The first sign of spoiled dry dog food is a sour taste. If the food has not been used for several months, it will smell bad and may even have fungal growth. Fungi and bacteria can cause serious problems, and rotting food can lead to serious health problems. The following signs are the most common signs of spoiled dry dog food. If you notice any of these signs, it’s time to visit your veterinarian.
Another sign of spoiled food is an expiration date. Most dry dog food brands have an expiration date of 12 to 18 months. However, that only applies to the unopened bag. After two weeks, it’s best to throw it away. Whether a bag is open or closed, it’s essential to inspect it thoroughly to ensure it’s safe. If it’s still smelling like rancid oil, you should immediately throw it out.
Is It True That Dog Food Goes Bad?
There are a few other signs that dry dog food is terrible. Check the date on the bag. Most dry dog foods are good for twelve to 18 months if it has not been opened. An expiration date is not always the same as the date of purchase. It’s also important to remember that if you’ve opened the bag, the expiration date is only applicable if the bag has not been opened. Otherwise, it’s best to throw it out after two weeks, as a ruined bag could contain bugs or mold.
Most dog food, whether dry or canned, is designed to last. At least for a while. Many commercially available dog foods have a long shelf life. However, they don’t last indefinitely. Dog food can deteriorate or go rancid if not stored properly. But don’t worry; there are several methods for keeping your dog’s food fresh for as long as possible.
Begin To Check With The Date Of Expiration
Expiration or “best by” dates are set by pet food producers to safeguard your dog’s safety. Unopened dry pet meals have a shelf life of 12-18 months, while unopened canned pet foods have a two-year shelf life from the date of manufacturing. Look for the expiration date on the bottom of your dog’s food bag or can, and plan to open and use it before then.
Remember that the date on the bag shows how long the food will keep fresh before being unwrapped. Dog food might start to decay once it’s opened, and air and moisture have a chance to get in. According to some experts, unsealed food should be consumed within weeks. If you’re worried about finishing an opened bag of dog food before it spoils, buys it in smaller quantities. It’s preferable to carefully use up a little bag of dog food than to risk a large, opened bag rotting before it’s emptied.
Try To Keep The Dog Food Fresh For As Long As Possible
Containers for storing dog food help keep food contained and out of the way. Food spilled out of its bag and into a bin, on the other hand, can degrade more quickly because oils and fats collect into the bin’s walls and bottom. Experts advise keeping dog food in its original bag. Bags for dog food are designed to protect food from air and humidity, both of which can hasten the decomposition of pet meals (source).
But that doesn’t rule out the possibility of purchasing one of those ingenious dog food buckets. Toss the bag in the trash! Food should be stored in its original bag, in an airtight bin, to keep fats from oxidizing. The lipids and oils in the kibble begin to oxidize as soon as they contact the walls of your pet food containers (especially in the plastic ones).
Unopened canned dog food should be kept in a cold, dry place. Canned dog food can be kept in the refrigerator for a few days once opened. Any unused canned food should be carefully covered with plastic wrap or a reusable lid, such as one of these can covering lids.
Do Dog Treats Go Rotten After A While?
Like dry or canned dog food, dog treats have an expiration date. The shelf life is determined by the components used and the types of preservatives used.
The shelf life of homemade peanut butter dog biscuits is substantially lower than a commercially produced treat. Soft, meaty sweets are more likely to deteriorate than hard biscuits. Treats kept in airtight containers and carefully preserved endure longer than those exposed to air and humidity.
Dog treats can go rancid. However, as long as they’re stored properly and utilized before the expiration date, they’ll be alright.
How To Check If Your Dog’s Food Is Spoiled?
Dogs have extraordinary senses of smell and can detect aromas that people cannot detect. There could be something wrong with your pet’s food if they sniff the dish and turn their head or if they eat a few nibbles before walking away.
Some dogs, on the other hand, will eat garbage. That’s why you must recognize the signs of “spoiled” food. If your dog’s food is ruined, look for the following signs:
- A sour or rotten odor can be detected
- Moisture, mold, or pests are visible
- The bag has beyond its use-by date
- Heat or humidity has been applied to the food
- After eating, your dog refuses to eat or displays signs of illness or discomfort
How To Keep Dry Dog Food?
We recommend that you follow these easy guidelines:
- Purchase only as much food as your dog will consume in a few weeks.
- Keep the food in the original bag, push out as much air as possible, and seal tightly with a clip, wire, or elastic.
- Place the bag inside an airtight container.
- Steel is the most hygienic option.
- If you can keep out of the light, use glass.
- If you’re willing to clean it thoroughly, use plastic.
- Do not combine new and old foods. Unless you’re changing your dog’s diet, always complete the old food bag before opening a new one.
- Always clean the container in between each food bag. Rancid oils will set off a chain reaction in your new food, causing it to spoil much more quickly.
- After cleaning, always allow the container to air dry thoroughly.
- Please keep it away from insects and rodents in an excellent, dry location.
- If you have too much food, freeze a portion of it.
Is It Possible For Dogs To Thrive Solely On Dry Food?
Dogs appear to enjoy dry dog food, and the majority of them live happy, healthy lives on nearly any brand. Dogs perform OK on dry dog food, which is good news for pet owners. Although many canines prefer wet dog food because it is more digestible, dry food is still a healthy option. Although many canines prefer wet dog food because it is more digestible, dry food is still a healthy option. So, let’s take a look at why dogs may survive just on dry food.
Conclusion
When it comes to rancidity, a dog’s food can smell bad after being opened. While this isn’t necessarily a sign that the food is terrible, it can signify that the ingredients are rancid. It can cause your pet to develop gastrointestinal tract infections. So, it’s essential to follow the expiration date of the dry dog food, and it’s essential to keep the food out of reach of children and other pets.
