About 53% of Dog Owners Have Felt Concerned About Food Deterioration After Opening – Top Storage Precaution is 'Avoiding Direct Sunlight'

## Be Mindful of Dog Food Oxidation and Storage During the Rainy Season

During the rainy season, both temperature and humidity rise significantly.

It's a time when food spoilage becomes a concern—and the same applies to your beloved dog's food.

Once opened, dog food gradually oxidizes (fats reacting with oxygen in the air, leading to quality degradation). Exposure to moisture can also promote mold growth.

Especially during the prolonged high heat and humidity of the rainy season, the way you store food can greatly affect its condition.

How do pet owners currently store their dog food after opening, and what precautions do they take?

To explore this, we conducted a joint survey with Pet Food Koubou Co., Ltd., targeting 80 dog owners nationwide who responded affirmatively to owning a dog in a preliminary survey. The survey focused on "dog food oxidation and storage."

※ When quoting this press release, please:

・Indicate the source as "Survey by NEXER Corporation and Pet Food Koubou Co., Ltd."

・Include a link to Pet Food Koubou Co., Ltd. (https://dogfoodkoubou.net/)

## Survey Overview: "Dog Food Oxidation and Storage Survey"

Survey Method: Online questionnaire

Survey Period: June 9, 2026 – June 16, 2026

Respondents: Dog-owning men and women across Japan

Valid Responses: 80 samples

Survey Questions:

Question 1: How do you store dog food after opening?

Question 2: What precautions do you take when storing food? (Multiple selections allowed)

Question 3: Have you ever felt concerned about food deterioration (oxidation, moisture, mold, etc.) after opening?

Question 4: How much do you prioritize "best-by dates" when purchasing dog food?

Question 5: Please explain your reason.

Question 6: Are you able to positively view the typically shorter shelf life of preservative- and additive-free dog food as a "sign of safety and freshness"?

Question 7: Please explain your reason.

Question 8: Do you use storage containers or storage accessories for dog food?

Question 9: Please explain your reason.

※ Percentages are rounded to the second decimal place, so totals may not sum to 100%.

## 70.0% Store Opened Food in the Original Bag or with Clips

First, we asked how dog owners store food after opening.

The most common response was "storing in the original bag" at 36.3%.

Next was "sealing the bag with clips" at 33.8%, followed by "transferring to an airtight container" at 20.0%.

Other responses included "dividing into smaller portions" and "storing in the refrigerator," both at 3.8%, and "other" at 2.5%.

Combining "storing in the original bag" and "sealing with clips," about 70% of owners store food without using special containers. While convenient, this method may raise concerns regarding airtightness and freshness retention.

## 65.0% Responded That They "Avoid Direct Sunlight" When Storing Food

Next, we asked about precautions taken during storage.

The most common response was "avoiding direct sunlight" at 65.0%.

This was followed by "avoiding moisture" at 58.8%, "avoiding high temperatures" at 50.0%, and "making sure to use it up quickly" at 45.0%.

Other responses included "minimizing exposure to air" at 42.5% and "keeping the storage area clean" at 20.0%. Meanwhile, 10.0% responded "not particularly mindful."

Many owners are aware of factors like sunlight, moisture, and high temperatures that can lead to food deterioration.

However, in the previous question, about 70% of respondents reported storing food in the original bag or with clips. While they are mindful of storage conditions, many appear to prioritize convenience in their storage method.

## 52.5% Have Felt Concerned About Food Deterioration After Opening

Next, we asked whether owners have ever felt concerned about food deterioration (oxidation, moisture, mold, etc.) after opening.

Results showed 15.0% answered "very concerned," and 37.5% answered "somewhat concerned," totaling 52.5% who have experienced such concerns. In contrast, 27.5% answered "not really," and 20.0% answered "not at all."

Over half of dog owners have felt some level of concern about the condition of opened food.

Oxidation, moisture, and mold are not always visible and may progress unnoticed.

Therefore, it's understandable that many owners feel uneasy about post-opening storage conditions.

## 86.3% Prioritize "Best-By Dates" When Purchasing Dog Food

Next, we asked how much owners prioritize "best-by dates" when purchasing dog food.

Results showed 50.0% answered "prioritize very much," and 36.3% answered "prioritize somewhat," totaling 86.3% who prioritize expiration dates. Only 8.8% answered "do not prioritize much," and 5.0% answered "do not prioritize at all."

Nearly 90% of owners use best-by dates as a purchasing criterion.

We collected reasons from those who prioritize best-by dates; some are introduced below.

## Reasons for Prioritizing Best-By Dates When Purchasing Dog Food

・Because oxidation may occur after the date expires. (Male, 20s)

・I don't want my dog to eat expired food. (Female, 20s)

・To protect my dog's safety. (Female, 20s)

・To prevent stomach upset. (Female, 30s)

Many responses linked food condition to their dog's health, mentioning "oxidation," "mold," and "upset stomach." It appears many owners view best-by dates not just as dates, but as a health benchmark.

## 78.8% Can Positively View the Shorter Shelf Life of Additive-Free Food

Next, we asked whether owners can positively view the typically shorter shelf life of preservative- and additive-free dog food as a "sign of safety and freshness."

Results showed 20.0% answered "can view very positively," and 58.8% answered "can view somewhat positively," totaling 78.8% who can view it positively.

20.0% answered "cannot view positively," and 1.3% answered "cannot view at all."

About 80% of owners do not see a shorter shelf life as an indicator of poor quality; instead, they positively interpret it as a reflection of being additive-free.

We collected reasons from those who view it positively; some are introduced below.

## Reasons for Viewing the Shorter Shelf Life of Additive-Free Food Positively

・If no preservatives are added, a shorter shelf life is unavoidable. (Male, 20s)

・Because it gives the impression of being additive-free. (Female, 20s)

・I believe additives are bad for the body. (Female, 30s)

・Better than food full of preservatives. Seems healthier too. (Female, 40s)

・Because I want to avoid unnecessary additives as much as possible.