How Long Dog Food Last?

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).

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 should you keep dog food?

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 you tell if dry dog food is bad?

That’s why it’s important for you to know the signs of food that has “gone off.” You can tell your dog food is spoiled if:

There is a noticeable sour or rancid odor

. You see signs of moisture, mold, or bugs. The bag is past its expiration date.

Is it OK to store dog food in plastic containers?

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

.”

What is the proper 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.

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 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 dry food last?

Dried foods should be stored in cool, dry, dark areas. Recommended storage times for dried foods range from

4 months to 1 year

. Because food quality is affected by heat, the storage temperature helps determine the length of storage; the higher the temperature, the shorter the storage time.

Does dry dog food get 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

.

Does dry dog food need to be kept airtight?

For dry dog food storage,

opt for airtight containers that are large enough to fit a whole bag of food inside

, says Woodnutt. Remember to clean them with soap and warm water after each batch of food.

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.

Is it OK to put 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 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.

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

Can I leave dog food out all day?

Downsides:

Leaving dog food out all day could attract insects, rodents, or raccoons

. That’s especially the case if you feed your dog outside, so be on the lookout. And if you have more than one pet, they may bicker over the food. Also, this method is not for dogs that are diabetic.

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 dogs eat expired dry food?

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. Dry food doesn’t really have an odor, gone off or otherwise, so how do you know if it’s gone bad?

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 food does a dog eat per month?

How many cups of dog food is in a 30 lb bag?

There’s approximately 4 cups in every pound of dry kibble. The 6 pound bag offers 24 cups and the 30 pound bag offers

120 cups

.