Preserving pet food – preserving and storing correctly

Tips on wet food, dry food, preservation methods and best-before date

Many people’s favorites are their pets, which is why they don’t want to compromise when it comes to preserving pet food. Of course, everyone wants their beloved pets to be well cared for and fed. Many suppliers rely on high-quality ingredients and opt for practical preservation. But how can the food be preserved gently and for a long time?
Preserving pet food requires a great deal of responsibility. It ensures the uncomplicated, inexpensive and, above all, healthy care of pets. After all, dogs, cats and the like should stay fit and vital for a long time. Compatibility and nutrient content are important factors here. For an ideal vitamin intake – it’s best to cook and prepare fresh food every day? That doesn’t have to be the case. Not every dog owner has the time and capacity to do this. In addition, fresh food spoils quite quickly, which can lead to unnecessary waste and even endanger the health of the animal. It’s not even necessary, because there are wonderful alternatives: Here we present some methods for preserving pet food. So that tasty and healthy food arrives in the bowl every day – without having to spend hours at the stove …

There are different ways of preserving dog food, for example. These are divided into three main categories:

• Chemical preservation: This involves the use of additives that inhibit the growth of microorganisms.
• Physical preservation: Tried and tested methods such as drying, freezing or boiling rely on temperature or the removal of water.
• Biological preservation: Uses natural processes or microorganisms to preserve food.

Each method has its advantages and areas of application. In this article, you will find out how the shelf life of pet food can be extended using simple methods – for happy and healthy four-legged friends. And how we at KORIMAT can help food manufacturers to produce good, nutritious and tasty pet food.

Physical processes: preserving pet food in no time at all

Preferably without additives … Physical processes are particularly popular because they do not require any additives and can still guarantee the quality of the feed for a long time. Three tried and tested methods:

1. Drying: By removing water, the growth of microorganisms is inhibited. Dried food such as dried meat or pieces of fruit keep for a long time. It is important that drying is carried out gently in order to preserve nutrients.
2. Preserving: This traditional method uses heat to kill germs and seal the food airtight. This involves heating jars or tins, which significantly extends the shelf life – ideal for home-made portions of wet food.
3. Freezing: Fresh wet food can be preserved very well by freezing. The low temperatures stop bacterial processes almost completely so that the fresh quality is retained. Practical for larger quantities or infrequent feeding.

These physical methods help to effectively preserve pet food using simple means and without chemicals.

Tips for preserving pet food

When canning pet food, it is important to follow some basic tips to ensure the shelf life and safety of the food. Here are some important points to consider if you plan to do it yourself. Professionals use our professional autoclaves from KORIMAT:

1. Preparation for preserving pet food: First prepare the pet food and fill into clean jars or suitable containers. Close the jars tightly and boil in a water bath. This applies to both home cooking and industrial processes.
2. Note the temperature and duration of cooking: Please make sure that the temperature is high enough throughout to ensure safe preservation. The exact duration depends on the recipe and the type of food. Our KORIMAT appliances always ensure a suitable core temperature.
3. Observe safety measures when preserving: Anyone canning at home should always keep the golden rule in mind: Only use really clean jars and lids to avoid contamination. It should go without saying that the jars should be sealed airtight after canning – and remain so. This is the only way to ensure a long shelf life.

Following these rules will ensure that the canned pet food remains fresh and long-lasting. At KORIMAT, we use our many years of experience in this field to ensure that every pet receives the best possible food.

Storage and shelf life of (home-made) pet food

Storage tips: To keep everything tasty, always make sure it is kept clean and check the condition of the food regularly. To extend the shelf life and keep everything fresh for a long time, choose food that has been stored under optimal storage conditions in undamaged containers – i.e. without contact with oxygen – in a suitable place.

If you want to do it yourself, you now know what to look out for, but what about storing it at home? Proper storage of homemade pet food is crucial to ensure that the food stays fresh and retains its nutrients. Once cooked or dried, pet food – whether homemade or bought – should always be stored in a cool, dark and dry place. A store cupboard or pantry works well as long as the temperature remains constant and no moisture can penetrate. Nutrient-rich food is always advisable to promote your pet’s health.

Preserving pet food – important information on storage:

• Make sure you use airtight containers or jars to prevent air and germs from entering.
• Label the containers with the date of manufacture to keep track of the shelf life.

Shelf life after opening plays a major role in the safety of the food supply. Opened portions of food should always be stored in the refrigerator and fed within 2 to 3 days, otherwise bacteria can multiply quickly. Fresh wet food is best frozen in portions and only defrosted shortly before feeding.

Supplements to the general diet of pets

To keep your pet healthy in the long term, certain supplements in their diet are important. Healthy oils, for example, play a key role in the long-term nutrition of pets. They provide essential fatty acids that make the coat shiny and keep the skin supple. They are particularly popular:

• Salmon oil: Rich in omega-3 fatty acids, it supports the heart, brain and joints.
• Linseed oil: source of omega-3 and omega-6, boosts the immune system.

In addition to oils, mineral supplements are also essential. They provide your pet with important trace elements such as zinc, iron or calcium, which are important for bone formation, metabolism and general vitality. As a general rule, vitamins and nutrients should always be known.

When dosing, it is better to take a little and regularly than too much at once. This will prevent deficiency symptoms or overdosing. A look at your pet’s needs will help you to select the right supplements and integrate them optimally into the feed plan.

Hygiene and safety when it comes to preserving pet food

Hygiene should not be underestimated

When you buy feed, make sure you buy from trustworthy suppliers. If you are responsible for producing the feed yourself, you should pay attention to the following points:

• Cleanliness: Make sure that all utensils and surfaces are thoroughly cleaned before you start cooking.
• Fresh ingredients: Always use fresh ingredients to avoid the formation of pathogens.
• Temperature control: Maintain the correct temperatures, especially when preserving or storing pet food, to inhibit the growth of bacteria.
• Safety measures: Wear gloves when handling raw meat and make sure to keep cooked and raw foods separate.

You can easily avoid health risks due to improper preservation and thus ensure the safe feeding and well-being of your furry friends.

Conclusion: Food for healthy animals – child’s play with the right helpers

Preserving pet food: easier than you think

Contact us if you have any questions or need an experienced partner at your side as a supplier. As experts in the field of food preservation of all kinds, we can answer your questions and are happy to help.

Here is a brief summary of the methods used for pet food:

• Physical processes such as drying, boiling and freezing preserve nutrients and prevent premature spoilage.
• Hygiene is essential to minimize health risks.
• Correct storage extends the shelf life and ensures fresh food.

The health of pets is important to us, which is why we are the right contact for responsible feed manufacturers.