The shelf life of canned dog food is an important topic when considering your pup’s nutrition. Canned dog food can be a great option for owners who want to feed their pets a more nutritious diet than dry kibble. But just how long does canned dog food last?
Generally speaking, unopened canned dog food can be kept for up to two years past the expiration date on the can. However, that doesn’t mean it should be stored for that long.
To ensure optimal nutrition and taste, it’s best to use the food within six months from the expiration date. After that time period, the quality of the food may start to decrease.
Once you open a can of dog food, it should be refrigerated and used within four days. This is due to the fact that once opened and exposed to oxygen and heat, the nutrients in canned dog food start to breakdown. The same rules apply for opened wet or soft-moistened foods as well.
It’s also important to note that while canned dog food has a longer shelf-life than dry kibble, it doesn’t come without its own dangers. Bacteria such as Salmonella or Listeria can build up in cans due to improper storage or mishandling during production. To reduce your pup’s risk of contamination, always inspect cans before feeding them to your pet and discard any cans with dents or bulges.
Conclusion
Canned dog food has a longer shelf life than dry kibble but should still be used within six months from its expiration date and refrigerated after opening and used within four days. It’s also important to check cans for any damage before feeding them to your pet in order to reduce their risk of contamination from bacteria.