How long can dog food last once opened?

Dog owners want to provide their canine companions with quality nutrition. But once you open a bag or can of dog food, how long does it stay fresh and safe to feed your pet? There are several factors to consider when determining the shelf life of opened dog food.

Does Dry Dog Food Go Bad?

Dry kibble usually has a longer shelf life than canned wet food. The exact shelf life depends on the specific ingredients, production process, and storage conditions. In general, an unopened bag of dry dog food can last 6-12 months past the printed “best by” date.

Once opened, dry kibble lasts 4-6 weeks if stored properly. The oils in the kibble can go rancid over time after exposure to oxygen. Hardened kibbles also absorb moisture from the air, causing them to stale. Keep your opened bag of dog food in an airtight container to help extend its shelf life.

Does Canned Wet Dog Food Go Bad?

An unopened can of wet dog food typically lasts 2-5 years past its “best by” date. However, once opened, canned food only lasts 3-5 days in the refrigerator before spoiling.

This short shelf life is because wet food contains moisture and proteins ideal for bacterial growth. The canning process destroys harmful bacteria through high heat and pressure. But once exposed to air and your dog’s saliva, bacteria can quickly multiply again.

How to Tell if Opened Dog Food is Bad

Here are some signs that indicate your opened dog food has spoiled and should be discarded:

  • Bad smell: Rancid or sour odor.
  • Change in appearance: Mold, discoloration, or texture change.
  • Expired date: Packaged dog food lasts 6-12 months unopened.
  • Upset stomach: Vomiting or diarrhea after eating the food.

Do not feed spoiled dog food to your pet, as it can cause gastrointestinal illness. When in doubt, remember the old adage: “When in doubt, throw it out.”

How to Store Opened Dog Food

Proper storage helps prolong the shelf life of opened dog food. Follow these tips:

  • Use an airtight container, not the original bag.
  • Store in a cool, dry place. Avoid temperature extremes.
  • For wet food, refrigerate after opening and use within 3-5 days.
  • Freeze wet food in an airtight container for 1-2 months.
  • Place dry food in an airtight bin or container with a tight-fitting lid.
  • Scoop out portions instead of letting your dog eat directly from the bag.
  • Use opened dog food within 4-6 weeks for optimal quality.

Tips to Minimize Waste

To avoid having to throw away unused, spoiled dog food, follow these tips:

  • Buy smaller bags if you have one small dog.
  • Divide dry food into sealed containers for daily portions.
  • Split cans of wet food into smaller containers to refrigerate.
  • Mix dry kibble with canned food to vary mealtime.
  • Donate unopened food to local shelters before the “best by” date.

Homemade & Raw Dog Food Storage

For safety, homemade and raw dog food requires careful handling and storage. Follow these guidelines:

  • Refrigerate immediately in shallow containers for rapid cooling.
  • Freeze meal-size portions in airtight containers for 1-2 months.
  • Thaw frozen food in the refrigerator, not at room temperature.
  • Never refreeze thawed raw food.
  • Discard refrigerated homemade food within 2-3 days.

Always monitor your pet after feeding homemade or raw diets. Discontinue use if any digestive upset occurs.

Keeping Your Dog’s Bowl Clean

A dog’s food bowl can harbor bacteria. Follow these tips for cleanliness:

  • Wash food bowls with hot, soapy water daily.
  • Sanitize occasionally by cleaning with diluted bleach.
  • Rinse thoroughly and air dry bowls before refilling.
  • Discard cracked bowls that can harbor bacteria.
  • Use stainless steel bowls – not plastic which can get scratched.

Rotate multiple bowls so one can air dry fully between uses. This helps minimize bacteria growth.

Watching Your Dog’s Health

Monitor your dog carefully if feeding food nearing the end of its shelf life. Signs of spoiled food poisoning in dogs include:

  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Loss of appetite
  • Lethargy
  • Dehydration

See your veterinarian if any concerning symptoms last more than 24 hours. Provide plenty of fresh water to avoid dehydration.

Aging dogs or those with weaker immune systems are more susceptible to illness from spoiled foods. Play it safe and discard opened dog food after the recommended storage times.

Key Takeaways

To summarize, follow these guidelines for storing opened dog food:

  • Dry kibble lasts 4-6 weeks after opening.
  • Canned wet food only lasts 3-5 days in the fridge.
  • Use airtight containers to store opened food.
  • Refrigerate or freeze wet and homemade dog food.
  • Discard food if expired, foul-smelling, or discolored.
  • Monitor your dog’s health closely when feeding food past expiration dates.

Being aware of food safety recommendations helps dog owners make the best choices. Storing opened dog food properly keeps it fresher longer – reducing waste and saving you money. Paying attention to expiration dates and your dog’s health ensures you are providing safe, nutritious meals.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does dry dog food last after opening?

Properly stored, dry dog food lasts 4-6 weeks after opening the original bag. Keep it in an airtight container in a cool, dry area to maximize freshness.

Does refrigerating dry dog food make it last longer?

Refrigeration can help extend the shelf life of dry dog food for a few additional weeks. But the refrigerator’s high moisture content can cause the kibble to become stale or soggy faster. Store in an airtight container, not the original bag.

Can dogs get sick from eating expired dog food?

Dogs can get sick from eating expired dog food, or food that has spoiled after the bag was opened. Signs include vomiting, diarrhea, and loss of appetite. Discard outdated or spoiled dog food immediately if you notice any changes in smell, texture, or appearance.

How long is canned dog food good for after opening?

An opened can of wet dog food will keep for 3-5 days if refrigerated in a covered container. Discard any uneaten portion after that time to prevent bacterial growth. For longer storage, freeze canned food in small batches for 1-2 months.

When should you throw out old dog food?

Dog food should be discarded once it is past the recommended storage times after opening – even if the expired date has not passed. In general, throw out any opened wet food after 3-5 days. Toss dry food after 4-6 weeks. Also discard any food that smells, looks, or feels bad.

Conclusion

Checking expiration dates, proper storage methods, and close monitoring of your dog’s health are key when feeding opened dog food. While dry kibble lasts a bit longer than canned varieties, no dog food keeps indefinitely after opening. Any detectable changes in smell, consistency, or appearance are signals it is time to discard the food. With some care and common sense, you can maintain safety and freshness when feeding opened dog food to your pet.

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