After the destructive forces of tornados, hurricanes and flooding, how do I salvage my pet’s foods?
The recent tornados and flooding in the US will require many pet owners to adapt their individual situation to the destruction at hand. Having survived several tornados, and massive flooding in the last 31 years in Iowa, I have both practical and scientific knowledge of salvaging foods and sanitizing a pet’s living space after the disaster.
The first thing to do after a disaster is to only keep those pet foods that can be safely disinfected. Any pet foods stored in paper containers that have been compromised needs to be disposed. Containers of pet foods that are impervious to moisture and oxygen can be salvaged if correctly handled.

As soon as possible after the disaster try to locate chlorine bleach. (Handle any chlorine bleach as directed on the label, and be safe)  The FDA recommendation in preparing a sanitizing solution is to use 100-200 ppm Chlorine bleach; I prefer to use a minimum of 2 tablespoons of bleach in 1 gallon of potable water My experience has shown me that if the water is questionable, use one ounce of bleach in 1 gallon of water. This solution should be used for all water impervious pet food packaging and each surface, utensil or bowl that will contact the food.
All pet food in non compromised cans, plastic bags and structurally intact packaging materials; without internal contamination; can be successfully sanitized.
All bowls and feeding surfaces must be sanitized along with the foods packaging. Don’t forget to sanitize the  water containers.

Besides using Chlorine bleach, the US FDA recommends using Quaternary Ammonium at a concentration of 200 ppm, or other approved sanitizers, to be used on equipment and structural surfaces that are salvageable. I find that recommendation too general for the types of water that may be available.  I prefer to use a minimum of 3 tablespoons of quaternary ammonium per gallon of water as a beginning point if Chlorine Bleach cannot be found. Fpollow all safty precautions and lable directs for the Quaternary Ammonium.
Non potable water used to clean and sanitize after a disaster is so variable, that the FDA’s recommendations for chlorine bleach and Quaternary Ammonia need to be modified for each specific situation.

When you start to decontaminate surfaces, do so in a manner that logically eliminates any harmful microorganisms, chemical residues, or filth that could pose a food safety risk. Flush the visible dirt and disaster residue from the usable food articles with water first before using bleach or other sanitizers.

•    It is imperative that you discard all pet foods, treats, and supplements that have been submerged in flood waters, unless the food is sealed in a hermetically sealed container that has not been damaged.

o    Do not attempt to use refrigerated and frozen pet foods, which have been immersed in flood waters. Good advice is: If in doubt, throw it out.

o    Inspect every canned pet food and discard any obviously damaged cans: swelling; leakage; punctures; holes; fractures; extensive deep rusting; or crushing/denting severe enough to prevent normal stacking or opening with a manual, wheel-type can opener.

o    Do not salvage food packed in paper, cardboard, cloth, and similar containers that have been water damaged. Some stronger plastic containers are typically safe to be sanitized and used, but if there is any doubt, throw it out.

o    According to the FDA, undamaged, commercially prepared foods in all-metal cans or retort pouches can be saved if you remove labels that can come off, thoroughly wash the cans, rinse them, and then disinfect them with a sanitizing solution consisting of 1 tablespoon of bleach per gallon of potable water.  (I prefer stronger solutions as described previously). Finally, re-label containers that had the labels removed, including the expiration date, with a marker.

•    FDA recommendations: Complete proper and safe disposal of condemned food items in a manner consistent with federal, state, and local solid waste storage, transportation, and disposal regulations, to ensure these products do not reappear as damaged or salvaged merchandise for human consumption.

For emergency storage of bagged non compromised pet foods, you will need to prevent moisture damage and mold infiltration from the storm damage. If you are near a store that sells pool supplies, try and get some natural “green sand,” Zeo Sand, or natural Zeolytes. Use a clean sanitized plastic storage container with an airtight lid and pour one inch of green sand in the bottom of the container. If there is a home building center nearby, get some Tyvek; enough for the containers; and place the Tyvek on top of the greensand; outer surface facing down on the green sand. Use this prepared container to store all your bagged pet foods, and monitor the moisture in the sand every two days. The cation exchange capacity of natural zeolites will help control many types of molds that are common after flooding, rain damage when combined with warm temperatures and high humidity.

By: Dr. Gary Pusillo