How Long After Expiration Date Does Dry Dog Food Last?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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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 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.

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 can you tell if dry 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 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 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.

How long does an open bag of dry dog food last?

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 .

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.

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 .

Does dry dog food go stale if left open?

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.

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 many cups are in 18 lbs of dog food?

There are approximately 24 cups of kibble in the 6 pound bag, 72 cups in the 18 pound bag, 140 cups in the 35 pound bag and 188 cups in the 47 pound bag.

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 .

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 many cups are in 17 lbs of dog food?

There are approximately 16 cups of kibble in the 4 pound bag, 34 cups of kibble in the 8.5 pound bag and 70.4 cups of kibble in the 17.6 pound bag.

Can I freeze dry 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.

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.

What can you do with leftover dry dog food?

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.

Can you store dry dog food in plastic 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 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.

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.