Does anyone know of a good way to store dog food (indoors) so it doesn't attract bugs?

Question

I lived in my house for three years with no problems whatsoever with the dog food & bugs but for some reason in the past 8 months or so I've had two separate ant invasions and am now seeing other unwanted pests. I've tried moving the location where my dog eats and I've also tried enclosing the big 55lb bag of dog food in a large tupperware bin. The bulk of the problem seems to be that when her food sits out during the day it attracts the pests, but I also don't want to leave my dog without food all day while I'm gone at work. Any ideas? Please help!

Answer 1

I store mine in large plastic bins that are air tight. Feed your dog in the morning first thing and if you do this daily he/she will learn that's meal time--put food down when you wake up and pick up bowl when you leave- the dog will soon learn the schedule and the drill and start eating in the a.m. It may take a week or too but dogs are very adaptable. If you must leave him something-try a raw hide bone left during the day for him to chew on. Trust me he licks his butt--a few ants on the bone won't hurt him. When you get home from work you can feed him again if you chose-but always give him about 1/2 hour to eat and remove his bowl. Get him on a routine based on your schedule and your dog will be healthier and have a regular poop schedule--good luck!!!!

Answer 2

I had this problem with ants and cat food. I did two things: (1) elevated the dish on very small feet to reduce the probability of the ants finding their way into it and (2) I sprinkled talcum powder where I was going to put the dish down. Ants mostly navigate by following scent trails left by themselves or other ants. The powder screws up that whole mechanism.

I did these two things over a year ago and, while we've had plenty of ants come around near the dish, they've never gotten into it.

You didn't say what the other pests are, so I'm not sure it this will work with them. If they're flying insects, that might require more radical measures.

Good luck.

PS: I like Benjamin D's idea. It's a moat!

Answer 3

I agree with old cat lady. It's not a good idea to leave food out all day. Feed your dog a reasonable amount a couple times a day. Not only will this help with unwanted pests, but it will also make for a healthier dog, one that is less likely to be overweight.

Answer 4

sounds like you need to call an exterminator. You shouldn't have a problem with bugs/pests when the food sits out. I have 4 cats and 1 dog and they all free feed and we never have any problems

Answer 5

We keep our dog food in an air tight container. Purina sells them. You can also buy dog food in a zip lock bag now. Again, Purina sells this as well. (Our dogs eat Dave's All Natural)

Answer 6

Companion animals can eat once or twice a day according to their age. You should not leave food out all day long for a cat or a dog.

Answer 7

get a plastic container from a variety store and buy a size of food given to your dog and make sure it has lid to cover and protect from harmful bacteria etc.(wash between each )

Answer 8

you can get ant proof bowls at petsmart, or try placing the bowl on a square of sticky contact paper (sticky side up) to help keep them off the dish. also, try a thick ring of vasoline near the base of the bowl. bugs get caught in that stuff too!

Answer 9

Try getting a piece of cedar wood and placing it under the dog dish...Cedar is toxic to bugs and they stay far away from it. The fresher the wood the better the results.

Answer 10

if your having problems with ants get a flat tray with lips around the edges big enough for the dog bowl to sit in then put water in the flat bowl with the dog bowl sitting in it as the water will stop the ants getting to your dog foods