Razvan Iosif / Shutterstock.com Pet Food Bags Trash Razvan Iosif / Shutterstock.com A good rule of thumb is that if you can’t tear the paper, it can’t be recycled. Most pet food bags are lined with paper and plastic layers that have been sealed together and can not be recycled. Consider saving empty bags and reusing them as trash bags. Recycle With Plastic Bags If the pet food bag is labeled as plastic #2 or plastic #4, it can be recycled with other plastic bags if it is clean and dry. Wet Food Cans Are Recyclable Wet food cans from cat and dog food can be recycled with regular food cans. Just rinse them out in warm water and shake them dry. Ways to Reuse Package Items for Shipping Keep pet food bags around the house so you can wrap and ship breakable items in the thick paper or plastic packaging.