How long can you keep dry dog food before it goes bad

How Long Does Dry Dog Food Last

Just like humans, dogs too need to feed on fresh and nutritious food that meets all their nutritional needs and wellbeing. Feeding on fresh food helps to prevent health and poor growth issues. Dogs feed on both dry and wet food, which comes in many different recipes provided by various brands.

The feed also comes in different sizes. In this article, we focus on dry food. One of the questions people keeping pets for the first time asks is how long does dry food last. Dry foods come in many, and easily manageable types. The most popular dry food is the kibble, which contains 6 to 10 percent moisture.

Besides coming with easy storage abilities, kibble is also budget-friendly and does not require refrigeration like the wet and canned food recipes. With dry food, you do not have to worry about spillages or the food spoiling before the dog finishes the amount in the bag. Many of the dry food recipes come with easy to follow guidelines, which make it even easier to feed the dogs.

How Long Does Dry Food Last Unopened

The simple answer to this question is about one year to eighteen months. Some dog owners find it more economical to buy dog food in large quantities. Buying in large quantities, not only saves costs, but it also saves time spent going back to the store to pick replenishments.

Whether you are buying in large quantities or much smaller ones, the first rule should be to check the expiry date given by the manufacturer. Besides the expiry date, ensure that you read all the other details concerning the ingredients to find out if there are any likely to go bad quickly.

A bag of dry dog food has a shelf life of about one year to eighteen months, and as long as it stays unopened, it should last through the date of expiration indicated by the manufacturer. Once you open the bag irrespective of how far the expiry date is, it becomes another whole story.

How Long Does Dry Food Last After Opening

Read more : Why Does My Dog Choke After Drinking Water?

One of the most frequently asked questions dog owners ask when after opening the dog food ishow long does dry dog food last in the original box?Once you open a bag, a box, or a can of dry food or kibbles, you will need approximately two weeks to feed the dog with the whole amount in the bag or can before it goes bad. Even as you have two weeks to finish the open can or bag of food, some other things will affect the freshness and quality of the food.

Some of the factors include the storage tools you choose for the food storage and the temperature conditions under which you store the food. Before refilling a fresh bowl of food, ensuring that the container is clean is the first step to keep the food healthy and fresh for your dog.

How to Store Dog Food

In the two weeks that the bag, box, or can stay open, you should ensure that the storage of the food is in a cool and dry place. You should also ensure that you store the food in an airtight storage bin, or use a bag-clip to avoid spoilage. If the dry food is in a bag, or a box, consider storing the bag in a can that comes with a tight lid.

You should try as much as possible to avoid plastic containers. If you are to use plastic containers, ensure that you do not remove the food from the original bags or boxes. If it comes with a can, ensure that the lid is airtight after you scoop out what you need for feeding the dog. After opening the dog food, how you store it will also affect the length it stays fresh enough for your dog.

Do not throw away the original bag that the dog food comes in because it contains useful information such as the expiration date, the barcode, and the batch number. The data comes in handy in case you want to return the dog food, or there is a recall of the product.

Another question that people ask when it comes to food storage is can dry dog food go bad in the heat? The answer to this is yes. Exposing the food to heat or too much sunlight may lead to faster spoilage because of temperature and humidity elevation. Some of the things that dry dog food may develop due to too much heat are the risks of oil in the food turning rancid and the growth of salmonella.

Read more : Top 11 Fastest Dogs

The food is also likely to get other bacteria growth and contamination, which will affect the dog negatively.Anything longer than two weeks makes the oils in the food rancid. Once you open the bag of food, you expose the contents to oxidation. Once the oils turn rancid, it becomes harder for the dogs to absorb the fat content in the formula.

Rancid fats also make it harder for the body to gain from the amount of proteins and vitamins in the recipe. Rancid oils also cause some health issues, one of which is heart diseases. Some manufacturers add preservatives to the dry food to delay the oxidation process. Some use preservatives such as BHA, and BHT.

Though these preservatives may keep the food fresher for longer, they come with carcinogenic properties that may harm the dog. Other quality brands use natural preservatives from vitamins C and E that read as ascorbate or tocopherols. Though these preservatives are safer than artificial ones, they also degrade after coming into contact with oxygen, which may lead to oil oxidation.

How To Tell If a Dog Food Is Bad

Just like humans, dogs can detect bad food by just smelling it even before they put it into their mouths. A bad smell is a turn-off, and this is an indication that the diet may be harmful. A dog detects bad smell by sniffing the menu and turning away without tasting. It can also walk away after taking a few bites, which is another indication that the smell or taste is intoxicating.

Other signs to tell if the food is terrible include the appearance of mold, bugs, or moisture on the food, and a stale odor. If the bag or can of food is past expiration, then most likely the food is terrible, and you should not feed it to the dog.

Wrapping it up

Quality dog food irrespective of the stage of life does not come cheap. It is for this reason why it is necessary to ensure that after buying the food, you take care of it by ensuring that it stays dry and fresh at all times. Feeding the dog with lousy food is also another cost, as you will have to deal with health issues that follow.

The ideal storage of the food enhances the dog food lifespan and keeps the quality high. If you hold any food past the expiration date, throw it away and start all over with a new bag to maintain the excellent health of the dog. It is also hugely advisable to ensure that you buy all your dog food from reputable brands to avoid any disappointments.

Source: https://petstutorial.comCategory: DOGS

How Long Can Wet Dog Food Sit Out Until It Goes Bad? Vet Approved Facts & FAQ

The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research.

Learn more

All pet food can only sit out for a limited amount of time before it starts to spoil. The time frame will vary depending on the type of food as well as the ambient conditions. All dog food can sit out for a while before it goes bad, but there are some guidelines that you should follow to make sure that your pup stays healthy. In general, it is safe to leave wet dog food in a bowl for up to 2 hours, but it depends on several factors.

You should avoid feeding your dog wet food that has been sitting out exposed to the air for longer than the recommended time, and if the food ever smells bad, changes color, or seems off in any way, then it should not be served to your pup.

What Is Wet Dog Food?

Wet dog food is a canned or pouched food that contains more moisture than dry kibble. It is marketed as a complete and balanced diet for dogs, as it includes both protein and carbohydrates, along with fat and added vitamins and minerals. Wet dog food is also a good source of water, which is important for keeping dogs hydrated. Wet dog food is often made with meat as the main ingredient and can also include other ingredients such as grains, fruits, and vegetables. Wet dog food is a good source of vitamins and other nutrients that are essential for dogs.

Can I Leave Wet Dog Food Out Overnight?

Generally speaking, wet dog food should never be left out overnight, as it can spoil and cause digestive issues in dogs. The high moisture content of wet dog food can create an environment hospitable to bacteria growth, leading to the food becoming rancid and potentially dangerous to consume, and may attract insects and other vermin.

Wet vs Dry

The two types of commercial dog food are wet and dry. Wet dog food has a high moisture content. This type of food is often given to puppies, sick or older dogs that may have trouble chewing dry food or need extra hydration, or very picky dogs in order to provide more flavor. Dry dog food is also made up of protein and carbohydrates and has a low moisture content. This type of food is often given to adult dogs.

Wet food is made up of mostly meat, organs, and other animal byproducts that have been ground down and processed. Dry food has similar nutrients that are dried and formed in the shape of various kibble, with up to 10% moisture. Some people believe that wet food is better for dogs because it contains more moisture and is closer to a dogs natural diet. Others believe that dry food is better because it is less messy and can help keep a dogs teeth clean.

The truth is that both types of food should contain all that your pooch needs, if they have been formulated responsibly and in accordance with AAFCO recommendations, and each on its own is a complete and balanced source of all the nutrients your pooch needs.

Speak to your vet before deciding which food to give your dog, as there are pros and cons of each food preparation, depending on their age, stage of growth and development, medical history, and any accompanying illness.

Can Wet Dog Food Sit Out Like Kibble?

Wet dog food should be treated very differently from dry kibble. The primary difference between the two is that dry kibble can be left out most of the day without any problem, while wet dog food cannot. When it comes to sitting out, wet and dry dog food are totally different. Generally, it is safe to leave wet dog food in a bowl for up to 2 hours and dry dog food out for up to 8 hours. If the weather is hot and humid, then wet food should be stored after as little as 1 hour, as bacterial numbers can double quickly under the right temperature and humidity conditions and cause the food to quickly become spoiled.

How Long Can Wet Dog Food Stay in the Fridge?

The shelf life of wet food can vary depending on the type of food, packaging, and storage conditions. Generally, wet food can last in the fridge for up to 5 days, depending on a particular food manufacturers recommendations. If the food is in a sealed container with a lid, it will last longer and produce less odor than if it is left open in the original packaging, as it can still get contaminated with the bacteria, mold, and dust from the fridge environment. It can contaminate your food as well and cause it to become moldy. It is important to keep the food at a temperature below 40 degrees Fahrenheit to prevent bacteria growth.

Why Does Wet Dog Food Spoil Faster Than Dry?

Wet dog food spoils faster than dry dog food because it has a much higher moisture content. The high moisture content means that there is more opportunity for bacteria, mold, or mildew to grow, which can cause spoilage and thus potential illness in dogs. Dry dog food, on the other hand, has a lower moisture content and is thus less likely to spoil. Additionally, some wet dog food is higher in fat and protein, which can also lead to spoilage. Still, keep in mind that bacteria, viruses, house dust mites, and bugs are everywhere, being transmitted by the inside and outside air circulation, and they can also contaminate the dry food that is sitting in your dogs bowl. Therefore, it may be better to store it if your pooch has left any. Bowls should be cleaned at least once daily.

What Should I Do With Uneaten Wet Dog Food?

The general consensus is that if wet dog food has been left out for more than 2 to 4 hours, it is best to discard it. The food is very likely contaminated with bacteria, which can cause illnesses in pets. If the food is not contaminated, it may still spoil and become dangerous for your dog to eat. And initially, you wont be able to tell the difference.

How Can I Keep Wet Dog Food Fresh and Safe for Longer?

There are a few things that you can do to help keep wet dog food fresh for as long as possible. First, make sure that you store the food in an airtight container in the fridge. Buy smaller cans so they do not sit open for days. The right size of can ideally be consumed by your pooch in a matter of 1 to 3 days. Additionally, be sure to wash your hands and your pets bowl thoroughly after feeding to avoid contamination.

Some people choose to freeze the food in individual portions so that they can defrost only as much as their dog will eat at one time. Bear in mind that freezing will alter the consistency, texture, and taste of the food. It tends to make food sloppier, and many food manufacturers recommend against doing this.

The can should be covered with a plastic pet food lid if you want to keep it airtight. The contents of the can could also be placed in a plastic container with an airtight lid. Last but not least, you can store the can in a zip-lock bag in the refrigerator. Zip-lock bags arent the best odor and oxygen barriers, so plastic containers or lids are preferred.

Canned Dog Food Storage

Providing the cans are still sealed, it is quite easy for you to store them in a dark, dry place below 80 degrees Fahrenheit. If the temperature is too high or the room is too humid and ventilation is poor, such as in some cupboards or storage closets, the contents can begin to turn rancid. Alternatively, if you keep them stored at a temperature that is too low, the food could freeze and this will change the taste and texture of the food.

How Long Can Dry Dog Food Sit Out?

There is no definitive answer to how long dry dog food can sit out as it depends on a variety of factors, such as the type of food, the ambient humidity and temperature, and how much air the food is exposed to. If the food is exposed to high temperatures or humidity, it will spoil more quickly. Dry dog food can sit out for up to 8 hours before it may become unsafe to eat. The food may become contaminated with air pollutants, such as bacteria, spores, viruses, dust, pollen, or others, or may become moldy, which can cause gastrointestinal problems in dogs.

It is important to keep dry food in an airtight container so that it does not absorb moisture from the environment, which can also make it unsafe to eat. If you have added moisture to the kibble itself, then you must treat it like wet dog food and throw it in the trash after 2 hours.

Summary

In conclusion, wet dog food can sit out for up to 2 hours before it may go bad, or no longer than 1 hour in warm and humid weather. If you have any leftovers, put them in the fridge as soon as possible. Wet dog food can last up to 5 days in a fridge. If your dog is not going to eat the food within a 2-hour timeframe, it is best to refrigerate or simply discard it. Serving your best friend only fresh, safe food will help keep them healthy and happy. Thanks for reading!

Featured Image Credit: Emolaev Alexander, Shutterstock