Does it keep the food fresh? I want the 10 pound holder since i buy 15 pound bags. If I put the whole 10 pounds in the machine, will kibble be fresh?
1053821
Depends on how long the food is sitting in the hopper. How long will it take to go through ten pounds? I don't know, as I don't use my feeder every day. My guess is that if you are using the feeder every single day for every meal then the food will stay 'fresh' until it's depleted. But if it's sitting in there for weeks, well, I don't think so. Hope that helps.
1053822
I have the extended hopper and periodically fill it to the top; I have no idea how much that might be in terms of pounds, but I have never seen any evidence of a problem with freshness. I have two of these feeders (one for each of our two cats) and each one needs to be filled approximately every 3-4 weeks. Both cats are eager to feed even at the end of the hopper supply, so I don't think that freshness is an issue.
1053823
Nope. The device, like ALL others, is not air tight. But, after all, it is just kibble, and has a long shelf life. I would not recommend any auto dispenser for use with any semi moist or soft pet kibble like some available for cats. In any case this feeder does not really hold enough product that it would go rancid before it is empty.
1053824
We fill the 10 pound holder with kibble, and our cat still happily consumes the dregs at the end. I can't say I have specifically tested the "freshness" for myself, however. The main thing to realize about the set-up with the large holder is that the entire unit becomes top-heavy when filled to the brim. We needed to brace the back using a 2X4 and a bracket that fits around the top of the holder. Even with having to make this modification, my husband and I would recommend this to anyone. Our cat cannot reach her paw inside and "steal" food, which was the problem with the $50 pet store auto-feeders. We fill the 10 pound holder with kibble, and our cat still happily consumes the dregs at the end. I can't say I have specifically tested the "freshness" for myself, however. The main thing to realize about the set-up with the large holder is that the entire unit becomes top-heavy when filled to the brim. We needed to brace the back using a 2X4 and a bracket that fits around the top of the holder. Even with having to make this modification, my husband and I would recommend this to anyone. Our cat cannot reach her paw inside and "steal" food, which was the problem with the... » Read More We fill the 10 pound holder with kibble, and our cat still happily consumes the dregs at the end. I can't say I have specifically tested the "freshness" for myself, however. The main thing to realize about the set-up with the large holder is that the entire unit becomes top-heavy when filled to the brim. We needed to brace the back using a 2X4 and a bracket that fits around the top of the holder. Even with having to make this modification, my husband and I would recommend this to anyone. Our cat cannot reach her paw inside and "steal" food, which was the problem with the $50 pet store auto-feeders. « Show Less
1053825
It's certainly not air-tight, but it seems to keep the kibble fresh. We fill it with our cats and it seems to stay just fine. It's great for people who like to travel.
1053826
We did not end up keeping this feeder because we were able to repair one that is a different brand. It is essentially the same thing though, and has the 10 pound hopper. I don't think we've ever had problems with the food going stale, but then our cat will eat anything. If it has been stale, he has not told us. The food does not look any different when at the end than it does when we first put it in. These machines really are great and I think healthier for the cat to have regular small meals.
509435
The Largest bag that I have found and been able to use for this unit is 10" x 15". I just took one of those bags and poured 48 fluid ounces of water inside and sealed it up no problem. So at least 48 ounces but it looks like it could handle more but I'll let you takeover testing further where I left off. If you're thinking about buying the machine, its well worth it. I think its my favorite kitchen tool and I use it at least half a dozen times a day. Its paying for itself quickly in all the food its prevented from spoiling not to mention I am now able to buy large cuts of meat, portion them and seal them in bags and freeze them for later, the net price per portion saves more money and because the air is pulled out of the bags, they can stay in the freezer for years. I ate some 2 year old snapper that had been sealed and it was as good as when we bought it. I work part time at a nice restaurant and Vacmaster is the unit used by them. I had never heard of them before,mazing machine that has a lot of creative uses beyond simply sealing food (look up quick pickle and modernist cuisine uses).
735988
It says on the information that it holds 25 pounds in the larger bottom one and 10 pounds in the top smaller one. I am not sure about dog food, but I myself have 2 different types of dry food for my cats and that is why I have this to keep it separated. I was able to get 12 pounds in the top and 12 in the bottom a lot of room to spare in both. Despite the fact the it states the top is only supposed to hold 10. I am sure it depends on the food, and I am not familiar with dog food. I just know that I have plenty of room for what kinds of food I use for my cats and again, room to spare. Hope this helps. It says on the information that it holds 25 pounds in the larger bottom one and 10 pounds in the top smaller one. I am not sure about dog food, but I myself have 2 different types of dry food for my cats and that is why I have this to keep it separated. I was able to get 12 pounds in the top and 12 in the bottom a lot of room to spare in both. Despite the fact the it states the top is only supposed to hold 10. I am sure it depends on the food, and I am not familiar with dog food. I just know that I have plenty of room for what kinds of food I use for my cats and again, room to spare. Hope... » Read More It says on the information that it holds 25 pounds in the larger bottom one and 10 pounds in the top smaller one. I am not sure about dog food, but I myself have 2 different types of dry food for my cats and that is why I have this to keep it separated. I was able to get 12 pounds in the top and 12 in the bottom a lot of room to spare in both. Despite the fact the it states the top is only supposed to hold 10. I am sure it depends on the food, and I am not familiar with dog food. I just know that I have plenty of room for what kinds of food I use for my cats and again, room to spare. Hope this helps. « Show Less
1885956
When you use the Food Saver Machine it automatically sucks the air out. You can use it with moist or dry items. I love this product as I like to buy in bulk sometimes at Sam's or Costco's and then I bring it home and divide it up. I'll sometime make the bags ahead of time but it depends on the size of the items you are freezing.
473818
I've used a lot if different kibble with the larger dial and haven't had a problem! I'm using Costco's grain free food right now and I've used Blue, Merricks, Halo and a ton of others. Maybe try getting sample bags at your local pet store. Are you pulling the dial off and cleaning under it? Filling with 2 cups of food?
2150090
I added 10 pounds. The bag is not completely full, but it seems to be enough. The whole system is working great for me after a month.
80745
If you store food in it it will stay put. If you don't store food in it you could fill it with sandbox sand or some rocks. I love this product. Remember to remove the water bowl when you fill it and wipe out where the bowl goes. You should clean out your pet bowls every day. Some people complained about a smell. I have never had a problem and I have owned my first one for 10 years. It is still going strong.
1083318
I keep food in starge bins in cool place out of sun. My purchases are usually every two weeks for a thirty pound bag. I have a 110pound German Shepherd. There has never been any quality issues even if stored for four weeks in cool place out of sun.
1067104
Yeah I did refrigerate mine, but I bought the smaller bag and transferred it into a Tupperware bowl so it fit easier on the fridge shelf. Putting the whole 5lb bag in the fridge may take up a ton of space. I would recommend breaking it down into smaller bowls that you can stack or even put some of them in the crisper drawers in gallon storage bags, since buying the larger bag is a better value. :)
143014
I use the 5lb feeder and it keeps the food fresh. I have been using it for 6 years.
896763
It's rather deep for regular size grocery bags from market.. I use large kitchen bags...they work very well.. I know they sell rubber bands for holding on to the rim...I never used those. I simply insert bag into liner and hold it wrapped around the top while reinserting liner..works well for me
725489
Although I keep the food in the original bag inside of the container, you could absolutely pour the food directly from the bag into the container. I'm somewhat limited with movement so having the food kept in the bag helps me when I clean out the container; it makes the job easier. But the container seals very well, and the food would stay fresh either way. Just be sure to always snap it closed after you've taken the food.
873180
Yes. The food saver bags come with a small seal were air is sucked out from. Regular bags don't have one so u could try and figure out a way but not likely.. the point is to eliminate all the trapped air to make food last longer. I just bought the set and wash and air dry the bags and reuse them- haven't bought any more bags since I purchase it. The bags are sturdy just make sure there dry before reusing. Hope this helps.
2157633
Yes. I have my dogs food still I the bag stored inside the bin. I can put one full 30 lb bag and half of another.
773221
I love the boxes. They keep food very fresh. Dishwasher and microwave safe.I have never used the green bags. The only difference I can see is that you wash the boxes, but have to throw out the bags.
1336053
I think it may depend on what you are sealing. Whenever I seal dry dog or cat food to try to keep it fresh, the bags lose their seal. We have sealed cheese in the large bags and it worked fine.
1630074
It just sits on top. No real seal. I don't store food in it, so I'm not sure if food would stay fresh.