If any of these issues are present, it is not a good idea to feed your dog an expired dog food. (2023 Price Guide). Shes always had a cat in her home and has spent countless days with others, observing behaviors and softening up even the grouchiest of the lot. If your dog has drunk milk thats just a little past the expiration date, and it doesnt smell or look different, your dog may be OK. Just monitor him for any type of digestive problem or an allergic reaction. When storing dry food, make sure the containers are airtight and made of plastic or stainless steel. This, in turn, attracts pests, which can then lay eggs in the food and can lead to serious issues for dogs if ingested. And what if the dog gets into the expired milk? The bodys micronutrient reserves will dwindle. Sign up today to manage records in one place. You may find these phrases in regard to the milks expiration: All of this is confusing! Expired dog food can contain bacteria or molds which could make your pet sick and lead to health issues such as vomiting, diarrhea, or even more serious illnesses. Depending on the pathogen, though, your dog may become seriously ill. Bacteria like E. coli can cause life-threatening illnesses if left untreated. When your dog consumes contaminated dog food, bacteria will enter his or her bloodstream. And if youre ever in doubt, throw it away. Dry food, in particular, should be discarded after it has been stored at its best by a few months because it can harbor fungal bacteria. Can I Give My Dog Out Of Date Meat? - Quality Dog Resources Other parasites, such as aflatoxin, can infect and kill you. If the food was stored past its best by date, it may not be suitable for you, but it may be acceptable for your dog. Make sure to keep any expired dog food away from children and animals. It doesn't always mean that the pet food is no longer safe, though. Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. Purina dry dog food has an 18-month shelf life after being opened. To use opened canned food in the fridge within five to seven days of opening, keep it out of the refrigerator for five to seven days. Expired food can present both minor and severe risks to your pup, and, for this reason, we would say not to take the risk with it. It is critical to understand that expired food can be dangerous for both your dog and you. You might not need to look at the expiration date to know that a pet food is past its prime. The date is usually located on the bottom of the can or package. The food should be used within a year of the manufacturing date. For instance, your dogs digestive system is different fromours, plus they are known to occasionally eat things that we would rather not think about when they lick our faces. It happens to all of us at some point. Mouse and Rat Baits. We all know hes eaten worse on trips to the garbage can and when he finds discarded food in the park. Knowing how to properly store your dog's food to prevent spoilage, being aware of the signs of contamination, and understanding the difference between a "best by" date and expiration date are all important aspects when it comes to your pet's nutrition. This is the most common deadly poison ingested by dogs and cats. You can keep unopened dog food cans in the refrigerator for three to five days. Unlike food that just doesnt agree with him, bacteria contamination can cause severe infections that last days and can even become life-threatening. Does Dog Food Expire? | Great Pet Care My specialty is helping train difficult breeds that require a more detailed approach, such as German Shepherds and Pit Bulls. If your dog does happen to get into spoiled or expired dog food, you may see signs of general gastrointestinal upset such as vomiting or diarrhea. A plastic storage bin can keep your pets kibble fresh for an extended period of time. This means if you click on the link and purchase this item or service, we will receive an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. Although food marginally out of date could be safe, taking the chance of your pup getting a tummy upset will mean no one wins if you have to clean up after him. Dog Ate an Absorbent Meat Pad What to Do Next. Its important to note that ingredients that begin to degrade after the best by date arent limited toPreservatives. Food that's only a few months past the expiration is generally safe for dogs. If you are a pet owner like most people, you almost always give your dog a bag of kibble for breakfast, a bag for lunch, and a bag for dinner. If the food has been expired for more than a week and it is not moldy or contaminated with bacteria, it can be eaten. Emily Estep is a biologist and fact checker focused on environmental sciences. Although there are very few food-related DCM cases in dogs, it is believed that many other cases weren't reported due to the heart failure not being diagnosed. Do not try to cook the food or mix it with fresh food this can also make your pet sick. Check the food for a best before or use-by date. The sooner you consume it, the better. When properly stored, dry food should last at least through the manufacturers expiration date. The quick answer is yes! It may be easy for us to pay little to mind for a dog foods expiration date for several reasons. Im Dolev, a passionate dog trainer and expert. Open milk, on the other hand, can last about 2-3 days past the date on the carton. An items best by date indicates when it is not as nutritionally complete as the label indicates. Learn more. In the long run, dry food can spoil and produce an unpleasant odor. After all, best just means that its just going to have a dip in quality, right? The manufacturer sets the use-by date to estimate when the food will be at its freshest. Dogs can experience extreme diarrhea, vomiting, lethargy, stomach discomfort, and dizziness as the result of food poisoning. Hepper is reader-supported. [The] expiration date is the date the manufacturer recommends discarding the product, he explains. Does Dog Food Expire? | Pet Dog Expert Is it really bad? In comparison, the pouched and canned varieties have a shelf life of approximately 1-5 years. Does Dog Food Expire? Jodi Helmer writes about companion animals and livestock for NPR, Out Here, National Forests, WebMD, Hobby Farms and Backyard Poultry. The healthiest option is unsalted . 6. Store all food in a tightly sealed container and clean up any spills as they happen. Shes the proud mom of Baby, a Burmese, and works every day so he can relax in the sunshine or by the fire. Call the vet if you start to see any concerning symptoms. Can Dogs Eat Egg Whites? document.getElementById("ak_js_1").setAttribute("value",(new Date()).getTime()); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Expired dog food can be dangerous to both you and your pet. "Probably in the wild, the dog would kill the rabbit, it would eat the . This is the main reason that packaged food needs to be thoroughly checked before it is fed to dogs. Connect with a verified veterinarian in minutes. Contents show. Exposure to air allows potentially harmful bacteria to enter the food where it could grow and multiply. Dry dog food does expire. Our four-legged friends also don't shy away from eating food that's not meant for them. Since kibble, wet food, fresh ultra-processed and fresh frozen dog foods all go bad quickly once the packaging is open, its important to take steps to extend the shelf life and preserve the quality. Dried dog food stored properly should last for at least 18 months if not longer. Bacteria such as Salmonella, E. Coli, Botulism, and many more could cause your dog severe infections. The substances used to preserve dog food lose their effectiveness over time. When looking at the product codes date portion, youll notice that it has two characters: ddmmyy and ddmmmyy. The Best Used By date information may appear in a single or double line depending on the type of product and packaging. It should also be noted that spoiled dog food isnt as easy to detect as spoiled human food. Dogs will not be harmed if you feed them out-of-date canned meat, but they will not benefit from it in terms of nutrition. Once the best by date has passed, the preservatives will begin to degrade. All opinions remain our own. Because of this, we may think that they are better equipped to handle past-its-prime food stuff. Yes, dog food does expire. If the food contains past-its-best-by date, it may not be appropriate for you to eat it, but it may be acceptable for your dog. Longer expired dates reduce the amount of nutrition in the food in the long run. If your dog does eat expired dog food, watch for signs of illness and contact your veterinarian if your dog shows any signs of distress. If your dog accidentally eats some expired meat from the garbage then we would pay close attention to him for a few days. In the case of wet food, dont even think about it. Just as you wouldnt eat meat that has passed its expiry date, your dog also shouldnt be eating it. If the kibble is still dry, not turning white and powdery, and doesnt smell musty, it will generally be ok to use in case of an emergency, such as in a natural disaster where there are no other food alternatives available for your dog. If your dog has eaten a large amount of expired food, they may also experience dehydration and need to be seen by a veterinarian. She received a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and a Master of Science in Plant Biology from Ohio University. Does Dog Food Expire? - The Spruce Pets Liz Waynick is a Registered Vet Tech (RVT) and writer with over a decade of extensive hands-on experience caring for pets in veterinary hospital and surgical settings. What is the use of expired dry dog food? If your dog eats spoiled or expired dog food, he or she may exhibit symptoms of general gastrointestinal upset, such as diarrhea or vomiting. All opinions remain our own. Store any food in an airtight container or bag so that animals cant access it, and ensure that any refrigerator or freezer doors are shut tightly. Feeding your dog expired food can potentially lead to a range of health issues, from minor digestive upset to serious illness. If you have recently opened a bag of kibble and noticed that it is only just out of date, it will likely still be suitable for a few more days. It is critical that you keep an eye on your dog for any signs of illness and feed them fresh, cooked food as soon as possible. Our Vet Explains What to Do, 24 Cocker Spaniel Colors & Patterns (With Pictures), 9 Best Puppy Foods for Toy Breeds in 2023 Reviews & Top Picks, How Much Does a Cairn Terrier Cost? 7. If not, then youll want to read this article. Expired dog food may have a loss in nutritional quality and may cause illness.. As touched on before, these dates are designed to give you the time frame in which the food offers the advertised nutritional content of the label. Stay on top of cat food recalls here >, Have a dog? The first lets you know when a product is still in optimum condition to deliver all the nutrients and daily recommended intake levels of proteins, fats, and fiber. However, before feeding the dog this food, check it for mold and bacteria. When it comes to canned food, canning is the preservative, so unopened cans usually stay fresher longer than unopened dry food. This means that if your dog is eating a diet of primarily expired dry food, they may not be getting all the nutrients they need. Each bag of dry dog food has an expiration date stamped on the back, and the food can be refrigerated for up to 12 months. What To Do With Expired Dog Food: Best 7 Advice When the ambient temperature in the area where the food is stored is extremely high, food can deteriorate and rancid fats can form. Unopened, a bag of dry dog food can last up to two years, says Chavez. 1. Reviewed By Tom Updated: 11/11/21 3 min read Health Digestive System Can Dogs with Chicken Allergies Eat Duck Meat? My Dog Drank Expired Milk What Should I Do? | Our Fit Pets When feeding your dog, make sure they can eat what they can eat in a short period of time, which is usually a few days. Well, not so much. Dry dog food should not be heated or left out of direct sunlight at temperatures of no more than 80 degrees Celsius. The Risks Of Feeding Your Dog Expired Dog Food, Understanding Why German Shepherds Struggle to Stand and Walk: Causes and Solutions, German Shepherd Vocal Cord Location: Exploring the Anatomy, Unraveling the Nintendogs Mystery: Identifying the German Shepherd Edition, Unraveling Addisons Disease in Golden Retrievers: Prevalence and Insights, Paw-sing to Explore: The Ideal Walking Distance for Your 4-Month-Old Golden Retriever, German Shepherd Border Collie Mix Personality: Unleashing the Best of Both Breeds, Understanding the Fascinating World of Golden Retriever Gate, Living with a German Shepherd in a Small Space: Making the Most of Limited Room, Can Golden Retrievers be Prone to Cancer? Yes, dog food does expire. It could make the recipient animal sick. You can usually find this date on the bottom of the can containing dog food. When wet food goes bad, it may have a foul odor, change in color or obvious mold growthbut McCarthy notes that those signs may not always be present, adding, that is why its important to dispose of any opened canned food if not used within three days and any unopened canned food if past its expiration date.. When your dog eats an expired pet food, he will frequently smell it and turn up his nose. What to do with expired dog food disposal, 2. Unlike soured fat, mold gives off a smell that most dogs wont like. Put it in a trash bag and and toss that bag in a covered trash can or receptacle to prevent wildlife or outdoor pets from accessing it, McCarthy advises. Fido might eat it, but the responsibility is yours, and in short. This disorder consists of the compulsive eating of non-food items, like grass or rocks, according to Great Pet Care. My Dog Ate Expired Dog Food Will He Get Sick? | Our Fit Pets 6. The simple answer is yes, giving your dog out of date canned meat for dogs will not hurt your dog but it also won't give him much in terms of nutritional value. Anyone have any experience on the subject? Let our authors & experts know what you think. However, we may not be as diligent when it comes to our pooch's food. An emergency veterinarian visit may be necessary if your dogs stomach is upset as a result of spoiled dry dog food. If your dog eats rotten or moldy food, it can become ill. As a result, make certain that your compost pails and outdoor compost pile are kept out of the reach of pets. Does Dog Food Expire? How Check If It Has - IAMS Singapore And even if youre careful about this, its still possible your fur baby could find some expired dog food in the trash or on a walk outside, and more. Can Dogs Eat Peanut Butter? - American Kennel Club We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. What should I do if my dog food is out of date? There is generally agreement that it is safe to feed your pet dry food three months after its best by date but keep in mind that your pet may not be getting all of the nutrients they need. The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research. After youve opened the dried dog food, you should be able to eat it within six weeks. The best place to keep opened cans or pouches of wet dog food is in the refrigerator. In this article, we will talk you through the factors to consider when deciding whether food is still safe for your dog to eat. GreatPetCare does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. These ingredients will have a tendency to start declining after the expiration date because they are more organic. While the word "preservatives" has gained a bad reputation in recent years, they are vital in keeping your pet's food safe for consumption. You can also monitor your dog for any signs of illness or stomach upset like vomiting and diarrhea, and contact your veterinarian if any concerns arise.. Just like our food, fresh food smells like food and bad food smells off, Chavez says. Thanks for reading my article, and any comments are welcome! Youll have to feed it to the trash if it smells bad, so the dog cant get it. The contents of the OurFitPets.com website, such as text, graphics, images, and other material contained on this site (Content) are for informational purposes only. What are some common signs that dog food has gone wrong? The Scoop on Storing Pet Food. And even though our dog handles the digestion of food differently than we do, that doesnt mean that hes better equipped to handle bad food better than us. Our content and products are for informational purposes only. Most dog owners feed their animals a mix of fresh and dried food, and if youre one of them, you probably do so. The only way to prevent dry dog food from becoming spoiled is to use a stabilizer until the products expiration date, when the deterioration process begins. There are so many different brands, types, and flavors of dog food on the market that picking one can be overwhelming. Im dedicated to helping people and their dogs build strong relationships based on mutual respect and trust. Feeding your pup a healthy, nutritious food doesn't stop once you make an educated decision on what to feed, though. In dog food packaging, there are frequently expiration dates written near the barcode. rancid peanut butter loses its flavor in about a year. Our Vet Answers! Dry Dog Food Can Expire and Make Your Dog Sick Kibble is ultra-processed pet food and contains preservatives designed to give it a longer shelf life, Chavez says. An expiration date denotes when the ingredients in the food may have started to spoil. Expired Dog Food. The age of a dog food is not displayed in the best before or expiration dates listed on the label. This, in turn, attracts pests, which can then lay eggs in the food and can lead to serious issues for dogs if ingested. Worms In Dog Food: 8 Best Way To Prevent Worm, Can I Mix Cat Food With Dog Food: 11 Worst Effect - Dogs Food Mart, Should Dogs Only Eat Dog Food: 5 Best Natural Diet - Dogs Food Mart, The best food for 6weeks old puppy:10 Best food - Dogs Food Mart, Expired Dog Food: 8 Best Advice - Dogs Food Mart, Canidae Pure Senior Recipe Dog Food: The Best 11 Benefits, Worst Dog Foods: Worst 8 Brands Should Avoid, How To Make Wet Dog Food: The Best 13 Ways to Make. Expired dog food can contain bacteria, including salmonella, E. coli, and listeria monocyte gene. What to do with expired dog food precautions, 5. Your dog will not eat the food Your dog shows signs of being ill or discomfort after eating The dog food has passed the expiration date by several weeks Diarrhea Vomiting Nausea Lack of appetite Lethargy Dehydration Neurological signs (lack of coordination, tremors, seizures, collapse) This may be a medical emergency. They may give a new treat an extra sniff or two, but they will likely still eat it. What If My Dog Eats Contaminated or Expired Dog Food? Use separate plates for human and pet food to avoid cross-contamination. Its a simple example of semantics, but its strong enough to let us potentially believe that its not all that big of a deal if we miss this date by a few weeks or even months. Can Your Dog's Food Kill Them? - The Dogington Post Most pet food will still list "best by" dates so that pet owners can confidently know they are feeding their pets food that has optimal nutrients, smell, taste, and texture. After making, unopened dry food has a shelf life of two years; unopened dry food can be consumed for a year. Does Dog Food Expire? 4 Tips to tell if dog food has gone bad! - Dogs Vets It is very important to be extremely cautious when purchasing dog food from an open container, such as at a bulk store or market. Be sure to buy any new dog food before the expiration date on the package. Feeding your dog expired food can make him sick. Expired dog food can contain bacteria, including salmonella, E. coli, and listeria monocyte gene. It is best to store dry dog food in an airtight container with the bag it was stored in, sealed, and labeled with the brand. Quick Navigation When in doubt about the freshness of your dogs food, throw it away. Different kinds of dog food have different expiration dates: Chavez notes that conventional kibble and wet dog foods can have a shelf life of up to two years; fresh frozen pet foods will last a few months in the freezer; and fresh ultra-processed pet foods will expire in a few weeks. Chat With a Veterinarian For Personalized Help. But, these additives will become less effective over time and eventually fail. Always seek the advice of your veterinarian with any questions you may have regarding the medical condition of your pet. These signs may manifest as low energy, weakness, weight loss, or muscle wasting. Unopened canned foods have a shelf life of two years from the date of manufacturing, whereas unopened dry pet foods typically have a shelf life of 12 to 18 months. An unopened can could have a shelf life as long as two years, depending on the manufacturer, but, once the top is popped, McCarthy notes that, even in the refrigerator, it will go bad quickly. You can also compost the expired dog food if you have a compost pile. August 23, 2021 by John Eppler. The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional veterinarian advice, diagnosis, or treatment. No, dogs should not eat spoiled meat because it contains deadly and harmful bacteria and toxins that may make your dog sick and infect him. (Image credit: Getty Images) If you've been pondering the question 'does dog food expire?' then we're happy to report that you've come to the right place! Expired milk is nothing more than milk that has gone past the expiration date. If the food is bad and the fat has turned, it can lead to digestion issues. Has your dog drunk expired milk? Dry food is devoid of odor, whether it is gone or not. Antifreeze has a sweet taste and dogs like it. The majority of dog treats can be consumed for at least a few months after they are purchased. If you can't remember when you bought the food, throw it away immediately. If its been exposed to heat or previously frozen and thawed above 40 degrees Fahrenheit, freezing is not recommended, he says. Studies have shown that milk, when properly stored and unopened, can last about 5-7 days past the date listed on the carton. She is an expert on pet behavior and medical condition symptoms. Food Poisoning in Dogs: A Helpful Guide | Canna-Pet Nicole wants to share her kitty expertise with you so you and your cat. And high temperatures can make the food rancid. talk to a vet online for advice >. Does Dog Food Expire? 2023 Bestie Paws Hospital Practice safe storage: Leaving dry dog food unsealed, pouring kibble into plastic containers or leaving food out too long are among the most common dog food storage mistakes to avoid. If the food has been sealed, it is generally safe to keep it for up to 18 months after the expiration date. Diarrhea and sickness is the main problem you will encounter if Fidos food is bad. Expired meat contains bacteria that cause food poisoning in dogs. If he gets excited while you are getting his breakfast ready, runs up to the bowl, and then stops dead in his tracks, hesitantly sniffs the kibble, and then walks away, he may smell something off in the kibble that you may not. For dry dog foods, for example, a shelf life of 4 months to 3 years is common. These bacteria can make your pet sick or even kill them. You can also store canned food in a freezer-safe container or baggie before freezing it. If your dog has eaten a large amount of expired food, they may also experience dehydration and need to be seen by a veterinarian. When used in moderation, dog food that has been in the food chain for a few months is generally safe to consume. If your dog eats expired dog food, it is possible that they will experience gastrointestinal upset. In severe cases, they may vomit, lose their appetite, and even die. Most people agree that feeding your dog food three months after it has reached its best by date is fine. If the food is stored in an area that has excess moisture, the pet food can grow moldy. As moisture makes its way into food and mold through a container or packet, it can become permeable. Keep food fresh by storing it properly, and avoid storing it for long periods of time. dog food as fertilizer (zero waste permaculture forum at permies) Ask a Vet Live Now My Dog Drank Expired Milk What Should I Do? What might be pros- cons? Despite being a tasty treat for people, ingesting even the smallest amount can be extremely hazardous to your dogs' health. Grapes and raisins - These can cause kidney failure in dogs, even in small amounts. Admit it: You didnt know dog food has an expiration date. Even if the food isnt yet past its prime, its still important to check for signs of contamination to ensure its not unsafe. Even if the food has not been opened and is still fresh, your pet may not be receiving all of the nutrients they would normally receive. This means putting it in a garbage bag and tying it up so that no one can get to it. Once opened, wet food should be used within three days. Once the bag is opened, it is only good for a few weeks. Of course it can - all foods, whether intended for humans or pets, can be dangerous if they were improperly manufactured or stored. A dogs esophagus can help it digest dirt and feces by growing bacteria in it. In fact, dogs are actually much more prone to food poisoning than humans. Onions and garlic - These can damage a dog's red blood cells and lead to anemia. Wash your hands thoroughly after handling any pet food. Buying several packages might save on extra trips to the store but could increase the odds that your dog food expires before your pooch polishes off the entire bag. The smell of rancid food indicates that it is likely to have already expired. Spoiled dry food rarely smells rotten, so dont let this be your leading indicator. A bag of dried dog food should last approximately 18 months if properly stored. Stay up to date with pet-related recalls and alerts so you can help keep your dog or cat safe. stainless steel is an excellent material for storing pet food because it is simple to maintain and lasts longer. Most foods are packaged in airtight containers with preservatives pumped in to remove the air and bacteria that can spoil food. Another problem is that most dogs are lactose intolerant. 7 Human Foods That Can Be Fatal to Dogs - Healthline An airtight container can be a great way to keep your dog food fresh. Weve all more or less trained ourselves to be mindful of labels and expiration dates when we go shopping for obvious reasons. You wont smell much of a difference compared to non-expired chow, and your dog wont be all that fussy about eating it if you feed him. If the food is left in a moist and hot location, mold growth may even accelerate. Chat With a Veterinarian For Personalized Help Review symptoms, medications & behavior to keep your pets healthy with a Vet Online in just minutes. If you havent already, you should begin using dried dog food within six weeks. Dry food doesnt really have an odor if it has gone bad or otherwise, so how do you know if its spoiled? Dry dog food does expire. If the food has been stored in airtight containers and is nearing the end of its useful life, it is safe to eat it.