How Long Does A Bag Of Dog Food Last After Opening?
Pet owners are very concerned about the shelf life of dog food, especially the shelf life after opening. How long does a bag of dog food last? Usually, the shelf life is 6-18 months when sealed; it is within 2 months after opening. Of course, this also depends on the packaging weight and ingredients of the dog food. Each brand will also have specific instructions for sealing and shelf life after opening. In this article, I believe you will gain a lot.
Does dry dog food go stale if left open?
The answer is yes. First, let’s talk about what makes up dry dog food. Typically, dry dog food contains a blend of ingredients like meat, grains, vitamins, and minerals. These ingredients are carefully formulated to provide your pup with the essential nutrients they need for a healthy and balanced diet. Unopened dry dog food tends to have a shelf life of around 6-18 months, but once you open it, you should aim to use it up in about 2 months. When you leave a bag of dry dog food open, you’re exposing it to oxygen in the air. Over time, this exposure can lead to a process called oxidation, which can cause the fats in the food to go rancid and the kibble to lose its freshness.
How can you tell if your dog food has gone stale?
Like any food product, dog food can deteriorate over time due to exposure to air, moisture, and other environmental factors. When kibble or canned food goes stale, it may not only lose its palatability but also its nutritional value. We can usually judge whether dog food has deteriorated from some details, such as the following:
Sniff Test
One of the easiest ways to determine if your dog food has gone stale is by giving it a sniff. Fresh dog food should have a neutral odor, while stale food may have a rancid or sour smell.
Inspect for Mold or Insects
Another visual cue is to check the presence of mold or insects in the dog food. Mold growth or insect infestations are clear indicators that the food has spoiled and should not be fed to your furry friend.
Texture Check
Take a closer look at the texture of the dog food. Fresh kibble should be dry and crunchy, while wet food should have a consistent texture. If you notice any clumping, sogginess, or changes in texture, it could be a sign that the food has absorbed moisture and gone bad.
Check the Expiration Date
It’s always a good idea to check the expiration date on the packaging of your dog food. While this date doesn’t necessarily indicate the exact moment the food will go bad, it provides a general guideline for its freshness.
Is it OK to put dog food in a plastic bags?
Hey there, fellow pet parents! Have you ever found yourself with an open bag of dog food and no proper container in sight? You might be tempted to transfer the food into a convenient plastic bag lying around. For the pet food bags, they are specially designed to store and protect dry pet food from moisture, pests, and other environmental factors. They often feature airtight seals and protective linings to keep the food fresh and safe for consumption. However, not all pet food bags are suitable for long-term storage. You need to choose food-grade pet food bags with good barrier properties. Regular plastic bags are not designed for storing food and may not provide adequate protection against moisture and pests. Additionally, they can be easily punctured or torn, leading to contamination of the food.
How to store dog food to keep it fresh
Storage the dry dog food, it’s essential to use the right pet food packaging pouches. Opt for airtight containers made specifically for pet food, preferably ones with a seal that locks out air and moisture. These containers help preserve the freshness of the food and keep it free from contaminants. Properly stored dry pet food can typically last anywhere from 6 months to 1 year, depending on the brand and ingredients.
Keep it cool and dry
Just like with human food, temperature and humidity play a significant role in the shelf life of dog food. Store the food in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, heat sources, and moisture. Avoid areas like the garage or basement, as fluctuations in temperature and humidity can accelerate spoilage.
Use the original pet food packaging
Believe it or not, the original pet food packaging of your dog’s food is designed to keep it fresh. The bags are often made with materials that help preserve the food’s quality and prevent it from spoiling. If you choose to transfer the food to a container, be sure to keep the original packaging, as it contains essential information like expiration dates and batch codes.
Monitor expiration dates
Speaking of expiration dates, it’s crucial to keep an eye on them. Rotate your dog’s food regularly and use older bags first to ensure nothing goes to waste. While dry dog food typically has a longer shelf life than wet food, it’s still essential to check the expiration dates to ensure your pup is eating fresh food.
Avoid cross-contamination
To prevent cross-contamination, store your dog’s food away from other household items, especially those with strong odors. Keep it separate from cleaning supplies, chemicals, and human food to maintain its quality and flavor. This helps ensure that your pup’s meals are as tasty and nutritious as they should be.
Keep it sealed
Once you’ve opened a bag of dog food, be sure to reseal it tightly after each use. Use clips or rubber bands to secure the bag shut and prevent air from getting in. The less air exposure, the longer the food will stay fresh. Plus, this helps keep pesky pests like ants and rodents out of your dog’s food.
Conclusion
The shelf life of a bag of dog food is 6-18 months sealed in original pack, 2months after opening. This depends on the ingredient structure of the brand, whether you have opened the packaging, the packaging method, and the storage method. Based on the above knowledge, we can have a deeper understanding of the shelf life and storage methods of dog food. Helps your pet get healthy food and strengthen their body.
We all know how important pet food is to the health of our pets. Therefore, the packaging of pet food bags cannot be ignored. Wholesalers and pet food manufacturers should pay attention to the choice of pet packaging bags. If you don’t know how to choose packaging bags, you can check out our detailed recommendations on pet food packaging. Soaraway has been specializing in the production of food flexible packaging for 18 years, and we have passed ISO, FDA and other certifications. Send us an inquiry and we will respond to you at any time and give you the perfect packaging bag solution.