When we decide to bring a furry friend into our lives, one of the things we need to account for is the storage of their food as well as all the other items that come along with dog ownership. Food should always be stored in an airtight container – but often we will leave dry dog food in a box or a bag in the cupboard and this can leave it susceptible to ants, mites, and other pests.
As a dog owner discovering ants crawling around in your dog’s food bag is incredibly frustrating. Not only is it unsanitary but ants can contaminate the food, potentially making your dog sick. Fortunately, there are several effective methods to get rid of ants in your dog’s kibble or treats and prevent future infestations.
Why Ants Invade Your Dog’s Food
Ants are opportunistic insects and scavengers by nature They use their strong sense of smell to seek out any food source to bring back to their colony. Dry dog food contains carbohydrates, protein, fat, and moisture, providing nourishment that ants desperately need. Once a few scout ants discover the bag, they leave a pheromone trail leading swarms of other ants to the jackpot
Moist dog food and treats are especially prone to ant invasions since they contain water. Foods with fish, citrus, or meat flavors tend to be most attractive to the tiny insects. Any spills or crumbs around your dog’s feeding area also provide an open invitation.
How to Remove Ants from an Infested Bag
If you find your dog’s kibble already swarming with ants, take action right away with these methods:
Freeze the Bag
Place infested bags of dog food in the freezer for 24-48 hours. The freezing temperatures will kill off the ants. Allow the food to return to room temperature before feeding to your pooch.
Apply Cornstarch
Pour kibble into a large bin and coat with cornstarch. The powder will help detach ants from the food. Strain the dog food through a colander to sift out dead ants. Rinse off any remaining insects.
Use Peppermint Oil
Add several drops of peppermint essential oil to water in a spray bottle. Lightly mist the ant-infested kibble with this natural repellent. Rinse off the food before serving to your dog.
Discard Heavily Infested Food
If the ant infestation is severe, it’s safest to throw out the contaminated dog food entirely. This prevents any risk of your dog eating ants or bacteria left behind. Buy fresh dog food instead.
After removing the ants, transfer the dog food into an airtight plastic or glass container to prevent reinfestation. Thoroughly clean any feeding bowls or areas around your dog’s eating space too.
Tips to Deter Ants from Dog Food
Preventing ants from getting into your dog’s food is crucial. Follow these proactive tips:
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Store dry dog food in airtight plastic or glass containers rather than original bags which ants can chew through.
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Place ant traps around pet feeding areas to capture foraging ants.
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Sprinkle diatomaceous earth around food container bases to dehydrate ants.
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Set your dog’s food and water bowls in larger dishes filled with water to deter ants from crossing.
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Immediately wipe up any spills, crumbs, or residue near feeding zones.
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Apply natural ant repellent oils like peppermint, tea tree, or eucalyptus around your dog’s food.
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Feed your dog at the table during meals rather than leaving food out.
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Keep dry dog food in the refrigerator or freezer to obscure the scent from ants.
With diligence and preventive measures, you can successfully banish ants from your dog’s food and stop future infestations in their tracks. Be proactive in keeping your dog’s kibble ant-free so mealtimes are stress-free for both you and your pup!
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if ants contaminated my dog’s food?
Signs of an ant infestation include visible ants crawling on food bowls or in bags, small black specks from ant waste, and a line of ants trailing to and from the food source. Promptly discard and replace any contaminated food.
Will a few ants in my dog’s food hurt them if eaten?
While not toxic, ants can transmit bacteria to food. Consuming ants or tainted food poses illness risks for dogs including intestinal worms, diarrhea, and vomiting. Always remove ant-infested dog food right away.
What natural repellents keep ants away from dog food?
Home remedies like chili powder, cinnamon, vinegar, garlic powder, lemon juice, and petroleum jelly can be applied around feeding areas. Coffee grounds and chalk lines also deter ants from getting into your dog’s food.
Why do ants keep coming back to my dog’s food?
If ants persistently invade your dog’s food, there’s still an entry point and food source attracting them. Eliminate the problem by fully cleaning the area, sealing food tightly, using baits, and removing any moisture sources ants need.
When should I throw out my dog’s food if ants appear?
If you spot just a few scout ants, you may be able to remove them and save the food. But if the food is crawling with ants, it’s safest to discard it entirely and purchase fresh dog food. Don’t take risks with tainted kibble.
The Bottom Line
Battling ant infestations in your dog’s food requires diligence. But armed with the right techniques like natural deterrents, freezing, and discarding heavily invaded food, you can successfully get rid of ants and prevent future problems. With some effort, you can keep pesky ants out of your dog’s meals for good.
Will ants in dog food hurt my dog?
Ants can be pesky insects and they are generally regarded as a mild annoyance rather than a danger to us or our pets. But is it safe for our dogs to eat ants? The simple answer is yes. Although the presence of ants in your dog’s food can be annoying to both you and your furry companion, it won’t hurt your dog if they happen to ingest some during their meal. If anything, ants will provide your dog with a great source of protein as well as some extra vitamin C – so there’s no need for you to worry.
Why are there ants in my dog’s food?
Ants are clever, and they will work as a team to find a new food source. Unfortunately for us this means that food can become overrun with ants overnight. Insects have a very sensitive sense of smell, meaning if you don’t leave food stored airtight, they will likely find it and come to feast. Ants can be an irritation, but they are simply looking for a good food source and sadly, your dog’s food is a great target.