How long can you keep dry dog food before it goes bad?

One of the first things you should do when determining how fresh your dog’s food is, is to check the best by date on the packaging. Typically, dry dog food that has not been opened is good for up to 18 months, while wet canned food is good for two years from that date.

Will dry dog food go bad?

Dry dog food does expire. Unopened, a bag of dry dog food can last up to two years, says Chavez. Once the bag is opened, it is only good for a few weeks. “Most dry pet food will go bad at home well before its sell by date due to fats going rancid, bad handling and exposure to the elements.

How do I know if my dog food is bad?

Here are 9 signs you’re feeding your dog the wrong food (and what you can do about it).

1. Diarrhea or Constipation.
2. Gas.
3. Weight Gain/Loss.
4. Scratching.
5. Ear Problems.
6. Low Energy.
7. Sickness.
8. Poor or Abnormal Behavior.

How long does vacuum sealed dry dog food last?

Once opened, dry dog food should be consumed within 6 weeks of breaking the seal. Unopened dry dog food can last upwards of one year and when stored properly will last until the expiration date listed by the manufacturer.

How do you store dry dog food long term?

Using Mylar bags and oxygen absorbers will extend the life of dry pet food, but it is important to continuously rotate your storage every 3 to 4 months (or until the expiration dates on the packages) to avoid mold growth.

What happens if my dog eats expired dog food?

If your dog does happen to get into spoiled or expired dog food you may see signs of general gastrointestinal upset such as vomiting or diarrhea. Depending on the pathogen, though, your dog may become seriously ill. Bacterial pathogens like E. coli and Botulism can cause life threatening illness if left untreated.

Why does dog food smell bad?

The freshness of your dog food will also affect its odor. As foods age they lose their aroma. The fats in the product also start to oxidize into peroxides. This degradation is known as rancidity and results in undesirable odors.

Can dog food be stored longterm?

The best options for long term pet food storage are freeze dried foods or making your own pet food. Freeze-dried pet food has become easier to find. Freeze dried foods can be stored in our Mylar bags with oxygen absorbers for well over 25 years!

Can dry dog food be refrigerated?

Dry commercial dog foods are shelf stable and do not require refrigeration or freezing for storage. Store any open food in a food-grade container that seals well at room temperature. Be sure to use all food before the expiration date printed on the bag.

Is it OK to store dog food in plastic containers?

When it comes to the type of dog food containers you should use, Dr. Nelson says “Plastic or stainless steel containers are fine for storing kibble as long as they are airtight.” It features an airtight food-seal vacuum locking lid designed to ensure freshness and is made of steel for easy cleaning.

What does bad dry dog food smell like?

That’s why it’s important for you to know the signs of food that has “gone off.” You can tell your dog food is spoiled if: There is a noticeable sour or rancid odor. You see signs of moisture, mold, or bugs.

Does dry dog food make dogs smell?

If you have a traditionally Western-fed dog, a dog being fed a Chef’s Table bagged product like a kibble, a raw-coated kibble or any of the foods that you feed as dry, and they stink, raw-fed dogs don’t smell like that. Fresh food dogs don’t smell like that. Even home-cooked dogs, generally, don’t smell like that.

How long does dry dog food last after opening?

A bag of dry dog food has a shelf life of about one year to eighteen months, and as long as it stays unopened, it should last through the date of expiration indicated by the manufacturer. Once you open the bag irrespective of how far the expiry date is, it becomes another whole story. How Long Does Dry Food Last After Opening

How to tell if dry dog food is bad?

If you see anything unusual, pick another bag. There should be no tears or rips. A bag that has been resealed with tape is a bad idea because you have no idea how long it was open for. It could be a few minutes or weeks. Now, how to tell if dry dog food is bad?

Does dog food go bad if opened?

However, this ONLY applies if the bag is unopened. If the bag has been opened, you should toss it out after two weeks. We use our sense of smell to see if food has gone bad, but when it comes to dry dog food, you should trust your dog’s sense of smell over yours.

How do you store dog food in the winter?

The perfect environment is cool and freezing dry dog food– somewhere in a big container or perhaps a cabinet. The temperature should not exceed 26 degrees C. Do not go for particularly humid places, such as a basement or a cabinet under the sink. Mold will damage food in no time.