The 7 Best Dog Food Storage Containers of 2024, Tested by Real Pet Parents
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People / Leticia Almeida
When you bring a dog into your family, there are so many exciting things to get — plushy beds, chew toys, and collars — but you also have to remember the practical things like dog food storage containers. You don’t want to spend an exorbitant amount of money on your dog food brand of choice only to have it spill or dry out due to a flimsy storage container. Even worse, loose dog food can affect the food’s shelf life and attract pesky bugs and critters.
“Moisture, air, temperature fluctuations, and time make an algorithm that determines the shelf life of your pet's food. Too much of any of these aspects may change the taste, nutritional value and/or promote the growth of mold or bacteria.”—Emily Luisiana, DVM, DACVIM, board-certified veterinary nutritionist
That’s why choosing the right container and practicing good hygiene when feeding your dog are so important. Out of the 26 dog food storage containers PEOPLE Tested, these seven held up the best in design, performance, and durability.
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Best Overall: IRIS Airtight Food Storage Container & Scoop Combo
Star Qualities
User-friendly and easy to clean
Comes with two chambers and a scoop
Held up to our durability tests
Red Flags
Not entirely airtight
The Iris Airtight Food Storage Container earned perfect scores across the board, making it an easy choice for our best overall dog food container. This container makes mealtime a breeze, as its design is easy to open, pour food from, and clean.
Editors Say
“I have had this dog food storage container for almost six years! I typically buy a 30-pound bag of kibble for my 40-pound dog, and it can hold almost the entire bag in the larger container. I keep it at the bottom of the pantry, and the wheels make it easy to roll in and out for daily feedings. The smaller 12-quart container is great for storing bags of treats, poop bags, and monthly medications.” —Kayla Kitts, shopping editor
While the container isn’t quite airtight (water leaked inside during our dunk test), it held up to intense impacts. Our tester said this model can be vigorously shaken and no food will come out (perfect for big dogs that get hangry). Its durability, ease of use, and two-chamber capacity make this a great dog food storage container — one also loved by our editors.
Airtight: Somewhat, with minimal water exposure | Colors: 8 | Extra Features: Wheels, two compartments, and included scoop | Capacity: 45 quarts | Dimensions: 16.50 x 10.83 x 18.63 inches
Best Budget: Van Ness 10-Pound Food Container with Fresh-Tite Seal
Star Qualities
One of the least expensive picks on our list
No-frills solution with a simple design
Red Flags
Not completely airtight
Spilled some food when knocked over
We love a good deal, and this container offers a simple solution to food storage needs at an affordable price. This is a smaller container — holding up to 10 pounds of food — so it would be ideal for a more petite pet or a dog living in a small apartment. “I could see it easily fitting into a drawer or smaller cabinet,” our tester said.
When tested for airtightness and durability, this container allowed water in when submerged and spilled some food when pushed over. That being said, our tester gave it a higher durability score than the larger version of this same food container, and the “fresh-tite” seal should keep food fresh. The shape and size of this container also make it extremely easy to clean.
While this may not offer the bells and whistles of other models on our list, it provides a secure and fresh place to store your dog’s food for a budget-friendly price.
Airtight: No, but has "fresh-tite" seal | Colors: 1 | Extra Features: None | Capacity: 10 pounds | Dimensions: 9.75 x 10.5 x 12.25 inches
Best Splurge: Gunner Food Crate
Star Qualities
Truly airtight
Sturdy design resists impact; keeps pests out and won’t spill food
Red Flags
Not as easy to clean as others we tried
If you’re willing to drop a dime on a dog food storage container, this is the one you should go for. This container was extremely durable, withstanding tips and falls without compromising the airtight seal. When fully submerged underwater, all food inside stayed completely dry. The secure lid keeps out moisture and rodents (and traps any dog food smells within!). The strong seal also makes this a great pick for outdoor use, as this container is sure to withstand the elements.
The only mild complaint is the lack of scoop and difficulty cleaning the inside of this container. We found the coarse plastic got dirty easily and the rubber seal absorbed dog food, while the small opening made the inside more difficult to clean. If your priority is durability, then this is the container for you, but if you’re looking for an easy-to-clean option, consider one of our other picks, like the Simplehuman Storage Can.
Airtight: Yes | Colors: 3 | Extra Features: Odor-proof, waterproof, rodent-proof | Capacity: 50 pounds | Dimensions: 23.75 x 13.2 x 17.5 inches
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Best Airtight: Simplehuman Pet Food Storage Can
Star Qualities
Truly airtight (it’s even waterproof)
Easy to use and clean
Red Flags
Stainless steel material may get dented
This stainless steel container is sleek on the outside and efficient on the inside. With a simple lid and latch combo, wide space for pouring food, and a secure and airtight chamber, this container will keep your dog’s food fresh longer, and protect it from bugs and accidental spills. Our tester appreciated the easy-to-remove liner bin (which makes for easy cleaning) and the wheels which provide mobility.
During our impact test, the container remained perfectly secure so no kibble spilled. The magnetic scoop also stayed in place, making it easy to find when you need it (right inside the lid). During the water test, this container impressed our team with its ability to keep food dry: Despite being completely submerged, and some water seeping into the exterior chamber, the internal bin where the food is kept remained dry. If you’re looking for a container that is truly airtight and easy to clean, this container will work wonders for mealtimes.
While the stainless steel material might not hold up well to scratches and dents, it does provide stability. It’s also “super easy to clean,” since you can pull the liner bin out and just rinse it in the sink.
Airtight: Yes | Colors: 3 | Extra Features: Rear wheels, fingerprint-proof | Capacity: 25 liters | Dimensions: 10.4 x 18.1 x 19.4 inches
Best for Outdoors: Behrens Galvanized Steel Dry Food Storage Can
Star Qualities
Super secure storage container
Can survive impacts, hold up against inclement weather, and keep out critters
Red Flags
No airtight sealants
Lid is tricky to put on
If you need an outdoor dog food storage container, the Behrens Galvanized Steel Can will keep your pet’s food secure. No food fell from this can, even when turned upside down and shaken.
With stellar impact-resistance, this can was extremely durable and able to sustain being kicked, pushed, and tipped over. It was also easy to clean — it only needed a once-over with a cleaning wipe.
There is no pour spout or airtight sealant, and the lid is a bit tricky to get on, but these aren’t dealbreakers to us.. This dog food storage container is well-priced for the value, and would make a great addition to any dog owner’s backyard.
Airtight: No | Colors: 1 | Extra Features: Wire-reinforced rim, wire handle locks cover on | Capacity: 6 gallons | Dimensions: 13.5 x 13.5 x 12.8 inches
Best for Small Dogs: ProKeeper 4.1-Quart Cereal Dispenser
Star Qualities
Flip-to-pour top makes feedings easy
Airtight seal keeps food fresh (and pests out)
Red Flags
Ideal for tiny dogs, but too small for most
If you have a small dog, qualities like ease of use, quality of design, and easy cleaning will matter more than durability. PEOPLE associate editorial director Erin Johnson swears by the Progressive ProKeeper for its convenient design and small size, which make this pick perfect for tiny kibble.
Editors Say
“Airtight containers for dog food are a must-have for me and my chihuahua named Pup. (If you’ve ever dealt with rodents invading your dog food bag, you know why.) As soon as I bring home a bag of dog food, I pour it into this cereal keeper from Amazon. This keeps the dog food fresh and the rodents and insects out. It also makes it super easy to pour into her dog bowl in the morning.
I have a tiny dog who eats tiny kibble, so this container wouldn’t work for all dog owners, but it’s certainly a lifesaver for me. The 3-quart size is great for my dog’s needs, but Oxo has a 4.5-quart size for those that need a bit more space.”—Erin Johnson, associate editorial director
Airtight: Yes | Colors: 1 | Extra Features: Made with BPA-free plastic, dishwasher safe | Capacity: 3 quarts or 10 cups | Dimensions: 8.75 x 3.75 x 9.5 inches
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Best for Travel: Kurgo Kibble Carrier Travel Dog Food Container
Star Qualities
Simple but effective for food on the go
Durable for travel
Red Flags
Somewhat difficult to wash; needs hand washing and air drying
If you like to take your dogs on adventures with you, but don’t want to risk missing a meal time, consider using this kibble carrier for food on the go! This vinyl bag is PVC-free, and insulated with a food-safe PEVA liner.
The exterior fabric with a rubberized lining makes this bag highly durable. It passed the shake test without error and kept all the food intact within. For extra security, the top of the bag folds down and closes like a dry bag.
On each side, there are extra storage pockets for dog treats, waste bags, and anything else you may want to bring with you. The special hex-weave material helps keep out critters and enclose any oils or odors that come from the kibble. Its cleaning requires hand washing and air drying, which, while not convenient, isn’t a dealbreaker.
Airtight: No | Colors: 2 | Extra Features: Extra storage pockets, PVC-safe materials, foldable for travel | Capacity: 5 pounds | Dimensions: 7 x 7 x 14 inches
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What to Know About Dog Food Storage Containers
Size
The size, or capacity, of your dog food container will depend on the amount of food you need to store. Dog food bags for large dog breeds tend to mimic the size of the dogs, so you’ll need a larger container — say enough for a 50-pound bag — to properly store the food. For smaller dogs, the kibble and bags themselves tend to be smaller (10-to-15-pound bags), so a more compact container would work just fine.
Airtight Seal
If possible, try to look for a dog food storage container with an airtight seal. During our tests, few containers survived the dunk test (though situations where your container will be completely submerged underwater are rare) so having an airtight seal can keep the food fresh longer, and in most cases, keep moisture out.
Materials
When you’re looking at food storage containers (as well as dog bowls) you should consider the material. Most dog food storage containers are made from plastic or stainless steel. “Investigating this, and other realities of pet food handling, was the focus of a study I published earlier this year with North Carolina State University's College of Veterinary Medicine,” says Dr. Luisana. Her study focused on bowls, but the materials are the same, so her findings also apply to storage containers.
“We found no difference in bacterial counts between plastic bowls and less porous materials such as stainless steel or ceramic bowls,” she says. “Additionally, bowl material may affect the taste of food for some animals. For example, plastic bowls may retain odors or food residues and pets receiving certain medications such as chemotherapy may be adverse to metal bowls.” Where you store the food container will also determine which material is the better choice for you.
Storage Location
Where you plan to store the dog food will affect the qualities you need to look for. If you’re keeping the container inside in your kitchen or pantry, then you’ll likely want a secure latch your dog can’t get into and a well-designed container that looks nice in your home. If you’re storing the container outdoors or in a garage, you’ll want to make sure it’s airtight to keep moisture and small critters out, and that the exterior is highly durable to withstand inclement weather.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to store dog food in plastic bins?
Generally yes, although you should check to make sure the plastic is BPA free. BPA, or bisphenol A, is a harmful chemical used to make plastics, especially storage for food and drink products. According to Brent A. Bauer, M.D. at The Mayo Clinic, BPA can seep into foods from containers themselves, and pose harm to those ingesting the food. While it’s FDA-safe in small amounts, consistent exposure can negatively affect your health, so it’s best to stay away from it when possible. BPA-free containers will have it marked on the label.
Should you pour dog food directly into the container?
The short answer is no. “The most common misconception I see regarding pet food storage is the container,” says Dr. Luisana. “Most pet owners dump the contents of a pet food bag into a container, but this actually can make the food degrade faster, and can convey old tastes or bacteria to a new batch of food. If pet food has direct contact with the container, fat can separate from food over time which can promote rancidity. Some owners even report seeing their pet become less interested in the food as it gets to the bottom of the barrel. Pet food manufacturers typically create their bag as part of their storage system and may study the food's shelf life in this way.”
Of course, dog food bags don’t always go with the aesthetic of our homes, and if not sealed properly can contribute to stale food, so a container is still necessary. “I recommend keeping food in the original bag, rolling it down tightly to remove excess air, and then putting this bag in an airtight container. Keeping the bag also allows you to have information you may need in case there is a recall or if your vet has questions about your pet's food,” she says.
What should you do to maintain food hygiene for your pet?
Dr. Luisana actually studied pet food handling and storage as part of her postdoctoral studies and co-authored a research article about dog feeding practices. “Most of us wouldn’t eat off of dirty dishes, but we found that 22 percent of dog owners in our study washed their pet food bowl only once weekly (and 18 percent washed less than every three months or not at all),” she says. “Dirty pet bowls can be sources of bacteria and other studies have found pathogenic strains in bowls. This could be especially concerning in households where pets or people are immunosuppressed or those with young children.”
The same thought applies to dog food storage containers — they need regular cleaning to keep out harmful bacteria and keep your pet (and the rest of your household) safe! The FDA suggests cleaning out the container in between placing each new bag of kibble. “A few other tips for safe pet food handling include washing your hands before and after feeding your pet, avoiding foods that have a high risk of contamination (like raw foods), and not using the same surface to prepare your pet's food as human food,” says Dr. Luisana.
People / Vicky Wasik
Behind the Scenes
To find the most worthy dog food storage containers, we poured kibble into 26 top-rated containers and put them to the test. We rated each based on design, performance and durability, ease of cleaning, and overall value.
Design: No one wants to struggle with a bulky container at mealtime, which is why we rated how user-friendly each container was. Those that were easy to open and close (with secure latches) got high scores. Bonus points for containers that weren’t an eyesore in our pantries.
Performance and Durability: We put the products through physical tests to see which containers would stand the test of time. By shaking, tipping, and dunking these containers underwater, we determined which ones would withstand excited dogs knocking them over and situations like being left in the rain. Our top picks protected against spills, staleness, and other hazards.
Ease of Cleaning: We emptied out each container and wiped them down to see how easy or difficult they were to clean. The best of the best had easy clean-up in mind, whether a dishwasher-safe component or easily removable storage bin.
Overall Value: We put each container to the test and decided which ones were worth their price, ensuring any expensive products had truly stand-out features.
Why Trust PEOPLE?
Madison Yauger is a PEOPLE shopping editor covering beauty, home, travel, and other lifestyle topics. She is a real-life dog mom and has written about the best dog beds, paw cleaners, and dog bowls. For this list of the 7 best dog food storage containers, she compared design, durability, and tester insights on 26 containers. We also consulted Emily Luisana, DVM, DACVIM, a board-certified veterinary nutritionist, on what to look for in a storage container, and Brent A. Bauer, M.D. at The Mayo Clinic on why choosing a BPA-free container is important. Lastly, we considered any editor favorites that have held up in our own pantries.
Our Expert Panel
Emily Luisiana, DVM, DACVIM, is a board-certified veterinary nutritionist at Friendship Hospital for Animals in Washington D.C.
Brent A. Bauer, MD, is a professor of medicine at Mayo Medical School and works on the editorial board at Mayo Clinic Health Letter.
What Is PEOPLE Tested?
We created the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval to help you find the very best products for your life. We use our unique methodology to test products in three labs across the country and with our network of home testers to determine their effectiveness, durability, ease of use, and so much more. Based on the results, we rate and recommend products so you can find the right one for your needs.
But we don’t stop there: We also regularly re-review the categories in which we’ve awarded the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval — because the best product of today might not be the best of tomorrow. And by the way, companies can never buy our recommendation: Their products must earn it, fair and square.
In short, PEOPLE Tested provides recommendations you can trust — every day, every purchase.
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