Can I Give Dog Food After Expired?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Food that’s only a few months past the expiration is generally safe for dogs

. While you may not touch a piece of expired food a day after it has expired, dogs can handle a lot more than humans can in terms of food and digestion. However, before feeding the dog this food, check it for mold and bacteria.

How long is an open bag of dog food good for?

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 dog food good after it expires?

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.

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 long is dry dog food good for unopened?

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 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 long does open can of dog food last in fridge?

Your pet’s bowl should be emptied of moist or canned food not eaten by your cat or dog within 4 hours if the ambient temperature is above 50°F. Opened cans should be stored in the fridge, at temperatures between 40-45°F, for a maximum of

5-7 days

. Any cat or dog food remaining after that time should be thrown out.

How can I make my dogs food last longer?

Kibble can be frozen to help keep it from going bad. You can also

transfer leftover canned food into a freezer-safe baggie or container before freezing

. Frozen food is best thawed in the refrigerator and served within six to nine months, though it can last even longer.

How long does a 22 lb bag of dog food last?

But The bag lasts

two-three months

with two, 22-lb. dogs. The time it lasts is contingent their activity level.

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 much dry food should a 30 pound dog eat?

If they weigh 30 pounds, look to feed

1 3⁄4 cups a day

. If they’re 40, move that up to 2 1⁄4 cups. Finally, if your dog is 50 pounds, you should be giving them 2 2⁄3 cups a day.

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

.

Can dogs eat 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.

Can I store dry dog food in the fridge?

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.

Can you freeze dog food?


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. Hang on because we’ll tell you more tips regarding the proper storage of pet food.

Can dog food go stale?


DON’T Keep Dog Food Past Expiration Date

Dog food expiration dates (sometimes known as “best by” or “use by” dates) are established to ensure the safety of your dog. Don’t take the risk by feeding your pet expired dog food.

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.