How Long Can Dog Food Be Stored In The Bag?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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So how long does a bag of dry pet food really last after it’s been opened? According to renowned dog nutrition experts, Steve Brown and Beth Taylor,

approximately 2 weeks

.

How long is unopened bagged dog food good for?

Pet food manufacturers establish expiration or “best by” dates to ensure the safety of your dog. In general, unopened dry pet foods have a shelf life of

12-18 months

, while unopened canned foods are good for two years from the date of manufacture.

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.

Why you shouldn’t store dog food in a plastic container?


When the fats and oils of kibble make contact with the walls of a pet food container, they begin to oxidize

. In other words, over time, the residual fats and oils that have settled along the inside of the storage container start to grow rancid and develop invisible molds that can wreak havoc on your pet’s health.

Can you store dry dog food in Ziploc bags?

Freezing Dry Dog Food


Consider decanting the dog food into zippered plastic bags, squeezing out extra air, then freezing the food for later use

. If you have a vacuum sealer, that’s an ever better option for getting all the air out of the food package before freezing.

Does dog kibble expire?


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. “Kibble is ultra-processed pet food and contains preservatives designed to give it a longer shelf life,” Chavez says.

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

. 2 Depending on the pathogen, though, your dog may become seriously ill. Bacteria like E. coli can cause life-threatening illnesses if left untreated.

How long does a 30lb 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 long will dry dog food last in Mylar bags?

Check out your local pet store or online to find out what is best suited for your pet. Freeze dried foods can be stored in our Mylar bags with oxygen absorbers for

well over 25 years

! Our 5 mil heavy duty Mylar bags are even rated to preserve your food for 100 years!

How do you know when dog food 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 do you store dog food so it doesn’t smell?

The wondrous

deodorising quality of newspaper can help mask the smell of pet food

, whether in a dry pantry or the fridge. Simply wrap newspaper around the package, or, if some scent’s still lingering in a container you formerly used, crumple up sheets of newspaper inside and seal the lid for a few days.

Does dog food container need to be airtight?

No matter the type of dog food storage container you choose,

it’s important to buy one with an airtight seal

. This can keep your food fresh and dry for longer periods of time.

What can I do with empty dog food bags?

  1. Repurposed Bird Seed Bag Lunch Sack.
  2. DIY Pet Feed Bag Chair Seat Covers.
  3. Repurposed Feed Bag Christmas Stockings.
  4. Multi Pocket DIY Hanging Organizer.
  5. Upcycled Pet Food Bag Tote Bag.
  6. Repurposed Feed Bag Gift Wrapping Station.
  7. DIY Potato Grow Bag.

What is the safest way to store dog food?

Store dry pet food and unopened canned food

in a cool and dry place

. The temperature should be less than 80 F. Excess heat or moisture may cause the nutrients to break down. If your pet is overly persistent or clever at getting into her pet food, store it in a secure location.

Can you freeze dry dog food to keep it fresh?


You can freeze dry, wet, or raw dog food to make them last longer

. Just put them in an airtight container or freezer bag. Don’t forget to put a label on the container before placing it inside the freezer.

Is it safe to store dry dog food in the refrigerator?

Once you’ve opened a can of dog food,

it can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two days

. Just make sure to use a plastic can lid (many veterinary clinics give these out) or a tight-fitting aluminum foil temporary lid to keep the food from drying out.

How do you store dog food in the kitchen?


Put the Bag in a Can

For small bags of food, a kitchen canister works great. For larger bags, a plastic or metal trash can is fine. No matter what you use, make sure the lid is replaced tightly after each meal to keep insects and rodents out.

How long does dry dog food last once opened?

Once dried dog food has been opened, you should generally aim to use it within

6 weeks

. Storing your dog food properly will help to preserve its freshness for as long as possible.

Can dogs eat eggs?


Eggs are perfectly safe for dogs

, Eggs are a great source of nutrition for your canine companion. They are high in protein, fatty acids, vitamins, and fatty acids that help support your dog inside and out. Remember that eggs are only as good as the chicken they come from.

Can dogs eat day old chicken?

Typically,

food that has been cooked but left in the fridge for the past week is safe to feed your dog

. These are classic “leftovers” but they are a just few days past what many humans find “acceptable”. If there isn’t any visible mold growing on the food, chances are you are safe to feed it to your dog.

How long does 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 14lb 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

.

How long should a 15kg bag of dog food last?

15kg bag lasts

2-3wks

.

Diane Mitchell
Author
Diane Mitchell
Diane Mitchell is an animal lover and trainer with over 15 years of experience working with a variety of animals, including dogs, cats, birds, and horses. She has worked with leading animal welfare organizations. Diane is passionate about promoting responsible pet ownership and educating pet owners on the best practices for training and caring for their furry friends.