Does dry dog food go bad?
Let’s start at the very beginning. Does dry dog food go bad? The simple answer is yes. All dry dog food will go bad and expire eventually, even if it’s not as quickly as wet food does. So, the logical next question is how long is dog food good for?
We’ll begin with kibble that you’ve put in your pup’s bowl and left out for them. This should be fine for between 6 and 24 hours. The specifics will depend on factors like the temperature and humidity in your home. And, of course, how fussy an eater your pooch is. As any pup owner knows, just because you think the food is still edible, doesn’t mean they’ll agree!
What is the shelf life of dry dog food?
A more practical question for pet parents might be how long does dry dog food last on the shelf. There are many factors that can influence this, most notably how and where you store it. An unopened pack of dry dog food kept in a cool, dark and dry environment should be fine until its expiry date. That will vary from company to company but is generally around 18 months.
Once you’ve broken the seal on a bag of dry dog food, the expiration date on it no longer applies. How long is dog food good for after you’ve opened it? If you store it well, it should be edible for between 6 weeks and 3 months. Again, the precise time will differ depending on how you store it, and the temperature and humidity in your house. The specific make of dog food could have an influence too, as different ingredients have different shelf lives.
Does dog food go bad in plastic containers?
A lot of pup parents choose to store their pet’s dry food in plastic containers. But is this a good idea? And how long does dry dog food last in airtight containers?
Interestingly, although it seems practical, most manufacturers don’t recommend storing their dry dog food this way. One reason for this is that you no longer have access to important information on the packaging. This includes things like ingredients, expiry date, and portion sizes. What’s more, plastic containers can draw oils and fats out of the kibble. This means it may actually go off more quickly than if you store it in its original packet. It will lose its crunchiness and freshness – and therefore be less appetising for your pup.
So, how long is dog food good for when kept in plastic containers? Not as long as you might think! Of course, it’s fine to dish out your pet’s daily allowance into a container for ease. However, we don’t recommend storing it in large quantities or for a lengthy duration like this.
What about functional foods for dogs?
Up to now, we’ve been talking about kibble. Yet there are other types of dry dog food out there. Here at Boosie, we have a range of plant-based functional foods designed to support your pet’s wellbeing. Unlike dry dog biscuits, these come in powder and oil form, and only contain one ingredient. You can either give them to your pup neat or mix them into their wet food.
How long is dog food good for in this case? It all comes down to how you store it (there’s a definite pattern emerging here!). As long as you keep our products in a cool, dry, dark place, they’ll be fine until the expiry date. Just make sure you check the bottle or jar so you’re aware of when that is!
How do you know when dry dog food has gone bad?
As we’ve mentioned, there are several factors that influence how long dry dog food lasts. It’s therefore important to be able to recognise when it’s gone off. Sometimes, this is obvious. However, other signs are more subtle. Here’s what to look out for:
- If kibble is soft, moist, or crumbly, it’s past its best
- Any hint of mould or bugs on dog food means you should definitely throw it away
- If you notice a strange smell, it might mean the food has gone off
- When pets turn their noses up at food, this is a good indication it’s no longer fresh and tasty
- If your pup gets sick after eating, food that’s gone bad may well be to blame
Dog food storage tips
Keeping dry dog food fresh is beneficial for both your pup’s health and your wallet! With that in mind, here are some top tips for extending how long dog food is good for:
- Store it in its original packaging, as this is designed to keep it fresh
- Seal the bag by squeezing out excess air, rolling it down, and clipping it shut
- Put the bag inside another airtight container for extra protection
- Keep dog food in a cool, dry, and dark place (e.g. a kitchen cupboard)
- Buy smaller bags of dog food rather than large ones
What to do with expired dog food
The final point to cover is what to do with dry dog food that has gone off. We’re sure you’d never feed your pup mouldy food, and obviously you should throw that out. But what about food that’s past its expiration date but still seems ok? Or kibble that you’ve left in a plastic container and is now a bit soft? Unfortunately, you need to chuck this away too. Even if it looks and smells alright, its nutritional value and flavour may have deteriorated. That means it won’t taste as nice, or support your pet’s wellbeing like it should. So, err on the side of caution and replace it. Your pooch will thank you!
