58 UHeart Organizing: 3 Simple Steps to Stylish Pet Food Storage + Free Printable!

As we tackle the kitchen space this month, it is important to remember and consider all members of the family.  Adults, kids and our furry friends!  To offer up an adorable way to store your pet food, Serena from Pretty Fluffy is joining us today!  I never knew pet food storage could look so good!

To be honest I really was tossing up giving this post another title. Because really, nothing says ugly and boring like pet food storage. You’re probably sitting there thinking of dusty old plastic containers sitting out in the garage, half eaten packets of treats and all sorts of unappealing things lurking the in depths of your cupboards. Monica Gellar would not be proud.

But today is all about saying goodbye to those images, and saying a big fat hello to stylish, safe and modern pet food storage. Because you know what? It’s not as hard as you might think! Here are my top 3 tips for simple, yet ridiculously good looking, pet food storage.

1. Dry Food + Trash Can = Happy Storage Solution

For most people kibble forms the main part of their pet’s diet, so of course it gets number one billing when we’re talking about storage.

There are so many options out there – plastic tubs, storage bins, and even high tech pet food storage containers. But for me the numero uno option will always be popping the dry kibble bags in a good old stainless steel trash can. Why? Well Oscar the Grouch was onto to something my friends…

• Pet food companies spend a lot of money on designing pet food bags to keep the food fresh. By keeping the kibble in the bag it came in, it stays fresh and tasty for your dog.  You also have the bag to refer to if there are ever any pet food recalls.
• By keeping the food in the bag and popping in the trash can, the can prevents any little critters getting in {safety first} and also hides away that eyesore of the dog food bag that’s been sitting on your kitchen counter {prettiness second}.
• Trash cans are inexpensive and come in a range of sizes. Whether you have a solitary cat or a litter of Great Danes, you can find a trash can in a size to suit you that won’t break the bank.
• You can dress them up as much as you want. I’m partial to the rustic galvanized silver look, but the sky is really the limit as to what paint, labels, or designs you want to add to fit the look of your kitchen. 

HOW TO:

You’ll Need: trash can, iron on transfer paper, white fabric {calico, cotton etc}, spray adhesive, food scoop

• Pick out the best trash can size for your storage needs. Wash it thoroughly in warm soapy water, rinse and dry.
• Print out your label {download the free printable in pink HERE and in blue HERE} onto iron on transfer paper. Using a hot iron, iron the transfer on to the white fabric. When cool, trim your label.
• Using an adhesive spray, glue your fabric label to your trash can. Voila! Stylish pet food storage!

2. Treat Yo’ Self with some Treat Jars

Hands up who buys pet treats, opens them, and then leaves them lying around the kitchen? Yep, I totally used to do that too. But not anymore. Sister got herself some glass treat jars. What’s to love about them?

• They’re inexpensive. Whether you buy dollar store versions, or recycle old honey and coffee jars, glass treat jars leave you with change in your pocket.
• Because some treats can be stored for more than a week, glass is preferable over long term plastic storage.
• Their air tight seals keep the treats smelling and tasting fresh to your furry friend.

HOW TO:
You’ll Need: glass jars, iron on transfer paper, white fabric {calico, cotton etc}, spray adhesive.

• Thoroughly wash and dry your jars.
• Print out your labels {download the free printable in pink HERE and in blue HERE} onto iron on transfer paper. Using a hot iron, iron the transfer on to the white fabric. When cool, trim your labels.
• Using an adhesive spray, glue your fabric labels to your jars.

3. Resuable Containers + Washi Tape = Fridge Fresh Food

When it comes to wet food, whether you prefer store bought or home made pet food, both require safe storage. In my experience I’ve found the easiest and safest way is through reusable containers and washi tape labels. Why are they great?

• Once opened, canned pet food ideally should not be left in the tin. It’s not good for the other contents in your fridge, or the quality of the pet food inside. Plus apparently dog food left in the tin doesn’t taste too good. I have NO IDEA who tested out that theory.
• Reusable containers allow the portions of a can or a homemade batch of food to be divided into meal portions and frozen/microwaved where necessary.
• Washi tape labels are a simple, stylish and cheap way to display use by dates. 

HOW TO:

You’ll Need: Reusable containers, washi tape.

• Simply divide the full amount of wet food into meal portions and place into containers.
• Attach a snippet of washi tape and write on the use by date.
• Once a meal is eaten, simply remove the tape, wash the container and you’re ready to start again.

Don’t have a pet? You can still use these tips!

Do you know what I love about these storage solutions? They are completely transferable to non-pet items.

Mini trash cans are perfect for storing bulk bags of rice or grains, cute treat jars can be filled with our very own treats {I’m looking at you Hershey Kisses!} and washi tape labels are perfect for leftovers.

How do you store your pet food? What are your tips for keeping things fresh, stylish and organized?

"I am Serena Faber Nelson, a television producer, writer and fluffy dog owner.  Obsessed with home décor, fashion, lifestyle and dogs – I set about creating Pretty Fluffy as a go-to guide for the modern pet owner.   Featuring a range of stylish products, celebrity pooches, DIY projects and handy hints, Pretty Fluffy is a daily stop for smiles and inspiration, giving readers the tools they need to enjoy full and happy lives with their furry friends.  My greatest loves include fresh peonies, Dirty Dancing (Nobody puts Baby in a corner), Banoffe Pie, spending waaay too much time on Pinterest, and hugging random dogs at the park.  I currently live in Sydney, Australia with my husband, Andy, and my 11 year old Border Collie, Soda. As a long time fan, I am super excited to be joining the IHeart Organizing Team!"