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When you bring a dog into your family, you get so many nice things—soft beds, toys, and collars—but you also have to remember practical things like dog food storage boxes. You don’t want to spend an exorbitant amount of money on dog food only to have it spill or dry out because of a flimsy container.
We tested 26 of the best dog food containers to see which ones made the cut in terms of design, performance, and durability (and how easy it was to clean!). Many performed well under duress, withstood puddles and wrinkles and kept food in check. After comparing these features, we chose one that we would use for sure for our dogs and got seven.
“Humidity, air, temperature fluctuations and time form an algorithm that determines the shelf life of your pet’s food,” Emily Luisana, DVM, DACVIM, board certified veterinary nutritionist, tells PEOPLE. “Too many of these aspects can alter taste, nutritional value and/or promote mold or bacterial growth.” That’s why choosing the right bowl and following good hygiene when feeding your dog are so important. We loved the Iris Airtight Food Container for its user-friendly design, impact resistance (simulates excited dogs during mealtimes!) and easy cleaning.
Of all the dog food packages PEOPLE tested, these seven came out on top in terms of design, performance and durability.
- Material: Stainless Steel, Plastic
- Brand: IRIS USA, Inc.
- Recommended Uses For Product: Car, Dry Food, Camping
- Breed Recommendation: Large
- Brand: Van Ness
- Color: White, Clear
- Material: Plastic
- Capacity: 25 Pounds
- Brand: MidWest Homes for Pets
- Product Dimensions: 42.5″L x 21.25″W x 30.25″H
- Material: Alloy Steel
- Special Feature: CollapsibleMade In America
Best Overall:
IRIS Airtight Food Storage Container & Scoop Combo
About this item
| Material | Stainless Steel, Plastic |
| Target Species | Dog |
| Brand | IRIS USA, Inc. |
| Recommended Uses For Product | Car, Dry Food, Camping |
| Breed Recommendation | Large |
The Iris Airtight Food Container was perfect in every way, so it’s easy to choose it as the best dog food container. Our tester said this product was simple from the start, with an “easy-to-open lid latch” and a “wide opening for easy pouring of food.”
During our testing process, this dog food package took a heavy beating, representing large dogs who can’t wait for you to open the container (#hangry!). Our tester said that this model “can be shaken vigorously and no food comes out” and that “the lid stayed in place” even after a bit of knocking.
If you’ve been using the litter box for a while and you’re ready to give it a good clean, with this model it’s a no-brainer. Our tester said the inside of the tank was really easy to clean and sanitize.
The only downside was the claim that it is airtight. Water got into the tank during the dunk test, but complete submersion is unlikely, so that’s not a problem for us. With an included scoop, two chambers for different foods, and wheels for easy portability, we love this dog food container.
Best Budget
Van Ness 10-Pound Food Container with Fresh-Tite Seal
About this item
| Brand | Van Ness |
| Color | White, Clear |
| Material | Plastic |
| Capacity | 25 Pounds |
| Special Feature | Air Tight |
We love a lot, and this dog food container offers a simple solution to your food storage needs at an affordable price. This is a smaller container that can hold up to 10kg of food, so it would be ideal for a small pet or dog living in a small apartment. “I’ve seen it easily fit in a drawer or smaller cabinet,” our tester said.
When tested for airtightness and durability, this container was prone to submerging in water and splashing when pouring food. However, our tester gave it a higher durability rating than the larger version of the same food container, and the “fresh-tite” seal should keep food fresh. Thanks to the shape and size of this container, it is also very easy to clean.
While this is a budget option and may not offer the bells and whistles of the other models on our list, it does provide a safe and cool place to store your dog’s food at an affordable price. If you’re looking for a basic meal kit that’s functional and won’t break the bank, this is the one for you.
Best Splurge
Gunner Food Crate
About this item
| Brand | MidWest Homes for Pets |
| Product Dimensions | 42.5″L x 21.25″W x 30.25″H |
| Material | Alloy Steel |
| Special Feature | CollapsibleMade In America |
| Number of Levels | 1 |
If you’re willing to drop a dime on a dog food container, you should choose this one. Our tester described this tank as “very durable and resistant to tipping and falling”. He said, “Nothing broke when it fell and turned [upside down],” and after this test, “the lid was still airtight.”
This container also turned out to be airtight because when it was completely submerged the food remained completely dry! It was “double-sealed” with an “airtight seal,” according to our tester, and all the food “remained in normal condition” after testing with no contamination.
The only minor complaint is the lack of a dustpan and the difficulty of cleaning the inside of this container. “The exterior is made of rougher plastic, which makes things easier to stick together, making it more difficult to clean.” Our tester also said that “internal cleaning was difficult due to the design and smaller opening” and that “the rubber seal absorbs dog food.”
While this is by no means interior design, it is a solid and very durable food container that will keep your dog’s food safe (even in the elements!). The secure lid and lock keep out trapped moisture, rodents and dog food odors. Our tester said he would “definitely buy” this tank.
Best Airtight
Simplehuman Pet Food Storage Can
About this item
| Brand | Harry Barker |
| Color | Silver |
| Capacity | 40 Pounds |
| Special Feature | Airtight |
| Is Dishwasher Safe | No |
This stainless steel tank is elegant on the outside and efficient on the inside. With a simple lid and lock combination, plenty of room for food pouring, and a secure, airtight chamber, this container keeps your dog’s food fresher for longer while protecting it from bugs and accidental spills. Our tester liked the “easy-to-remove tank” and wheels for mobility.
He said it remained “perfect and safe” during the crash test and that “no food fell out”. The magnetic paddle also stayed in place, so it’s easy to find when you need it (in the right sleeve). When tested in water, this container impressed our team with its ability to keep food dry. Despite being completely submerged and some water getting into the outer chamber, the inner container that holds the food remained dry.
While our tester found that the stainless steel material may not hold up well to dents and scratches, it does offer stability. It’s also “really easy to clean” because you can take the tank out and rinse it in the sink. Overall, we really like all the features of this tank and the fact that it lives up to its “airtight” title.
Best for Outdoors
Behrens Galvanized Steel Dry Food Storage Can
About this item
| Brand | Behrens |
| Capacity | 6 Gallons |
| Color | Steel |
| Opening Mechanism | Manual-Lift |
| Material | Alloy Steel |
| Shape | Cylindrical |
If you need an outdoor dog food container, the Behrens galvanized steel can will keep your pet’s food safe. Our tester noted that it passed the shake test well: “when turned over and shaken, no food came out.”
With great impact resistance, this can was “very durable and resistant to kicks, pushes, and falls,” our tester said. “[The tank] has held up perfectly and shows no signs of wear.” He also said the can was easy to clean – just give it a once over with a cleaning cloth.
He noted there’s no slide or airtight seal and the lid “didn’t go on easily,” but these aren’t offenders for us. Thanks to the airtight lid, it is protected against vermin and splashes and you never pour food directly into the container, so you don’t need a pouring spout. This dog food container is great value for money and would make a great addition to any dog owner’s backyard.
Best for Small Dogs
Paw Prints 15 lb. Airtight Storage Container
About this item
| Brand | Gamma2 |
| Color | Gray |
| Material | Plastic |
| Capacity | 15 Pounds |
| Recommended Uses For Product |
This 15 kg container has just enough room for small dog treats. The exterior offers several design options with playful expressions and prints: what we ordered was a cute bulldog with the word “food” in the script.
Since this tank performed well in the vibration and tilt test, but failed the compression test, he said he believed it would be more effective as an inner tank. “I think the latch works really well and a dog wouldn’t be able to open it.”
Our tester appreciated the ease of cleaning this tank, as well as under the lid. He described this container as a “great value” and we have to agree. With all the features considered, this tank is a good buy for anyone with a small dog and should last for years.
Best for Travel
Kurgo Kibble Carrier Travel Dog Food Container
About this item
| Brand | Kurgo |
| Material | Polyethylene Terephthalate |
| Color | Coastal Blue |
| Capacity | 2.2 Kilograms |
| Age Range Description | All Life Stages |
If you like your dogs on an adventure but don’t want to go without a meal, consider using this snack holder on the go! This vinyl bag is PVC-free and insulated with a food-safe PEVA lining. Our tester said it was “really easy to open and close” and didn’t seem prone to punctures.
The “rubber lined” outer fabric makes this bag very durable. It passed the shake test flawlessly and kept all the food inside intact. “The top of the bag folds up and closes like a dry bag,” our tester said.
There are extra storage compartments on both sides for treats, trash bags and anything else you want to take with you. The special hexagonal textured material helps keep animals out and keeps oils or odors out of the button. Cleaning requires hand washing and air drying, which our tester said was “tricky with the rubber coating.” All in all, we think this is the perfect travel container to keep your dog’s food close at hand when you head out on your next excursion.
Things to consider before buying a dog food container
Company
The size or volume of the dog food container depends on how much food you need to store. Large breed dog food bags usually mimic the size of dogs, so you need a larger container – say a 50kg bag – to properly store the food. For smaller dogs, the kibble itself and the bags are usually smaller (10-15 lb bags), so a more compact container would work well.
Hermetic sealing
If possible, try to find an airtight container of dog food. In our tests, only a few containers survived the submersion test (although situations where your containers are completely submerged under water are rare), so an airtight seal can keep food fresher for longer and, in most cases, keep out moisture.
Materials
When looking at food containers (as well as dog bowls), you need to consider the material. Most dog food containers are made of plastic or stainless steel. “Exploring these and other pet food handling realities was the focus of a study I published earlier this year with the North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine,” said Dr. . Luisana. His research focused on bowls, but the materials are the same, so his findings apply to dishes as well.
“We found no differences in bacterial counts between plastic bowls and less porous materials such as stainless steel or ceramic bowls,” he says. “The material of the bowl can also affect the taste of some animals’ food. For example, plastic bowls can trap odors or food residue, and pets receiving certain medications, such as chemotherapy, may be averse to metal bowls. Where you store your fresh food box will also determine which material is the best choice for you.
Storage location
Where you plan to store your dog food affects the features you should look for. If you’re placing the crate in your kitchen or pantry, you’ll likely need a secure closure that your dog can’t reach, and a well-designed crate that looks good in your home. If you’re storing the tank outside or in a garage, make sure it’s airtight to keep out moisture and small critters, and that the exterior is heavy-duty to withstand the elements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to store dog food in plastic containers?
Generally yes, although you should check that the plastic is BPA-free. BPA or Bisphenol A is a harmful chemical used in the production of plastics, especially for food and beverage preservation. According to Brent A. Bauer, MD, of the Mayo Clinic, BPA from the containers themselves can leach into food and harm those who consume the food. Although it’s FDA-approved in small amounts, continued exposure can have adverse health effects, so it’s best to stay away from it whenever possible. There is an indication on the label of BPA-free dishes.
Should the dog food be poured directly into the bowl?
The short answer is no. comes into direct contact with the container, grease can leach out of the food over time, which can contribute to rancidity. Some owners even report seeing their pet eat less when it reaches the bottom of the container.
However, dog food bags don’t always match the look of our home, and if they aren’t closed properly they can cause the food to go stale, so a container is still necessary. Keeping the bag will also give you information you will need if your pet is pulled or if your vet has questions about your pet’s food,” she says.
What should you do to maintain your pet’s food hygiene?
Dr. Luisana studied pet food handling and storage as part of her PhD and co-authored a research paper on dog feeding practices. “Most of us wouldn’t eat from dirty dishes, but we found that 22% of dog owners in our study only wash their pet’s bowl once a week (and 18% less than every three months or not at all), “he says. Dirty pet food bowls can be a source of bacteria, and other studies have found pathogenic stresses in the food bowls. This can be particularly concerning in households where pets or people are vulnerable, or where there are young children.”
The same idea applies to dog food containers – they should be cleaned regularly to avoid harmful bacteria and keep your pet (and the rest of your family) safe! The FDA recommends cleaning the container between each new insertion of a diaper bag. Other pet food safe handling tips include washing your hands before and after feeding your pet, avoiding high risk contamination (such as raw food), and using the same surface to handle pet food. Prepare as food for humans,” says Dr. Luisana .
How we tested dog food packs
To find the most valuable dog food containers, we poured kibble into 26 different containers and tested their design, performance and durability, as well as their ease of cleaning. Our testers commented on how easy each container was to use, how secure (dog safe?) the latch was, and how the design looked. Then came the physical part of the tests. By shaking, tilting and submerging these containers, our testers determined which ones would stand the test of time: the ones knocked over by excited dogs, the ones sitting outside in the rain and keeping food dry from spills, aging and other hazards. Finally, they emptied and swept the tanks to see how easy or difficult it was to clean them. Based on all of these insights, and factoring in price, our testers gave each dish an overall rating and based on that, we chose our top seven dog food packs.
Which people are tested?
We created the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval to help you find the best products in your life. We use our unique method of testing products in three laboratories across the country and with our home testing network to determine their effectiveness, durability and ease of use.