Brussels (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – If you’re a dog owner, you know how important it is to provide your furry friend with proper nutrition. One of the most common types of dog food is dry kibble. It’s convenient, easy to store, and comes in a variety of flavors and formulas. However, have you ever wondered whether dry dog food can go bad?
The short answer is yes, it can. In this article, we’ll explore the shelf life of dry dog food, and the factors that affect its freshness and quality. You will also get to know about the signs that indicate dog food has gone bad. Also, get some of the best tips for storing it properly, and the risks of feeding your dog spoiled food.
The Shelf Life of Dry Dog Food
Dry dog food typically has a long shelf life ranging from 1 to 3 years. The exact duration depends on several factors. The ingredients used to make the kibble and the processing method employed by the manufacturer should be right. If you want to keep dog food fresh, then you should pay attention to the packaging materials used to store it.
Most high-quality bag of dry dog foods contains natural preservatives such as tocopherols (vitamin E) or rosemary extract that help prolong its shelf life. However, even these preservatives present in the food formula can only protect it from bacteria for so long.
Factors That Affect Shelf Life
Several factors can affect the shelf life of dry dog food, including the level of fat, oil, and moisture present in the food. Many factors can impact how long dry dog food retains its freshness and nutritional value. Here are some critical factors worth noting:
1.Storage Conditions
How you store your dry dog food may significantly affect its lifespan. Keep it in a cool and dry environment in an airtight container like Tupperware or pet food containers made specifically for storing pet foods. This will prevent contamination by pests like rodents or insects. Proper storage procedures are essential to maintaining the dog food’s freshness. It should be stored in a cool and dry place away from direct sunlight or heat sources.
2. Quality Of Ingredients
The quality of ingredients used in making dry kibble will also determine how long it lasts before going stale or rancid. High-quality ingredients last longer compared to cheaper alternatives filled with filler grains such as corn which degrade faster than other main ingredients.
3. Packaging
Airtight packaging helps prevent moisture absorption, which can lead to microbial growth, mold development, and decreased nutritional value. Regular inspection of containers for damages or punctures is crucial to ensure air doesn’t get inside.
Signs That Dry Dog Food Has Gone Bad
Your canine companion won’t let you know if their kibble has gone rancid or stale. They will eat whatever is available without question if they trust their provider- You! So how do you tell if their daily source of nutrition is past its expiration date? Here are some common signs:
1.Unpleasant Odor
One of the most apparent signs that your bag of dry kibble has gone bad is a rancid smell emanating from it – It smells unpleasantly sour or musty.
2. Mold
Mold growth on kibble indicates moisture has entered into storage containers because products containing >10% moisture content are at risk for mold development.
Tips For Storing Dry Dog Food To Prolong Its Freshness
As previously discussed earlier in this article proper storage will help keep your pet’s meal fresh longer Here are some additional tips to keep in mind:
1.Airtight Container
Store in an air-tight container like Tupperware with a tight-fitting lid. It is also a great idea to invest in specially designed pet food containers with rubber seals to ensure minimal air exposure.
2. Cool And Dry Environment
Store your pet’s food away from direct sunlight heat sources. This helps prevent spoilage due to oxidation.
Read More: Will Pensions Rise In The UK In 2023? (What To Expect)
Risks Of Feeding Spoiled Food
Feeding your furry friend spoiled goods could lead to unpleasant health consequences ranging from mild gastrointestinal problems. If the food is spoiled this can upset the stomach of your dog. They might experience problems like vomiting and diarrhea. If your dog is eating expired food, then it can even lead to potentially fatal illnesses caused by bacterial contamination.
If you notice any changes within a few hours after feeding them suspect kibble seek veterinary attention promptly. Because dogs have no way of expressing themselves verbally when something doesn’t feel right internally.
