Although many commercially-available dog foods have long shelf lives, they don’t stay fresh forever. Does dog food go bad? In short, yes:
without proper storage, dog food can spoil or go rancid
. But don’t worry, there are lots of ways to ensure your dog’s food stays fresh for as long as possible.
How long does it take for dry dog food to go bad?
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 do you know when dog food is bad?
- There is a noticeable sour or rancid odor.
- You see signs of moisture, mold, or bugs.
- The bag is past its expiration date.
- The food has been exposed to heat or humidity.
- Your dog refuses to eat, or shows signs of illness/discomfort after eating.
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.
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.
Is it bad to keep dog food in plastic container?
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
.”
Does kibble 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. “Kibble is ultra-processed pet food and contains preservatives designed to give it a longer shelf life,” Chavez says.
How often should you change your dogs food?
Every owner should be changing food about
every 3 months
or so to maintain variety and to avoid allergic reactions. For the best results, rotate between protein sources such as beef, lamb, and chicken. Rotating food may cause some gastrointestinal issues at first because dogs have sensitive stomachs.
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.
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 50lb bag of dog food last?
There are approximately 4 cups per pound of food, making a 24 pound bag contain around 96 cups. If you were to feed your pup around 3 cups daily, then the bag would last approximately
32 days
.
Does dog kibble go stale?
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. Of course, once you open any food, its shelf dwindles down from months to weeks or even days (depending on whether it is wet or dry).
Can dogs get sick from stale dog food?
Spoiled or tainted ingredients are used, including rancid fats, spoiled proteins, and/or moldy grains. Some molds excrete toxins (collectively called mycotoxins);
some mycotoxins, such as vomitoxin, can make dogs very ill
.
Can old food make dogs sick?
Any rotten or moldy foods can cause food poisoning in dogs
.
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.
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.
What is the best way to store dry 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.
Do dogs get bored of the same food?
Dogs do not get bored eating the same food every day
. Studies have shown that because they have less taste buds ( 1700) compared to humans (9000) they don’t appreciate different tastes like we do. While you might expect dogs to get bored eating the same food all the time, most are happy with the same routine.
Should I rotate my dogs food?
Which Dog Foods Should You Rotate?
Most veterinary nutritionists and holistic vets recommend rotating different proteins every couple of months for best results
. You can switch proteins between one brand or, better yet, switch proteins within different brands of dog food.
Is it OK to mix dog foods?
Only mix foods for the same species and life stage
(i.e. don’t mix dog and cat food, or puppy and adult food together). Make sure both foods are nutritionally complete and balanced, with similar nutrient profiles.
