How Long Does Kibble Dog Food Last After Opened?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Kibble lasts only

2-3 weeks

once the bag is opened. That’s far shorter than the “Best Before” date on the bag … which is usually at least a year. But that date applies to unopened bags of food. Once opened, food loses its nutritional value and the fats begin to oxidize and go rancid.

Does kibble go bad after opening?

Yes, just 2 WEEKS! Yikes! What about the expiration date on the bag, you ask? While it is true that the shelf-life of an unopened dry dog food product can be up to a year,

once a bag of kibble is opened, the two-week count-down begins

, making the expiration date on the bag somewhat misleading.

How do you know if dog kibble is bad?

  1. There is a noticeable sour or rancid odor.
  2. You see signs of moisture, mold, or bugs.
  3. The bag is past its expiration date.
  4. The food has been exposed to heat or humidity.
  5. Your dog refuses to eat, or shows signs of illness/discomfort after eating.

How long does dry kibble last?

Ideally, dry food should be consumed within six weeks of opening the bag, so pick your bag sizes appropriately. Kibble can be left out in bowls for a day or so, but make sure you don’t offer more than what should be consumed in

24 hours

.

How long does a 40 lb bag of dog food last?

If feeding a generic brand, you’ll go through roughly a pound of food a day, thereby needing a 30- to 40-pound bag of food

a month

. If feeding a high-quality brand, you’ll go through roughly half a pound of food a day, thereby needing a 15-pound bag for a month.

How fast does kibble spoil?

Kibble can be used as regular food for tamed dinos. Kibble takes

3 days

to spoil, which makes it last longer than most other food types. It also stacks to 100 and weighs little compared to other foods.

Is dog kibble bad for dogs?


Kibble is not unsafe to feed your dog

, however, this type of diet may not work or agree with every individual. Some dogs prefer eating a wet or a tinned diet just as us humans prefer eating certain types of foods. In addition, if your pet has complex medical needs, there may not be a dry food formulated to suit them.

How do you store dry dog food long term?

  1. Keep It in the Original Bag. …
  2. Use an Airtight Container. …
  3. Go For Glass! …
  4. Clean Your Container. …
  5. Use Within 6 weeks of Opening. …
  6. Store It in a Cool, Dry Place. …
  7. Freeze It! …
  8. Spread It Out.

What can I do with leftover kibble?


Throw away any uneaten dog food

.

When a dog doesn’t eat all of the food in his bowl, many pet parents are tempted to save money by saving the uneaten portion and offering it again at the next feeding. Instead, any uneaten food should be discarded and replaced with fresh food at the next mealtime.

Is it cruel to feed a dog once a day?

Most veterinarians (including myself) recommend feeding adult dogs twice a day. Some people feed their dogs once a day, but

dogs that are only fed once a day can get hungry and also sometimes can be prone to bilious vomiting (vomiting caused by an empty stomach)

.

How long should a 25 lb bag of dog food last?

If you feed your dog 2 cups a day 25 lbs should last about

6-7 weeks

. I had 2 Beagles, they consumed a 25 lb bag of kibble every 6-7 weeks.

How long does a 16 lb bag of dog food last?

It depends on how much you feed your pup daily. Dogs that weight between 13 to 16 pounds are recommended to have 1 to 1 1/4 cups per day. This can generally last approximately

2 to 3 months

.

Should you soak dog kibble?


Soaking the food softens it, and so eases the initial work-load of the digestive enzymes which may well be struggling during illness or a period of recovery

.

What is the difference between kibble and dry dog food?

Raw diets consist of organ & muscle meats, bones, and other animal parts. Dogs on a raw diet can also eat raw eggs, some dairy (like yogurt), and dog-safe fruits, vegetables and grains.

Kibble is generally made with grains, protein sources, starches, and fruits & vegetables

.

Is kibble hard to digest?

This is not to say that kibble is bad for digestion, but

it may not be the best fit for every dog with digestive issues

. Avoid kibbles that contain excessive carbohydrates, especially when those carbs are high-glycemic. The sugars and digestive burden of these ingredients will surely contribute to digestive reactions.

Is it OK to store dog food in plastic containers?

Airtight Dog Food Storage 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

.”

Can you store kibble in the fridge?

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.

What can I feed my dog when I have no dog food?

  • Plain, low-fat Greek yogurt.
  • Mild cheeses, such as American.
  • Cooked white or sweet potatoes.
  • Cooked eggs, such as scrambled eggs.
  • Rotisserie chicken, skin and bones removed.
  • Cooked lean meat, such as chicken, beef, or turkey.
  • Cooked or raw fresh vegetables, such as carrots, corn, and broccoli.
Jasmine Sibley
Author
Jasmine Sibley
Jasmine is a DIY enthusiast with a passion for crafting and design. She has written several blog posts on crafting and has been featured in various DIY websites. Jasmine's expertise in sewing, knitting, and woodworking will help you create beautiful and unique projects.