grapes, table scraps: There are some foods every pet parent knows you shouldn't give to dogs, no matter how cute their puppy-dog eyes are. Unfortunately, many other foods contain several hidden ingredients that can be harmful to our furry friends. Take xylitol, for instance. You might not know exactly what it is, but it certainly sounds more like a musical instrument than an ingredient.

While it is perfectly fine for humans to ingest this sugar substitute, xylitol and dogs are another story. If you have questions, don't worry! We'll help you learn:

Read more
Control your dog’s shedding with these proven tips
Here's why your dog is shedding so much
Someone brushes the fur of an Alaskan malamute

If you find yourself asking other pet parents, your vet, or even Dr. Google questions like, "Why is my dog shedding so much?" or "How can I reduce dog shedding?" -- this one’s for you. We’ve got all the answers and information you need to make sure everything is A-OK when it comes to your dog’s coat. We’ve even uncovered a few ways to make your pup’s shedding easier on you since, whether you want it or not — shed happens!
From preventive measures to easy cleanup methods, you can do a lot to make shedding as bearable as possible. Don’t be afraid of some trial and error, as different methods work best for different homes. You’ll get to the bottom of it. When in doubt, you can always ask your veterinarian, dog groomer, or even other dog owners for their best dog shedding tips.

Why is my dog shedding so much?

Read more