In this helpful article, we will give you actionable tips for prepping emergency food for pets: from storing dry kibble to homemade pet food.
Key Takeaways:
- Include your pets in your emergency preparedness plans.
- Build up a three-month supply of your pet’s regular food.
- Store dry kibble in the original bag in a dark, dry, and slightly breathable environment.
- Pay attention to expiration dates on dry pet food bags.
- Canned pet food can last for 2-5 years.
When it comes to emergency preparedness, it’s important to include your pets in your plans.
Disasters or emergencies can disrupt access to pet food, so having a supply of emergency food for pets is crucial as a part of building a home emergency kit.
Building up a three-month supply of your pet’s regular food is a good starting point. Storing dry kibble in the original bag, which provides a dark, dry, and slightly breathable environment, is recommended by pet food experts.
It’s also important to pay attention to the expiration dates on dry pet food bags.
Canned pet food can last for 2-5 years, making it another suitable option for emergency pet food storage.
Freeze-dried pet food is another option, especially for raw food diet enthusiasts. It should be repackaged in Mylar bags with oxygen absorbers and silica packets for long-term storage.
Homemade pet food, either canned or stored ingredients, is also a possibility, although canning recipes haven’t been scientifically tested for safety.
Overall, the key is to have a plan and store enough emergency food for your pets’ needs, rotating it out regularly to maintain freshness.
Table of Contents
Our Experience
Rule number one in the urban prepper’s guide to pet parenting: Don’t forget the fur kids!
Aim for a three-month stash of their chow.
Why? Because planning for pets should be as routine as losing your keys.
Dry kibble storage is a game of keeping it cool, dark, and slightly breathable ā think of it as hiding the good snacks from the kids.
Check those expiration dates like you’re checking for monsters under the bed; nobody likes a surprise gone bad.
Canned pet food is the secret to a worry-free, long shelf life. It’s like the emergency chocolate stash but doesn’t taste as good (to you, hopefully).
Rotate it like you rotate hiding spots for holiday gifts.
Homemade pet food?
Ambitious, but if you’re into that, just remember: canning hasn’t gotten the pet food safety seal of approval yet.
It’s like making a Pinterest craft ā proceed with caution.
Freeze-dried pet food is your lightweight, lasts-forever option. Think astronaut ice cream but less fun at parties.
Repackage with care, as if you’re protecting the last piece of cake from party crashers.
In a nutshell: Pets are part of the crew.
Stock up, keep it fresh, and make sure they’re as ready for the apocalypse as you are.
Because honestly, they’re probably the only ones not complaining about your emergency playlists.
Storing Dry Kibble in the Bag
According to pet food experts, the best way to store dry kibble is to keep it in the original bag.
The bag provides a suitable environment for maintaining freshness, as it keeps the food dry, dark, and allows it to breathe slightly.
The “Best Buy Date” or “Expiration Date” on the bag indicates the manufacturer’s guarantee of optimum freshness and nutritional quality up to that point in time.
Hack: Use vacuum-sealed bags to keep that kibble fresh longer. It’s like using those space-saving bags for your winter clothes, but this time you’re saving food instead of sweaters.
While dry pet food can last for several years, it’s recommended to use it before exceeding the manufacturer’s date.
If additional protection is needed, placing the unopened bag in a metal bin or airtight plastic container can further preserve the kibble. It’s essential to monitor the food’s appearance and smell and discard any that has gone bad before the expiration date.
Table: Comparison of Dry Pet Food Storage Methods
| Storage Method | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|
| Keeping dry kibble in the original bag | – Keeps food dry, dark, and allows it to breathe slightly – Provides a suitable environment for maintaining freshness | – Bag may tear or get damaged, exposing food to air and moisture |
| Placing the unopened bag in a metal bin or airtight plastic container | – Provides additional protection from air, moisture, and pests | – Extra cost of purchasing containers |
By following these storage guidelines, you can ensure that your dry pet food remains fresh and safe for your furry friend.
Storing Canned Pet Food
When it comes to emergency pet food storage, canned pet food is a reliable option.
Most manufacturers guarantee the nutritional quality of canned pet food for a certain period, typically ranging from 2-5 years.
To ensure a continuous supply, it’s recommended to build up a year’s worth of canned pet food and rotate it regularly, using the oldest cans first and replenishing with new ones.
This strategy ensures that the stored canned pet food remains fresh and of high quality in case of a disaster or emergency that disrupts access to new supplies.
To properly store canned pet food, it’s important to find a dark, cool area in your home that is protected from extreme temperature swings.
This ensures that the food remains in optimal condition.
Additionally, it’s crucial to regularly check the expiration dates on the cans and discard any that have exceeded their recommended shelf life.
Having a supply of canned pet food provides peace of mind, knowing that your pets will have access to a nutritious meal during challenging times.
It’s a convenient and reliable option, making it an essential part of your emergency preparedness plan.
| Benefits of Storing Canned Pet Food | Considerations for Storing Canned Pet Food |
|---|---|
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Making Your Own Pet Food
Hack: Use ice cube trays to freeze portion-sized servings of homemade pet food. It’s meal prep for your pet! Plus, it’s super satisfying to pop out a meal cube like you’re serving up a frozen gourmet treat.
Making homemade pet food is a popular choice among pet owners, especially those who prefer organic and raw diets for their furry friends.
Homemade pet food allows you to have control over the ingredients and ensures that your pets are getting a nutritious and balanced diet.
Whether you have a dog or a cat, there are numerous recipes available online for homemade pet food.
Homemade Dog Food
If you have a dog, you can make homemade dog food using ingredients such as lean meats, vegetables, and grains.
It’s important to ensure that the food is properly cooked and that the meat is free from any bones.
To meet your dog’s nutritional needs, you can consult with a veterinarian or a canine nutritionist to create a recipe that suits your dog’s specific requirements.
Homemade Cat Food
Cats have different dietary requirements compared to dogs, and they are obligate carnivores, meaning they require a diet primarily made up of animal-based protein.
Homemade cat food recipes usually include ingredients such as cooked meats, organ meats, and supplements to ensure they receive all the necessary nutrients.
Consulting with a veterinarian or a feline nutritionist can help you create a balanced and nutritious homemade cat food recipe for your feline companion.
When making homemade pet food, it’s important to note that the safety of canning recipes for pet food hasn’t been scientifically tested.
If you choose to can homemade pet food, it’s essential to follow proper canning procedures and ensure that the food is stored correctly.
Additionally, storing extra amounts of the ingredients used in your pet’s food, such as rice, meat, and vegetables, provides a backup supply in case of emergencies.
Pros and Cons of Homemade Pet Food
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| – Control over ingredients | – Requires time and effort to prepare |
| – Customizable to meet specific dietary needs | – Potential for nutrient imbalances without proper guidance |
| – Can be cost-effective in some cases | – Safety concerns related to canning recipes |
| – Suitable for pets with food allergies or sensitivities |
While making your own pet food can be a rewarding experience, it’s essential to ensure that you provide a balanced and complete diet for your pets. Consulting with a veterinarian or a veterinary nutritionist is recommended to create a homemade pet food recipe that meets your pet’s specific nutritional needs.
Store Freeze-Dried Pet Food
Freeze-dried pet food is an excellent option for long-term storage of emergency pet food.
Hack: Keep a marker handy to date the bags when you repackage freeze-dried food. Treat it like labeling leftovers; you don’t want to guess if that chicken is from last week or last year.
This type of food is typically made with high-quality raw ingredients and then freeze-dried to preserve its nutritional value and extend its shelf life.
Freeze-dried pet food offers convenience and is lightweight, making it a practical choice for emergency preparedness.
To ensure the longevity of freeze-dried pet food, it’s important to repack it in Mylar bags with oxygen absorbers and silica packets.
These additional measures help create an optimal storage environment by minimizing exposure to moisture, air, and pests.
By using proper packaging techniques, you can significantly extend the shelf life of freeze-dried pet food and maintain its quality over time.
| Benefits of Freeze-Dried Pet Food | Considerations for Long-Term Storage |
|---|---|
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Popular brands of freeze-dried pet food, such as Stella & Chew’s and Primal, offer a variety of formulas for both dogs and cats.
It’s important to note that the original packaging of freeze-dried pet food is generally not designed for long-term storage.
Therefore, repackaging the food in suitable containers is essential for preserving its quality and extending its shelf life.
By incorporating freeze-dried pet food into your emergency preparedness plan, you can ensure that your pets have a nutritious and reliable food source during challenging times.
Remember to follow proper storage techniques and regularly check the food for any signs of spoilage. With freeze-dried pet food on hand, you can have peace of mind knowing that your pets’ dietary needs are taken care of even in uncertain situations.
Ease Your Pet’s Transition during Back-to-School Season
The back-to-school season can be a challenging time for pets as they adjust to changes in routine and the presence of new items in the house.
Dogs and cats may exhibit signs of stress or anxiety, such as digging, howling, hiding, or loss of appetite.
To ease their transition, it’s important to establish a predictable schedule, gradually increasing the time away from home.
Providing distractions, such as toys, window seats, or food-filled treats, can help alleviate boredom.
Spending quality time with your pet when you are home and ensuring regular exercise can also help reduce stress. If needed, pet sitters or pet daycare can provide additional companionship and stimulation during the day.
Hack: Create a DIY puzzle feeder to keep them entertained while you’re away. It’s like giving your kids a new toy, but this one doesn’t come with loud noises or requires batteries.
During this period, it’s crucial to be patient and understanding with your furry companions, as their behavior changes may be temporary.
By creating a calm and reassuring environment, you can help them adapt to the new routine more easily.
Tips for easing your pet’s transition during the back-to-school season:
- Establish a predictable schedule, gradually increasing time away from home
- Provide distractions such as toys, window seats, or food-filled treats
- Spend quality time with your pet and ensure regular exercise
- Consider pet sitters or pet daycare for additional companionship and stimulation
By following these steps, you can help minimize stress and create a smoother transition for your pets during the back-to-school season.
Remember, their well-being and happiness are essential, and with a little extra care, they can adjust to the new routine with ease.
Conclusion
As a responsible pet owner, emergency preparedness for our furry friends should be a priority.
Ensuring their safety and well-being during disasters or emergencies is crucial.
By building up a supply of emergency food for pets, you can rest assured that their nutritional needs will be met even when access to regular pet food is disrupted.
The back-to-school season can also bring about changes that may stress our pets.
By establishing a predictable schedule, providing them with distractions, and spending quality time together, we can help ease their transition and make this time of year less overwhelming for them.
As we navigate through the hustle and bustle of daily life, it’s important to keep pet safety in mind.
By taking the time to plan ahead and stay informed, we can ensure that our beloved pets are protected in any situation.
Let’s continue to prioritize emergency preparedness for pets, promote pet safety, and provide them with the love and care they deserve.
FAQ
How should I store dry kibble for my pets?
The best way to store dry kibble is to keep it in the original bag, which provides a dark, dry, and slightly breathable environment.
How long does dry pet food last?
Dry pet food can last for several years, but it’s recommended to use it before exceeding the manufacturer’s “Best Buy Date” or “Expiration Date” on the bag.
Can I store canned pet food for emergencies?
Yes, canned pet food can be stored for emergencies. Most cans have a guaranteed nutritional quality for 2-5 years, but it’s important to rotate and use the oldest food first.
Can I make homemade pet food for emergencies?
Yes, you can make homemade pet food for emergencies. Canning homemade pet food can preserve it for up to 10 years, but be aware that canning recipes for pet food haven’t been scientifically tested for safety.
How should I store freeze-dried pet food?
Freeze-dried pet food should be repackaged in Mylar bags with oxygen absorbers and silica packets for long-term storage.
What can I do to ease my pet’s transition during the back-to-school season?
Establish a predictable schedule, gradually increase the time away from home, provide distractions, spend quality time with your pet, and ensure regular exercise.
What lunchbox items should I be careful about in terms of pet safety?
Grapes, raisins, macadamia nuts, and chocolate can be toxic to pets. Cold packs can be toxic if ingested, and plastic snack bags can pose a suffocation risk.
What potential hazards should I watch out for during the back-to-school season?
Keep medications, gum containing xylitol, and small school supplies out of reach of pets to prevent accidents or injuries.
Why is it important to include pets in the emergency preparedness plan?
Including pets in the emergency preparedness plan ensures their safety and well-being in case of disasters or emergencies.
