Dry dog food can last anywhere from 6 to 12 months, depending on the brand and how it is stored.
Most brands will have a “best by” date stamped on the package, which is generally an indication of how long the food will retain its original freshness, flavor, and nutrients.
Once dry dog food is opened, it should be used within a few months to ensure that your dog gets high-quality, safe nutrition.
To extend the shelf life of dry dog food, store it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Avoid storing it in humid areas, such as the kitchen or bathroom, as this can cause the food to spoil more quickly.
If you’re not sure how long a particular brand or type of food will last, it’s always best to check with the manufacturer before opening a new bag. Keep it well-sealed once the bag has been opened.
dry food We recommend for dogs
Dogs are carnivores, which means that they can digest animal proteins and fats.
Dogs have a relatively short intestinal tract in comparison to other animals, so their intestines are not as efficient in breaking down plant material. For this reason, it is important to provide your dog with a diet that is based on animal proteins and fats.
There are many types of dry dog foods on the market. The 6 dry foods we recommend for dogs are:
- Orijen Six Fish
- Acana Pacifica
- Wellness Core
- Nature’s Variety Instincts
- Natural Lamb Meal & Rice
All of these dog foods are based on animal proteins and fats. They also contain a variety of other ingredients that are beneficial for dogs, such as fruits, vegetables, and herbs.
These dry food brands that we recommend are all high-quality foods. They will provide your dog with the nutrients that he needs to stay healthy and happy. None of these foods contain fillers or by-products, which can be harmful to your dog’s health.
When choosing a dry food for your dog, it is essential to consider his age, size, and activity level.
The brands that we recommend are appropriate for most dogs. However, you may need to consult with your veterinarian if you have a specific question about your dog’s diet.
Read our related article on How to Tell if Dog Food is Bad. Not sure if your dog’s food has expired? Check out this guide before feeding your dog.
how long does dry dog food last? Best Storage
The shelf life of dry dog food can vary depending on how it is stored. The best ways to store dry dog food to maintain freshness are simple.
- In an unopened bag in a cool, dark place. This will keep the food fresh for up to 6 months.
- In an opened bag in the refrigerator. This will keep the food fresh for up to 2 weeks.
- Excess dry dog food can be stored in an airtight container. This will keep the food fresh for up to 2 weeks.
- Keep the bags sealed. Once you have opened the bag of dry dog food, make sure to reseal it tightly. This will help to keep out moisture and air which can cause the food to spoil.
- Freeze the food. If you won’t be able to use all the dry dog food within a few months, you can freeze it. Thaw the food before feeding it to your dog.
- Store in a cool, dry place. Storing dry dog food in a cool, dry place will help to keep it fresh for longer. Avoid storing dry dog food in humid or warm areas, as this can cause the food to spoil more quickly.
When storing dry dog food, it is important to keep it in a cool, dark place to maintain its freshness.
Additionally, if stored in an opened bag, it should be placed in the refrigerator or freezer to prevent spoilage.
If an excess dry dog food is stored in an airtight container, it will stay fresh for up to two weeks. Check out our favorite dog food storage containers to keep your canine’s food as fresh as possible.
By following these storage guidelines, you can ensure that your dry dog food stays fresh and lasts as long as possible.
Read our related article on How to Store Dry Dog Food Long Term. Keep your dog’s food safe for longer with our quick guide!
What Happens if a Dog eats spoiled food?
Some dogs have sensitive stomachs and will throw up any food that is not formulated for dogs with digestive issues.
Aside from a predisposition to stomach sensitivity, if your dog consumes spoiled food, a variety of symptoms or illnesses may occur.
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- Lethargy and decreased appetite
- Skin problems, dermatitis, and other allergy symptoms
- Experience organ infections and possible death
If you suspect your dog has eaten spoiled food, it is important to contact your veterinarian immediately. They will be able to provide treatment and help prevent any further health issues.
Dogs are not as particular as humans when it comes to their food. They will eat anything that is put in front of them, including food that has gone bad. This can be harmful to their health and may even lead to death.
If you have any doubts about the freshness of your dog’s food, it is best not to feed it to him at all. Instead, give him some fresh water and wait until you can get some fresh food for him.
If your dog has already eaten some spoiled food, there are a few things you can do to help him recover.
Ways to tell that dog’s food has Spoiled
Dry dog food generally has a shelf life of about one year, but this can vary depending on the specific product. There are a few ways to tell if dry dog food has gone bad:
Check the expiration date
This is the most obvious way to tell if dry dog food has gone bad. If the food is past the expiration date, it is not safe to feed your dog.
Look for signs of mold or other contaminants
If you see any mold on the dry dog food, do not feed it to your dog. Also, avoid feeding your dog dry food that looks or smells strange, as it may contain contaminants.
Check the consistency
High-fiber dog food can have a different consistency, but any dry dog food that has gone bad will usually be clumpy or caked together. If the food is in this condition, it is best to discard it.
Test the food for moisture
Dry dog food that has gone bad will often have a high level of moisture content. To test, place a few drops of water on the food and wait a few minutes. If the water is absorbed into the food, the food has gone bad.
Try to crush some kibble
If you have trouble crushing the kibble, it may be because it has become stale and hard. This is another sign that the food has gone bad.
Smell the food
Dry dog food that has gone bad will have an unpleasant, spoiled odor. If the food smells bad, it is best to throw it away and not risk your dog’s health.
