When looking at dog food storage containers, you need to keep several factors in mind before deciding on which one is right for you. While there are some containers that are very decorative, the primary function of dog food storage is to keep air and water out - and this is the one factor that is more important than all others, even style and size. If you are given the option of a smaller, quality airtight container over a larger and prettier container that does not have an excellent seal, always go with the quality airtight storage container.

The importance of the container being airtight and waterproof is two-fold:

• Firstly, nutrients, such as vitamins and minerals are lost to oxidation. This means every time you open your dog's bag of food, some of its important nutrients are lost. By the time most people get to the bottom of the bag that is not properly stored, almost all vitamins and minerals are gone.
• Secondly, it is very important not to let your dry dog food to get wet or even moist. Humidity can destroy this type of food just as easily as it getting wet. So what's the big deal if it gets a little wet? Mold will start to grow on the food, and you can't always see it right away. Many of these molds have mycotoxins that can harm your dog.

This means that a regular storage tote you can buy in your local home improvement store, while better than just an open bag of food, still really isn't good enough to store your dog's food. You really need to look at a storage bin that is airtight, which will also be waterproof for most people's needs. And there are other advantages to purchasing this type of storage bin, such as keeping the pests out of the food. This means ants, fruit flies, maggots, mice, etc. And if you keep your dog food outside or in your garage, this is even more important as bigger pests can easily break into many regular storage totes.

Another factor to consider when buying a storage container is the size you will need. Determine how much food you usually buy. Are you getting containers to enable you to buy in bulk? There is at least one excellent airtight container that can hold up to 80 lbs. of food. If you have a small dog and don't buy much dog food at one time, there are many very attractive containers that can sit on the counter or floor that have great seals.

Another factor is where you will store your dog food storage bin. Is closet or pantry space tight to where it needs to be out in the open? There are plenty of decorative storage options to meet your needs. Or maybe you need to store the food in the garage. Make sure you get a thick plastic container as mice are great at nibbling through thin plastic. Can you store it in your pantry but it might be a little hard to get to? There are many options with wheels so you can manoeuvre the container in and out as needed. The bottom line is there are many different styles that will accommodate most people, but you need to really think about where and how you will use your container first.

The proper dog food storage containers are vital to keeping your dog food fresh and uncontaminated. There are functional and decorative dog food storage containers that can meet your needs. Just use your diligence to find the type and style that you want, but always make sure it is an airtight container.