Find out how long does dog food lasts and what factors may affect its shelf life. Find out how to store dog food in the proper manner to maintain its freshness and nutritional value.
How long does dog food last once opened?
A dog food’s shelf life can vary depending on the type of food and storage conditions. Here are some general guidelines for estimating how long different types of dog food will last:
Dry dog food
It is recommended that dry dog food be stored in a cool, dry place for up to a year or more before opening. Once opened, it should be consumed within six weeks of opening to ensure its freshness and nutritional value. It is important to check the manufacturer’s instructions to ensure that some high-quality dry dog foods have a shorter shelf life after they are opened.
Wet dog food
When stored in a cool, dry environment, unopened wet dog food can be kept for up to two years. Once opened, wet food should be stored in the refrigerator and consumed within two or three days. In order to prevent bacterial growth, wet food should not be left out for more than two hours.
Semi-moist dog food
When stored in a cool, dry location, semi-moist dog food can last for up to nine months. Once opened, the food should be used within two weeks and stored in an airtight container to maintain its freshness.
Why do dogs hide food?
Dogs have a natural instinct to hoard and hide food, which stems from their ancestors’ survival instincts in the wild. Although domestic dogs do not require foraging for food, some dogs still possess this instinct, even though domestic dogs are no longer required to do so. Dogs in the wild would often bury or hide their food to protect it from other animals and preserve it for later use.
The following are some common reasons why dogs hide food
Instinctual behavior
It was previously mentioned that the instinct to hoard and hide food is innate in dogs, and can have its origins in their wild ancestors.
Anxiety
As a coping mechanism for anxiety or a fear of losing their food, dogs may hide their food if they are anxious or stressed.
Resource guarding
The food may be hidden by dogs that have a history of competing with other dogs or guarding their resources.
Boredom
It is common for bored dogs to hide their food in order to keep themselves entertained or stimulated.
Food hiding may be the result of an underlying behavioral issue, so it is important to consult with a veterinarian or professional trainer if you are concerned about your dog’s behavior.
How long is dry dog food good for after opening
When dry dog food is opened, the shelf life will vary depending on several factors, such as storage conditions, the type of food, and its quality. Generally speaking, dry dog food can last for 4-6 weeks after opening, provided it is stored properly.
A cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, heat, or moisture is crucial for storing dry dog food in an airtight container. A food’s degradation can be accelerated by exposure to air and humidity, resulting in loss of nutritional value and spoilage.
It is also important to check the food’s expiration date and quality before giving it to your dog. If the food appears stale, has an off-odor, or shows signs of mold or insect infestation, it is best to discard it immediately.
When dry dog food is stored in optimal conditions and checked for quality before feeding to your dog, it can last for up to 4-6 weeks after opening. It is always best to discard the food if you are uncertain about its freshness or quality.
How to store dog food properly?
It is important to maintain the freshness, nutritional value, and safety of dog food by storing it correctly:
Keep food in the original bag or container
The bags and containers used to package dog food are designed to maintain their freshness and nutritional value. It is best to store the food in the original packaging unless you are transferring it to an airtight container.
Store in a cool, dry place
It is important to store dog food in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight, heat sources, and moisture, as these can accelerate the degradation of the food, resulting in a loss of quality.
Use an airtight container
Whenever you transfer dog food to a new container, make sure it’s airtight and properly sealed to prevent exposure to air and moisture, which can cause the food to spoil or become contaminated.
Check the expiration date
When purchasing or feeding dog food, make sure to check the expiration date. Food that has expired may lose its nutritional value as well as become contaminated by bacteria or mold.
Wash feeding bowls regularly
A feeding bowl can accumulate bacteria and germs over time, especially if it is not cleaned regularly. Be sure to wash the bowl with hot, soapy water and rinse it thoroughly before and after each feeding.
How do I know if my dog’s food is still good?
1. The smell is sour or rancid.
2. Moisture, mold, or bugs are visible.
3. It has passed its expiration date.
4. Heat or humidity has been applied to the food.
5. Whether your dog refuses to eat or shows signs of illness/discomfort after eating.
When should you throw out 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 up to seven days. Any leftover cat or dog food should be discarded after that time.
Is it OK to leave dry dog food out all day?
No. There are many ways to create the best diet for your dog. In general, you do not want to give your dog any variety, as this could affect its digestion, and do not leave food down for long periods of time.
Conclusion
The shelf life of dog food depends on several factors, including the type of food, storage conditions, and quality of the food. If unopened, dry dog food can last for up to a year, while unopened wet dog food can last up to five years. After being opened, dry dog food can last about 4-6 weeks, while wet dog food should be consumed within 2-3 days. When storing food, pet owners should ensure that it is stored properly and checked for quality and expiration dates before feeding it to their pets.
