How Long Does Canned Dog Food Last in the Can?

Canned dog food is a convenient and cost-effective way to feed your pup. It’s easy to store, requires no refrigeration and can be easily served up in portions. But how long does canned dog food last in the can?

The answer depends on the type of canned food you purchase. If you buy a prescription or special diet canned food, it will have a shorter shelf life than regular canned food. Prescription or special diet canned foods are only meant to be used for a short period of time and should be discarded after about three weeks if not refrigerated.

Regular canned dog foods typically have a shelf life of around one year, but it’s best to check the expiration date on the can before feeding it to your pup. Once opened, the contents of the can should be used within four days for best quality. If you don’t plan on using all of it, you should transfer any remaining contents into an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to one week.

It’s important to keep in mind that any food that has been sitting around too long may not be safe for your pup to eat and could potentially cause your pup an upset stomach or worse. If you notice any strange smells or colors coming from the cans, it’s best to discard them immediately rather than risk feeding them to your pet.

Conclusion: Canned dog food generally lasts one year when kept unopened in its original packaging, but prescription or special diet foods should only be used for three weeks at most before being discarded if not refrigerated. Once opened, canned dog food should be used within four days for best quality, or transferred into an airtight container and stored in the refrigerator for up to one week.