TUPPER WHERE?!
Is your cat a picky eater? Serial barfer? Itchy guy? Before you run and put your cat on a prescription diet, we have a question for you - how do you store your cat’s kibble? If you say “a plastic container” we can probably save you an expensive vet visit and improve your cat’s quality of life. Neat!
Storing dry food in a plastic container may seem like the right thing to do if you want to keep food fresh, prevent pest infestation, or keep your Pinterest pantry pristine. However, it’s one of the worst ways you can store kibble. But don't stress about it; even your charming hosts have made this mistake. We've all been there.
If you want to hear Kate and Eggs ramble on for twenty minutes, listen to the episode. And if not - here’s whatcha need to know:
Plastic is porous af. It’s like a dirty little sponge that soaks up fat via microscopic pores. Over time, the fat goes rancid and contaminates everything that gets poured inside. Even if you scrub the thing out. It’s a chemical bond, baby! Fats and oils contribute to palatability. Lipids oxidize and go rancid as the world spins. When you pour fresh food into a stanky plastic container, it spoils more quickly. Your cat may be like, “Nah, bro.” We often hear, “My cat is so picky! She only likes a bag of food for the first few days and then turns her nose up at it.” It’s ‘cause it’s funky, dude. Save the funk for Parliament!
Plastic containers may contain chemicals that can leach into food. Yes, even plastic containers marketed FOR storing kibble. Yes, even plastic wearing a “BPA-free” sticker. Per/polyfluoroalkyl substances are used to make products resistant to water, stains and heat. They are called “forever chemicals” because they do not naturally break down and can accumulate in humans. Barf.
How long should a bag of food last? Only buy what your pet/s can eat within 6-8 weeks. If a bag of food lasts you and your cat six months (and they’re eating it), that’s cool. But it’s still probably stale and rancid. Not only does oxidation affect taste, but it alters the chemical structure of lipids, which makes them less bioavailable. Science!
Consider these alternatives:
Store the food in the BAG, in the container.
Use a glass or stainless vessel.
Feed wet/raw food! (;