As a pooch parent, it’s important to make sure our furry friends are enjoying fresh food. While many commercially-available dog foods have an extensive shelf life, they certainly don’t last forever. So, you’ll want to know when it’s time to toss your canine’s kibble or canned food. Show You’ll always want to heed the manufacturer’s advice in this regard, but we’ll provide some general guidelines for the different types of dog food and share some other dog-food-storage tips below!
Does Dog Food Go Bad or Spoil?Dog food, especially kibble and canned food can last longer than many people foods. However, they can still go bad or spoil — especially if not stored or handled properly. When it comes to dog food, it’s best to refer to the manufacturer’s guidelines and expiration dates for determining freshness. You’ll also want to inspect your dog’s food for any signs that the batch has gone bad which we’ll dive into below. But at the end of the day, you’ll always want to err on the side of caution. It’s just not worth taking chances with your four-footer’s health. Simply put: When in doubt, throw it out! With that in mind, as long as you’re following the recommended storage guidelines and keeping tabs on the expiration date, most foods should remain fresh, tasty, and safe for quite a while.
Need to Replace Your Dog’s Food Quickly?
Don’t freak out if you just noticed your dog’s food is no longer safe and fresh — there are several same-day dog food delivery options available that’ll help keep Fido fed in a pinch! Bottom Line: How Long Does Dog Food Last?Different types of food stay fresh and tasty for various amounts of time based on how they’re prepared and preserved. Here are some basic guidelines on how long you can expect each Fido food type to keep.
While it can be tempting to buy food in bulk for the price cuts, it may make sense to buy smaller quantities instead and enroll in an “autoship and save” program. This will not only eliminate the need to order your dog’s food each month, but by buying smaller quantities, it’ll help keep your dog’s food as fresh as possible. For example, if you have a smaller furry friend, you probably don’t want the largest bag of kibble you can find since it will take a while for your dog to make his way through the bag. This can lead to the food becoming unsavory or unsafe over time, so make sure you’re purchasing food that’s proportionate to your pooch’s eating habits. How Can You Tell If Dog Food Has Gone Bad?There are a couple of telltale signs that your dog’s dinner is past its prime. Here are some things to look out for while inspecting your mutt’s meals: 1. Something smells suspicious. Bad odors are a key sign that your dog’s food isn’t as fresh as it could be. Of course, you’ll still want to use common sense. Fish-focused foods are bound to smell, well, fishy, and the same goes for other doggie delights. However, if you notice a sharp, rancid odor, or a huge difference in smell from previous food batches, it could be a sign that the food has gone bad. 2. You find mold. Any signs of mold or moisture (in the case of dry food) mean that it’s time to toss out your dog’s food. Unfortunately, our furry friends can develop food poisoning from even a small amount of moldy food. 3. There are bugs in your dog’s food. First of all, ew! If you see any bugs in your dog’s food, it’s time to toss it. While the bugs themselves won’t necessarily harm your hound, it’s a sign that the food was not stored properly on it’s way to your pup’s plate, so it’s best to stay on the safe side and get rid of the contaminated food entirely. Plus, bugs may crawl through bacteria or other potentially dangerous substances, which they can then spread to your dog’s food. 4. The food is past the bag’s expiration date. While expired food may not necessarily have gone bad, it’s better to be safe than sorry. 5. Your dog isn’t interested in the food. Don’t misunderstand: Dogs may turn their noses up at a new or unfamiliar food without it indicating anything about the food’s safety or quality — picky eater dogs may just not like the new offering. However, if your furry friend usually wolfs down his food and doesn’t seem interested in a particular batch, it might be a sign that the food isn’t fresh or safe to eat anymore. Take your pooch’s preferences seriously and just order a new bag of food. If your dog’s food exhibits any of the above signs, the food isn’t fit for Fido. It’s always better to be safe than sorry, so make sure you’re evaluating your dog’s food appropriately.
Treats Don’t Last Forever Either!
Don’t forget to apply the same scrutiny to your dog’s treats that you do his food — treats can and do go bad over time. However, it’s harder to make generalizations about the length of time different treats will last, as they come in so many different forms. For example, dried treats (such as bully sticks or jerky) will tend to last longer than the fresher, high-value treats you use for training. Will Your Dog Get Sick If He Eats Expired Food?Unfortunately, your dog may very well get sick if he consumes spoiled or expired food, but it’s not guaranteed. To keep your furry friend safe, it’s best to toss out any food that may be on the fence between fresh and spoiled. Your dog may be more likely to get sick if mold or bacteria has grown on top of the food. There’s also a higher possibility that your pooch may have some tummy trouble if the fats in his food have gone rancid. However, it is important to note that dogs all have varying immune systems, so some pooches will prove more susceptible to food-caused illnesses than others. If you suspect that your canine companion has eaten food that may have gone bad, give your veterinarian a call. Have information about your dog’s food’s ingredients, the food manufacturer, and the expiration date at the ready so that you can give your vet the clearest view of your dog’s situation. Keeping Dog Food Fresh: Tips & Tricks for Making Your Dog’s Food Last!We’ve explained the typical length of time that most dog foods last before becoming spoiled or stale, but it’s important to note that these time frames aren’t set in stone. With proper storage and care, you can maximize the length of time your dog’s food will last. So, consider doing some of the following things:
*** In order to keep Fido feeling his best, it’s important to serve him food that’s fresh and nutritionally sound. Each food has its own storage and preservation pointers, but you’ll also want to keep an eye out for any clear signs that your dog’s food is past its prime. What kind of food does your dog eat? How do you keep Fido’s food fresh? We’d love to hear all about it below! |