Does Dog Food Expire?

 

Purchasing a large bag of dog food may save you a few pennies per pound, but the cost savings aren't worth it if you can't use the bag within four to six weeks. While dog food doesn't technically "expire," products beyond their "best by" or "use by" label dates are less nutritious and more susceptible to molding or other compromises, which may even lead to toxicity. Avoid using dog food past its "best by" or "use by" date, akin to consuming expired breakfast cereal (not a pleasant thought!).

Consider "Best By" as an Expiration Date "Use by" or "best by" dates should be treated as expiration dates. When a nutritionist formulates dog food, they calculate how long various ingredients, vitamins, and minerals remain potent before starting to degrade. By the indicated "use by" date, the nutritional value may be significantly diminished. Refer to our Approved Dog Foods list for the best options for your dog.

Follow proper storage instructions. According to a study by the National Institutes of Health, the most overlooked parameter during storage is room temperature, which can lead to enhanced rancidity, especially in formulations rich in fats and oils.

Shelf Life of Dog Treats Dog treats also have an expiration date, usually labeled as "best by." Some packaging may include warnings like "Use within 30 days after opening." Pay attention to these guidelines, as exposure to air begins the degradation process once the package is opened. If an unopened bag of treats lists December 12, 2024, as its use-by date and you open it on February 8, the "best by" date is no longer relevant. Apply the same four to six weeks rule to determine when to discard any remaining treats.

Consider the impact of air and storage. For training purposes, opt for smaller packages to ensure the reward for good behavior remains fresh. If you're not using treats for training, consider making your own, including frozen and baked varieties.

Dog Food Storage The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) emphasizes proper storage of pet foods in an airtight container that is clean, dry, and has an airtight seal, preferably in its original packaging with the lot number for potential recalls. Opened wet food must be refrigerated, and some treats require the same, so always refer to the packaging.

Prevent mistakes when storing dog food by washing and drying the container before adding a new batch to avoid residue molding and contaminating fresh food. Ensure the container is moisture-proof and airtight, and store it out of your dog's reach and sight to prevent unsupervised access.