How Long Is Unopened Canned Dog Food Good For?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Wet (canned) dog food also has an expiration date. An unopened can could have a shelf life as long as

two years

, depending on the manufacturer, but, once the top is popped, McCarthy notes that, even in the refrigerator, it will go bad quickly.

Is canned dog food good after expiration date?

Let’s be honest, dog food never smells great. But if it’s past its expiry date, can we still feed it to Fido? In short,

yes, you can feed expired dog food to Fido, but it doesn’t mean that you should

. And there is one crucial caveat – if smells rancid, it probably is, so feed it to the trash can not the dog.

Does wet dog food spoil?

Look for the expiration date on the bottom of your dog’s food bag or cans, and plan to use up the food before that date. In general, unopened dry pet foods have a shelf life of one year, while

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

.

What dog food has the longest shelf life?

Ready Store is proud to introduce

PetPREP emergency dog food

for your dog with a shelf-life of up to 15 years! Each bucket contains food within a sealed, air-tight metalized bag, along with a 2000 cc O2 absorber to maintain the highest quality of freshness.

How do you store canned dog food?

Storing Wet Dog Food

Once you’re done with it, you can store it

in the refrigerator for up to four days using a can cover like one from ORE Pet to seal it

. Freezing is another option to store wet dog food if your pet has leftovers. If this is the case, the wet food will need to be placed in freezer-friendly containers.

Is it OK to store dog food in a plastic container?

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 I feed my dog food straight from the fridge?

Pet food companies suggest their products be served at room temperature so that, as Purina says, “your dog can taste and smell it properly.” But

it might take an already-opened can stored in the fridge two hours to get up to room temperature by simply setting it out on the kitchen counter.

What do you do with expired dog food?

When wet food goes bad, it may have a foul odor, change in color or obvious mold growth—but McCarthy notes that those signs may not always be present, adding, “that is why it’s important to

dispose of any opened canned food if not used within three days and any unopened canned food if past its expiration date

.”

How long is dry dog food good after expiration date?

It’s generally agreed that it’s okay to feed your pets opened dry food

three months

after its “best by” date—but you should keep in mind that they probably won’t be getting all the nutrients the food would normally have. For opened canned food kept in the fridge, use it up within five to seven days of opening it.

Can you sell expired dog food?

Contrary to popular belief,

it’s not illegal for stores to sell expired food

. While this may not seem right, it’s perfectly legal. This is because of how the manufacturer labels their food. Dog foods are accompanied by a “best by” date rather than a hard expired date that human food has.

Is it OK to freeze canned dog food?

Can you freeze dog food? The short answer is yes.

Wet food does well in the freezer for a far longer period of time than it would at room temperature

. This could be a good solution for ensuring you get the most out of your wet food cans or pouches.

How long does dry dog food last in a sealed container?

If stored properly, bags of unopened dried dog food will generally last

up to 18 months after manufacture

. 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.

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.

How long does a bag of dog food last once opened?

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

.

Do dogs prefer warm or cold food?

A dog may not have the appetite to eat if they are sick or injured. You can tweak your recuperating pet’s appetite by feeding them a nicely warmed up meal that is high on energy and nutrition.

The recommended food temperature to serve dog food is 38 Degrees Centigrade

.

Are dogs allowed to have watermelon?


Yes, watermelon is one of the best fruit choices as a treat for your dog

. It’s high moisture and fiber content, along with densely packed nutrients, place it in the superfood category.

Do dogs mind cold food?

The most important thing is that

your pet’s food is not too hot and not too cold

. Body temperature is a good aim to set for yourself. This is about 101F to 102.5F.

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.