Storing cat food

[Davis]

There was recently some concern on another thread over plastic as a means of storing cat food in the refrigerator to keep it fresh. I wanted to know myself, so I did some investigating.  I personally still like the Ziploc idea, because I can squeeze out the excess air as food is used, which probably helps with the freshness, but also saves me frig space. And since they are flexible, I can push them into empty corners or shapes, and stack them if necessary.  I was thinking that large "glass" canning jars or mayo jars would work well, but the thought of trying to store 15 lbs of food in the frig in rigid containers does not seem very space saving. Then as the food is used, you are left with air space in the container.

From what I've been able to gather, the Ziploc bags (and some others) are NOT made of a toxic form of plastic and are supposed to be safe, but who knows? They suggest lining the bags with wax paper for extra protection.  Anyway, here are a few links with some great information, definitely confirming that there are dangers with plastic food containers (for human foods too). I have now thrown out my cat's plastic food/water bowls...never again!  I'm going to be making several other changes too. But I'm sticking with the Ziplocs and a wax paper liner for cat food storage, at least for now.
http://www.seventhgeneration.com/making_difference/newsletter_article.php?article=333&issue=47
http://www.thegreenguide.com/doc/77/plastics
http://www.nontoxiclife.com.au/index.php?main_page=page&id=28&chapter=0

P.S.  Isn't all dry pet food originally packaged in bags with plastic liners?  We can only do so much.

[lacy]

Oh no! Just last week I poured most of my huge bag of california natural into a big plastic container! Should I throw all of it out?? Would that be over the top?

[Davis]

No, I don't think anything that drastic is in order.  It depends on what type of plastic the container is.  The grade charts should help you figure that out.  I also think this is something that is less likely with dry food products (but it can still be a concern).  And the risk is increased with contact time. I would just transfer it now if you are worried.

[garypen]

Would that be over the top?

I think so.

I do the same thing you do. And, I'm definitely not gonna dump mine.

I might just send an email to Iris USA, the company that makes the storage container. I'm curious what type of plastic they are made of. We use another just like it to store rice. And, we eat a lot of rice. But, other than the burning eyes and severe rashes, we appear to be okayyyyyyyyyyyy.

[Geff]

Thanks for the information (I think so anyways; it looks like 1 more thing to obsess about! (-:  )! The plastic container I bought for kittie's food is a clear garbage can made by Sterilyte. I can't find any info on whether it's a relatively benign or an evil plastic. I will keep my eyes open for a metal container.
I'm not throwing out 16 lbs of food, especially with the Cal Nat ingredient change.

The info on not using plastic in the microwave is new to me. Unfortunately, I do that somewhat frequently. I'll need to find other ways to boil water in the mw if possible.

[Mary K]

Oh, yeah! The absolute worst is a microwave meal, complete with plastic covering. Heat one of those for about 6 minutes and the toxins literally drip into the food. And they call them healthy meals!     

[garypen]

EVERYBODY knows about plastics in microwaves.

Please be careful with metal containers. I'd worry about those as much, if not more than plastic. I suppose stainless steel is OK. But, many metal products leach metals into the food. I'd be more worried about lead or aluminum, myself.

[Davis]

Yes, I was thinking the same thing about the metal.  I'm pretty confident about the Ziplocs.  I'm sticking with those.

[Geff]

I used a 3 pound metal container that Royal Canin gave away for years. Shows you what I know............

This is starting to feel overwhelming again. While I don't want to be in denial over the info shared here, I also need to remember that right now my cat has more energy then he's had in at least the last 6 months & seems to be doing really well.

[eternaljester81]

Geff,
What kind of food does your kitty eat?

[Geff]

Geff,
What kind of food does your kitty eat?

Since the recall started after trying several we've settled on Natura California Natural Chicken & Rice Dry.

[Geff]

Yes, I was thinking the same thing about the metal.  I'm pretty confident about the Ziplocs.  I'm sticking with those.

I asked the independent pet store where i bought more food today what they reccomended for storage. The owner was opposed to plastic; she said the problem with plastic is that as the food ages bacteria from the food will grow on the plastic & get back into the food. She talked me into a very expensive metal can with some sort of special paint. It was $22 to hold 10 pounds, I hope she is knowledgable & not just looking for a sale!

[Cindy Nevarez]

BTW, that wouldn't happen in the freezer.

[Geff]

Cindy, that thought has crossed my mind. Would freezing do any harm? How long would the food be good after defrosting? I don't think I could giveit to him until it defrosts unless I wanted broken kitty teeth!

Natura was very clear that they strongly suggest throwing away any food left 3 months after opening the bag. As this bag is 16 lbs for 1 cat, if freezing would work, it would sure save some food!

[garypen]

That's why I buy the 8lb bag.