A Vittles Vault is an airtight plastic bin made to keep dry pet food fresh. It helps block air, moisture and pests, which are the main reasons kibble goes stale. It works best when you use it correctly, so here is how to get the most from one.
How a Vittles Vault keeps food fresh
The Gamma2 Vittles Vault is made from food-grade plastic, and its lid uses a gasket seal and a screw-on cap designed to be airtight. Because kibble is coated in fat, air exposure is the main cause of stale smell and flavor loss. A tight seal slows that down and keeps out ants, mice and humidity.
Sizes
The line ranges from small containers for a few pounds of food up to large bins that hold 50 pounds or more. A common rule is that a container’s rated pound capacity depends on the density of the food, so a bin sold as “40 pounds” holds a bit more or less depending on the kibble. Pick a size that matches how fast your dog eats a bag.
Good habits
- Clean it between bags. Wash with warm soapy water and dry completely. Fat residue can turn rancid and spoil fresh kibble.
- Do not top off. Empty the bin, wash it, and refill it, rather than pouring new food over old.
- Keep the bag information. Tape the brand, lot number and best-by date to the bin in case of a recall.
- Store it cool and dry. Avoid hot garages and direct sun.
- Use food within about 6 weeks of opening. Many manufacturers recommend this window.
Should you put the bag in the bin?
Some owners pour kibble straight in, while others place the whole bag inside to keep the original label and fat-resistant liner. Either works, but the bag-in-bin method keeps lot numbers handy and limits fat residue on the plastic.
Bottom Line
An airtight bin is an inexpensive way to keep dog food fresh, safe from pests and easy to scoop. Clean it regularly and use up food within a few weeks of opening. To work out how much to scoop, see how many quarts are in a pound of dog food, or browse our Hill’s digestive care review and Cesar feeding chart.
