We Tested 25 Storage Containers for Dog Food And These 7 Are The Best (2024)

• Our Picks

• Other Options We Tested

• How We Tested

• What to Look for

• FAQ

• Why Trust The Spruce Pets

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.

_{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}

You don’t have to spend a fortune to get aquality dog foodstorage 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.

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

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 atfeeding 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.

_{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}

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

_{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.

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’tneedto 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.

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