Is it safe to store dog food in a plastic container?

As long as it’s made with food-grade plastic, it’s safe to store dog food in a plastic container, but we do recommend avoiding plastics that contain BPA to reduce your dog's exposure to this chemical. If you’re worried about the food coming into contact with the plastic, you can also keep the food in its original bag and put the entire thing into the plastic container.

What is the best way to keep pests out of dog containers?

The best way to keep pests out of dog containers is to choose an airtight, ant- and pest-proof container and make sure that it’s tightly sealed every time you’re done scooping food out of it. These containers also keep humidity away from the dog food and keep it fresh as long as possible.

Do dog food containers need to be airtight?

Dog food containers don’t need to be airtight, but the food lasts longer and stays fresher, and pests—like ants, bugs, and rodents—can’t get to it if it is. As soon as dog food is exposed to air, humidity, and higher temperatures, it starts to break down and lose its freshness. While your dog may still be OK with eating it, it’s akin to you eating food that’s gone stale.

The 7 Best Dog Food Storage Containers of 2023

Commerce Photo Composite — The Spruce Pets / Lecia Landis

The best dog food storage containers have an airtight seal that keeps your dog’s food fresh, locks in odors, and prevents pests like rodents and ants from getting inside and helping themselves. The right container can ward off spoilage from moisture, heat, or exposure to air.

We conducted hands-on testing of 25 dog food storage containers in our New York lab to find the absolute best. Our testers evaluated a wide variety of containers (including wall-mounted and wheeled products), rating them not only on design attributes but also stress-testing them for their ability to keep out water and stay stable when bumped.

Our overall favorite was the IRIS Airtight Food Storage Container & Scoop Combo, which is stackable, has wheels, and is made of food-grade plastic that's BPA-free, eliminating the opportunity for contamination. But the IRIS wasn't the only storage container we tested to earn high marks, with several other products also earning our recommendation.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

IRIS Airtight Food Storage Container at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Budget:

Van Ness Food Container with Wheels at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Splurge:

Simplehuman Medium Pet Food Storage Can at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Airtight:

Gamma2 Vittles Vault Pet Food Storage at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Personalized:

Outshine Farmhouse Dog Food Bin at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best for Travel:

Ruffwear Dog Food Travel Bag at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best for Treats:

The Container Store Treat Canister at The Container Store

Jump to Review

In This Article

Our Picks
Other Options We Tested
How We Tested
What to Look for
FAQ
Why Trust The Spruce Pets

4.8

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Chewy View On Walmart

Our Ratings

Design

4.5/5
Performance

2/5
Durability

5/5
Value

5/5
Easy to Clean

5/5

What We Like

Foam seal
Caster wheels
Two stackable containers
Multiple colors available

What We Don't Like

Containers not connected

Our best overall pick is the IRIS Airtight Pet Food Storage Container & Scoop Combo because of its functionality, portability, and airtight seal. While many of the other containers on this list are also airtight, the other features offered by this container system set it apart from the competition. Our tester noted that when sealed and full of dog food, this container did not spill or open when shaken vigorously and tipped over. We also love that this container system is on wheels, making it easy to move in your pantry or throughout your house.

The IRIS Airtight Pet Food Storage Container passed our lab tests with flying colors, garnering perfect scores for the container's design, durability, and ease of cleaning. The latch is easy to open and seals tight, plus it stays attached to the container, so you're not dealing with a bunch of separated parts. The lid fully opens the top of the container, making it easy to dump in big bags of food or access the interior for cleaning.

We also love that there are multiple colors available so that you can purchase the one that best fits your home. The scoop included with this container is also labeled with measurements so that you can know exactly how much food you’re giving your dog. The wide opening also makes this container easy to clean and wipe down when needed.

The combination of thoughtful design elements and substantial durability made the IRIS Airtight Pet Food Storage Container a clear favorite during testing in our labs. The only downside our testers noted was that there is no way to secure the stackable containers to each other, so you have to rely on gravity instead.

We were also less enamored with larger IRIS Airtight storage containers. One that we purchased and tested separately failed both our tip test and sealing test, letting water in at the hinge and soaking the dog food inside. If you're looking at IRIS Airtight Pet Food Storage Containers, we recommend sticking to the combo package or its individual pieces.

Price at time of publish: $40

_{Capacity: 33-quart container stores up to 25 pounds; 12-quart container stores up to 10 pounds | Dimensions: 16.5 x 10.83 x 18.63 inches (33-quart) and 16.5 x 10.83 x 6.5 (12-quart) | Material: Food-grade, BPA-free plastic}

Courtesy of the Home Depot
Amazon
Vicky Wasik
Vicky Wasik

4.2

Van Ness Food Container with Fresh-Tite Seal with Wheels

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Chewy View On Walmart

Our Ratings

Design

5/5
Performance

2/5
Durability

4/5
Value

5/5
Easy to Clean

5/5

What We Like

"Fresh-tite" seal
Wheels
Easy to clean

What We Don't Like

Small capacity
Will spill when knocked over

You don’t have to spend a fortune to get a quality dog food storage container. With its 25-pound max capacity, the Van Ness Food Container is a bit smaller than some of the others on this list, but if you have a small dog or prefer to buy smaller quantities of food at one time, it’s a good fit. The container is constructed of food-grade plastic and has a seal that keeps air and pests out, so the food lasts longer. It also sits on top of four wheels, so if you need to move it around, you can do so easily without having to struggle to lift a full dog food container.

Our testers noted that while this container claims to have a "fresh-tite" seal, the top did come off when the container was knocked over during testing, so this may not be the best option for families with mischievous pets or larger dogs. It's also not waterproof, so it should not be left outside. Despite these design issues, we still think its reasonable price makes it a great choice for a dog food container.

Price at time of publish: $29

_{Capacity: 25 pounds | Dimensions: 13.75 x 15.2 x 16.3 inches | Material: Food-grade plastic}

Van Ness dog food container fresh tite — The Spruce Pets / Leticia Almeida

4.7

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Home Depot

Our Ratings

Design

5/5
Performance

4/5
Durability

5/5
Easy to Clean

5/5

What We Like

Comes in three sizes
Narrow design
Lock-tight handle
Magnetic lid with a mounted scoop

What We Don't Like

Easy to tip over

The Simplehuman Pet Food Can is a definite splurge compared to the other options on this list we feel it's worth the price. The fingerprint-proof stainless steel outer shell has a BPA-free plastic inner bucket that’s removable for easy filling and quick cleaning. Rather than a screw-on or clip top, it features a large, ergonomic lock-tight handle that activates a silicone gasket and forms an airtight seal that keeps pests out (and prevents your pets from getting in). And as a bonus, it has a magnetic lid with an included measuring scoop that attaches to the lid, so at feeding times, you never have to go digging into the dog food to find the scoop.

During our performance tests, our testers noted that no food fell out when the container was knocked over, and the scoop stayed magnetized to the lid. When submerged during the water-resistance test, our testers said that everything became wet except for the bin holding the dog food, which stayed completely dry. Although this container can be easily knocked over, its locked and airtight lid makes it completely spillproof, which is a huge plus for busy homes with mischievous pets.

We tested the 25-quart medium-sized version of the Simplehuman storage can, but two larger sizes are also available.

Price at time of publish: $130

_{Capacity: Medium (27 pounds), large (32 pounds), and X-large (40 pounds) | Dimensions: 10.4 x 18.1 x 19.4 inches (medium), 10.4 x 18.1 x 23.2 inches (large), 10.4 x 18.1 x 27.4 inches (X-Large) | Material: Stainless steel, BPA-free plastic}

simplehuman-25-liter-pet-food-storage-container — The Spruce Pets / Leticia Almeida

The Best Dog Foods That Your Pup Will Chow Down

4.6

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Chewy View On Walmart

Our Ratings

Design

5/5
Performance

3/5
Durability

5/5
Value

5/5
Easy to Clean

5/5

What We Like

Large capacity
Scoop included
Stackable
BPA-free, HDPE plastic

What We Don't Like

Not waterproof

This airtight container is easy to fill and open with a screw-on top that will keep your pet’s food fresh. There are several sizes available so that you can choose a capacity that best fits your pet’s needs. Our tester noted that this container passed all of our performance tests (kicking, punching, and knocking over) except for the water submersion portion. While being submerged underwater, water was able to leak into this container and ruined the dog food, so we do not recommend using this container for outside storage, especially if you live in a particularly wet climate.

Aside from this design flaw, our tester loved how easy it was to clean this container. They also noted that the design of this container made it easy to set it out of the way in your pantry and not worry about a dog food smell affecting other food items. The included scoop also makes it easy to fill your dog’s food bowl, while the thick plastic will prevent any especially curious pets from getting into the container and breaking it.

Price at time of publish: $22

_{Capacity: 15, 25, 30, 35, 50, or 80 pounds | Dimensions: Varies based on capacity | Material: BPA-free, HDPE plastic}

The 8 Best Natural Dog Foods of 2023

Wayfair

View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Wayfair

What We Like

Can be personalized
Vintage look that fits in with home decor
Airtight seal

What We Don't Like

Smaller capacity than other options
Doesn’t have a hinge lid so you have to fully remove the lid

If you want a dog food storage container that fits in a little bit more personality, the Outshine White Farmhouse Pet Food Bin is an aesthetically pleasing option that adds a vintage touch to your space. It’s constructed of powder-coated carbon steel that’s virtually indestructible and comes with a cling sticker that you can use to customize it. You can use a permanent marker or opt for a dry-erase marker that allows you to change the personalization as you see fit. With its 12-pound capacity, it’s the smallest container on this list, but it’s excellent for smaller bags of kibble or for storing treats.

Price at time of publish: $44

_{Capacity: 12 pounds | Dimensions: 11 x 7 x 13 inches | Material: Powder-coated carbon steel}

The 12 Best Dog Chews of 2023

4.5

Ruffwear Kibble Kaddie Dog Food Travel Bag

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Backcountrygear.com View On Ruffwear.com

Our Ratings

Design

5/5
Performance

5/5
Durability

5/5
Easy to Clean

3/5

What We Like

Food-safe material
Compact design with pour spout
Fits 10 pounds of food

What We Don't Like

Not easy to wash

If you like to take your pup on the road, the Ruffwear Kibble Kaddie is a must-have. It has a compact design with a food-safe main compartment and a separate internal pocket that you can use to store bowls, supplements, or anything else your dog needs to live its best life. It can fit 42 cups, which is roughly 10 pounds of dry food, and has an internal spout that makes it easy to pour, so you don’t have to mess around with scoops when you’re traveling. As you use the food, the roll-down closure comes down to meet the volume to keep food fresh and secure. Plus, the side buckles clip together to form a convenient carrying handle so you can take it with you on hikes, camping, or other adventures.

Our tester noted that this bag kept very secure and did not leak any food or come undone when put through our performance and durability tests. While this bag is very convenient for travel, our tester said that she was worried about washing it and how long it would take to air dry. Despite this concern, our tester said that she thought it would be great for camping, or other travel, because of its durable design and materials.

Price at time of publish: $45

_{Capacity: 42 cups (roughly 10 pounds) | Dimensions: 7.87 x 9.45 x 16.93 inches | Material: Waterproof nylon}

The Container Store

View On The Container Store

What We Like

Airtight silicone seal
Made of durable acrylic
Looks cute on the counter

What We Don't Like

Only comes in one design

This Good Dog Treat Canister is a small-capacity storage solution that keeps small bags of your dog’s favorite snacks fresh and close by at all times. It’s made from food-safe acrylic, so it’s durable and resistant to scratches, and thanks to its flip-up bone lever, it’s also easy to open—a huge plus for those with less manual dexterity. When the bone is flipped down, it triggers an airtight silicone seal that keeps moisture and pests out, and when it’s turned up, you can use it as a handle to pull the lid right off.

Price at time of publish: $19

_{Capacity: 1.9 quarts (approximately 1 pound) | Dimensions: 5.13 x 7.25 inches | Material: Food-safe acrylic}

Final Verdict

The IRIS Airtight Food Storage Container has plenty of room to fit 35 pounds worth of dog food and treats, but if you prefer less plastic, the Simplehuman Pet Food Can is a worthwhile splurge that’s constructed of stainless steel and has an airtight gasket closure.

Buddeez "Bag-In" Pet Food Dispenser: While this storage container has a high capacity and passed our performance tests, our tester noted that it would be difficult to pick up and pour out food when the container is completely full. She also said that the top was easy to not properly lock, so if not locked, this container could spill when tipped over.

We researched and bought 26 pet food containers for testing in The Lab to put their claims of airtight seals and weatherproof design to the test. Our testers first evaluated the design of the containers, noting features such as wheels, carrying handles, scoops, and material. To test performance, our testers filled each container with food and shook and tipped it over, noting if the top came off and if any food spilled out. If a container claimed to be airtight, our testers submerged the container (full of food) in water and checked to see if water leaked into the food chamber.

Then, our testers evaluated the durability of each container after putting them through the performance tests based on whether the containers showed signs of damage or wear. Our testers also tested the ease of cleaning each container by dumping out the food and wiping the containers with wet towels. They made note of any difficult portions to clean and whether the opening was large enough for a thorough cleaning. After evaluating and testing each container, we asked our testers to consider the price of the container and rate its overall value.

For containers that we were not able to test in the Lab, we researched the best options, evaluating on a similar basis of performance reviews and material. We also made note of customer reviews and considered the containers' overall capacity and features to select the best.

Size

Finding the right container is a balancing act—too big, and food could go stale or rancid before you get to the bottom, but too small, and you can't fit an entire bag inside. How big of a container you'll need will depend on how much your dog eats and varies according to their size and diet, but aim for one that fits about a 30-day supply of food to prevent spoilage.

Seal

While it's best to seal the entire bag of food inside a dog food container rather than emptying the food directly into the container, you'll still want as tight a seal as possible. This prevents bugs and moisture from getting in and spoiling your dog's food. Airtight options, like a screw top or gasket seals, are best.

Material

Plastic, glass, and stainless steel are some of the most common materials used to make dog food storage containers. All are acceptable, but if you’re choosing plastic, we recommend making sure it’s food-grade and free of BPA, which is an endocrine disrupter that dogs may be exposed to via food containers and packaging.

Whether you're storing food directly in the container or putting the entire bag of dog food in, you'll want something that's easy to wash with soap and water. After cleaning, always let the container fully dry before adding more pet food or sealing it closed.

FAQ

Is it safe to store dog food in a plastic container?

As long as it’s made with food-grade plastic, it’s safe to store dog food in a plastic container, but we do recommend avoiding plastics that contain BPA to reduce your dog's exposure to this chemical.
If you’re worried about the food coming into contact with the plastic, you can also keep the food in its original bag and put the entire thing into the plastic container.
What is the best way to keep pests out of dog containers?

The best way to keep pests out of dog containers is to choose an airtight, ant- and pest-proof container and make sure that it’s tightly sealed every time you’re done scooping food out of it. These containers also keep humidity away from the dog food and keep it fresh as long as possible.
Do dog food containers need to be airtight?

Dog food containers don’t need to be airtight, but the food lasts longer and stays fresher, and pests—like ants, bugs, and rodents—can’t get to it if it is. As soon as dog food is exposed to air, humidity, and higher temperatures, it starts to break down and lose its freshness. While your dog may still be OK with eating it, it’s akin to you eating food that’s gone stale.

Lindsay Boyers is a dog mom of two large breeds that consistently have at least 50 pounds of food stored away. While she personally uses (and loves) the Simplehuman Pet Food Can, she understands that the accompanying price tag isn’t for everyone. As such, she extensively researched the best dog food storage containers and came up with more options based on positive reviews from happy pet parents.

Emma Phelps is an Updates Writer for The Spruce Pets, who updated this article to include our latest testing results from The Lab. Phelps has several years of experience researching the best-rated products and writing insight and helpful product overviews.

The 16 Best Dog Treats of 2023