A 40 pound bag of dog food should last approximately one or two months if stored properly, depending on various factors like its size, age and feeding habits.
Store your pet food in a cool, dry location to prevent spoilage. Hot or humid environments may lead to mold growth and unpleasant odors – both factors should be avoided at all costs!
Contents
Size and Weight
A dog food bag is designed to hold the exact amount of kibble needed for your pet. Dry foods come in sizes that range from five pounds up to forty pounds; choosing one based on their individual needs can save money over time.
Selecting a dog food with meat as its primary ingredient will ensure your pup receives a nutritious diet while enjoying optimal taste from their kibble.
For wet foods, they tend to last longer in the refrigerator before mealtime and should be stored there until feeding time. Be sure to store it properly in terms of temperature control; leftover spoiled wet food could make your pet sick! How long an opened bag of dog food lasts depends on a number of factors including its size, age, eating habits and your pet’s size; for more assistance consult a veterinarian or pet nutrition expert for guidance.
Food Habits
Dogs have simple stomachs, and when their bellies become full they stop eating. Therefore, it is essential that you feed your pup at regular and scheduled times in order to allow his stomach time to empty before his next mealtime.
Pet food that has been improperly stored or left sitting around for too long can quickly turn rancid or go bad, due to exposure to air, sunlight and hot temperatures. Therefore, dry food bags should remain closed whenever possible while fresh foods should be kept refrigerated until ready for consumption.
Some pet owners recommend microwaving stale kibble, but this may not always be necessary or safe if your pup is sensitive to heat. If they turn their nose up at something they normally devour, that may be a telltale sign that the food has gone bad – in which case purchasing new bags of food would likely be best.
Storage
The shelf life of dog food depends on several factors, including: size and age of your pup, their eating habits and the size of the bag. To keep an opened bag fresher for longer, store it in an airtight container in the fridge to prevent moisture and pests from invading its contents.
Before freezing kibble, it’s advisable to roll up and seal it using a chip clip or place in an airtight plastic zippered bag by squeezing out excess air before zipping it shut.
As pet foods degrade over time, their nutritional value decreases and they may start to spoil. Once nearing their “best by” date, it’s advisable to discard it and purchase new bags – otherwise there could be potential health risks as bugs can crawl in and spread germs or diseases into their food supply.
Best Before Date
Most dog foods feature an expiration or “best by” date that provides you with an indication of when it may no longer be safe to feed to your pup, though it may still provide nutrients. However, after this date it may still have nutritional value but may become less nutritious over time.
Dry dog food becomes rancid over time when exposed to air, heat and moisture; to maintain freshness in its nutrition and freshness it must be stored in an airtight container away from heat and moisture sources.
Canned pet foods remain shelf-stable if stored away from moisture and heat, with most canned dog foods featuring best by dates; opened cans can last weeks or months in the fridge when properly stored; for guidance, refer to manufacturer best practice guidelines.
