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As happy as your dog might be to wolf down an entire can of dog food, controlled portions are the key to optimal canine nutrition. But what do you do with that partially eaten can to keep it from going bad?
Proper pet food storage is essential no matter what type of diet you’re feeding your dog. Covering an open can with plastic wrap won’t cut it. At best, the food will dry out and become less appealing to your dog. At worst, it may become contaminated with food-borne pathogens. A dog food can cover is a simple and effective solution.
We asked the experts how to store wet dog food properly. They agree that can lids are a great option. In this guide, we’ll share what we learned and offer our recommendations for the best canned dog food lids on the market.
Overall Best: Frisco Silicone Pet Food Can Covers
According to Dr. Athena Gaffud, DVM, a veterinarian with Honest Paws, safe pet food storage starts with a quality product. She recommends that, when shopping, pet parents “make sure the cans are not damaged or dented, as this can lead to spoilage.” Once a can of food is opened, it should be stored in the fridge and used within a few days.
These Frisco pet food can covers making storing leftover portions of wet dog food simple. They’re made from BPA-free silicone, so they are food-safe and dishwasher-friendly. The soft, flexible material has just enough stretch that the covers are easy to put on and take off.
Sold in a set of two, these canned dog food lids are one of the best options if you’re looking for quality on a budget. It helps that they can accommodate three different can sizes—you don’t have to buy multiple sets for different brands of food.
Key Takeaways:
- Made from BPA-free silicone
- Soft and flexible material makes them easy to use
- Dishwasher-friendly for quick cleaning
- Comes in a set of two for under $5
Value Pick: Ethical Pet Can Covers, 3-Pack
Another budget-friendly choice, these can covers from Ethical Pet are sold in sets of three for about $1 each. They’re made from sturdy food-grade plastic that snaps on snugly to create an airtight seal. Ridges inside the cover enable them to fit two standard can sizes: 2.875 inches or 3.375 inches.
When choosing pet food storage containers or lids, Dr. Gaffud cautions against using certain materials. While plastic is a common option, it’s important to “make sure the plastic is BPA-free to avoid potential health risks.”
These plastic can covers from Ethical Pet are BPA-free and dishwasher-safe. Keep in mind that, because they’re rigid, they may be more fragile than silicone can covers. Trying to force the cover onto a can that’s too large may cause breakage.
Key Takeaways:
- Sold in sets of three
- Made from BPA-free plastic
- Rigid design snaps on tightly
- Fits two standard can sizes
Premium Pick: ORE Pet Can Covers
When it comes to storing wet dog food, Dr. Gaffud says, “It’s important to create an airtight seal to maintain the nutritional quality and flavor of the food.” A can cover that fits snugly helps “keep out air, moisture, and pests that can spoil the food.”
This set of silicone can covers from ORE Pet was designed with style and function in mind. The food-grade silicone materials are both hygienic and easy to clean. They’re also just flexible enough to mold to the shape and diameter of three standard dog food can sizes.
Each set comes with two can covers, both decorated with a cute paw print design. You’ll pay a little more for this set of canned dog food lids, but positive customer reviews suggest they’re one of the best options on the market.
Key Takeaways:
- Set of two silicone can covers
- Food-safe silicone is dishwasher-safe
- Flexible fit accommodates three can sizes
Most Versatile: StickAny Silicone Stretch Lids
Opened cans of dog food are easy to lose track of in the fridge. Some dog owners prefer to scoop leftover dog food into another container instead. If you do, Dr. Gaffud recommends you choose “a container with a portion of transparent material or a clear window to easily see how much food is left without having to open it.”
With the right lid, you can use any food-safe container to store leftover portions of dog food. Just stretch one of these silicone lids from StickAny over the top to lock out air and moisture. They’re sold in a set of 18 with six different sizes. You’ll receive a blue, pink, and clear lid in each size. By implementing a simple color-coding system, you can easily identify containers of dog food at a glance.
Because these silicone lids come in a range of sizes, their use isn’t limited to storing leftover pet food. The lids are microwave-safe and dishwasher-friendly, so they’re both handy and easy to clean.
Key Takeaways:
- Set of 18 in six different sizes
- Stretch to fit a variety of containers
- Made from food-grade silicone
- Dishwasher-safe for easy cleaning
Easiest to Clean: PetBonus Silicone Pet Can Lids
The canning process through which wet dog food is manufactured involves high heat to kill pathogens. Once the cans are sealed, the food is kept in an anaerobic environment, so there’s no need for added preservatives. After the can is opened, Dr. Gaffud says it’s essential to limit the food’s exposure to air.
“Any unused portion should be immediately transferred to an airtight labeled food-safe container,” she says, “and placed in the refrigerator.” These PetBonus silicone lids create a tight seal to preserve nutrition and flavor while protecting against spoilage.
Made from food-grade silicone, these canned dog food lids are durable with just the right degree of flexibility. They’re sold in sets of two and fit three standard can sizes. Dr. Gaffud recommends frequently cleaning dog food storage containers—you can simply pop these lids on the top rack of the dishwasher for quick cleanup.
Key Takeaways:
- Made from food-grade silicone materials
- Sold in a set of two different colors
- Fits three standard can sizes
- Dishwasher-safe for easy cleaning
Cutest: Petmate Kitty Kap Can Cover
There’s no rule that says something practical can’t also be cute. This can cover from Petmate features a friendly cat face on the top and comes in a variety of bright colors.
When shopping for canned dog food lids, Dr. Gaffud says the best option is one “that will fit the specific size and type of cans you use for your dog’s food.” If your dog follows a varied diet, that might involve different can sizes. Fortunately, this Petmate can cover features a patented design that fits four can sizes.
To use this can cover, press down firmly to ensure a tight seal. When you’re ready to remove the cover, simply lift the ear tabs. This can cover is dishwasher-safe for easy cleaning.
Key Takeaways:
- Brightly colored with cute cat face design
- Patented design fits four can sizes
- Seals tightly to protect against air and moisture
- Dishwasher-safe for easy cleaning
Best for Small Cans: OHMO Small Silicone Can Covers
While many canned dog food lids fit multiple can sizes, it may be worth buying one sized specifically for the cans you use. If you have a small-breed dog or puppy and buy 3-ounce cans, that can be a challenge.
These silicone can covers from OHMO are specifically designed for smaller cans. They’re made from premium food-grade silicone, so they’re hygienic and easy to clean. The lids are just flexible enough to fit 2.5-ounce or 3-ounce dog food cans.
Not only are these can lids safe and nontoxic, but they’re cute. They come in an attractive dark blue color—sold in sets of two—and each lid has a pair of pointed ears on top. The ears don’t just serve as decoration, either. Use them for extra leverage if you’re having trouble pulling the lid off.
Key Takeaways:
- Designed to fit 2.5-ounce or 3-ounce cans
- Made from food-grade silicone
- Sold in sets of two
- Dishwasher-safe and easy to clean
Best Snap Fit: Bow Wow Pals Pet Food Can Covers
While silicone dog food lids are a great option, some dog parents prefer the satisfaction of hearing the lid snap on tight. A snug fit is key to airtight storage, and sometimes plastic has the upper hand in this department. Dr. Gaffud also suggests plastic as a durable and easy-to-clean option, which is important, since you’ll be using the lids frequently.
These pet food can covers from Bow Wow Pals come in a set of three. Each lid fits four standard can sizes, snapping on tight to form a secure seal. Some customers comment that they fit so tight they can sometimes be tricky to remove.
Key Takeaways:
- Set of three plastic can covers
- Each lid fits four can sizes
- Forms a snug, airtight seal
- Durable and easy to clean
How We Chose
We selected the products featured here based on a combination of our own hands-on testing, comprehensive analysis of customer reviews across a wide variety of retail platforms, and interviews with veterinary experts.
When choosing the best canned dog food lids, we prioritized durable and hygienic materials, flexible sizing, and cost-effectiveness. Our picks are also influenced by the experience of living and playing alongside our own much-loved and strongly opinionated pets, who are never stingy with their feedback.
