Anybody freezing kibble?

[Lori, Winnie, Bob and Indie]

I've always heard that an open bag of kibble should be used within a 4 week time period. Right now I've been taking a week's worth out of the bag and putting it in a big plastic bowl with a sealed lid. What's left in the bag is rolled up tightly.

Lately I've decided to do more home cooking to mix with the kibble. So, now a 28 lb pound bag is lasting 6 weeks (or a little longer) instead of 4-5. Is that OK, or should I be freezing what's left in the bag? If freezing won't help, I can buy the smaller 15 lb bag. But, I'm saving $100 a year by buying the larger bag! :-)

[Bonnie Barber]

Storage mites! New to me. What symptoms arise from this? Thanks for all the wonderful info you provide in this forum.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Bonnie, storage mites are creatures similar to dust mites, and like dust mites, they are highly allergenic to both people and dogs. Storage mite allergies are very common. The symptoms of storage mite allergies are the same as for other environmental/inhalant allergies: itching, scratching, biting & licking paws, rubbing face, skin & eye infections. etc. Here's a discussion I posted after JD tested positive, with a lot of information: http://www.doodlekisses.com/group/thefoodgroup/forum/topics/storage...

[Sarah Kuiper]

Is it horrible if I don't freeze it? I don't think I have the room in my freezer! I have only one 9 week only pup so I'm sure he will go past the recommended time

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

I don't have room in my freezer either, so I don't buy a bag that holds more than JD can eat in a month. 

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

It's not horrible to have more than a month's worth open, but besides storage mites, I find a lot of dogs really prefer the food when the bag is first opened and tend to eat fresher food more enthusiastically. 

[Sarah Kuiper]

good to know! what are the symptoms of storage mites again?

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

It's not really that there are symptoms of storage mites, lol. Storage mites are a common allergen. The info is in a link in my reply 5 responses right above. 

[Lori, Winnie, Bob and Indie]

In addition to storage mites, the other problem I've been reading about is how the good fish oils that we love to see in high quality dog food are very fragile and subject to going rancid very quickly. The natural preservatives in most dog foods slow the process, but don't stop it from happening. The thick bags that dog food comes in are supposedly designed to lessen this, but as Karen pointed out, compound the problem of storage mites.

My chest freezer is gradually becoming "Winnie's Freezer." I've been putting in there bags of bully sticks, beef tracheas and her home cooked stew that I make for her. And, now with the addition of kibble, DH is going to have an even harder time finding his pizzas and ice cream.... :-)

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

LOL, my freezer is filled with chicken breasts for the homecooked portion of JD's diet. Since the normal price in my area is 3.99/lb., and he goes through about 5 lbs a week, when they're on sale, I stock up. 

[Lori, Winnie, Bob and Indie]

Yup, chicken breasts, ground turkey, salmon, etc. And, I scored some really good water-packed/no salt added sardines. So, Winnie now has a section of my pantry, too. :-)