How Long Does A Bag Of Dog Food Last

 According to research, the average American dog owner spends $1,380 on their dog’s basic expenses each year. While our dogs deserve the world, $1,380 is a large sum.

As a result, any method that helps us save money on pet care without sacrificing quality is worth researching.

Buying dog food in bulk is one of the best methods to save money on dog care. However, many pet owners are hesitant to buy dog food in bulk because they are afraid it will spoil.

It is hard to figure out how long does a bag of dog food lasts. If you buy too much food, the kibble may spoil before your dog can consume it.

If you buy a bag that is too small, your dog may require food more frequently. Consider the following points at the time of estimating how long a bag of food will last.

1. Dog size

Big dogs eat more than little dogs. Always consider the dog size with an accurate weight when estimating how long a bag of food will last your dog. Always read the feeding instructions on the bag, but in general, the bigger the dog, the more dog food he will need.

2. Dog Activity level and metabolism

Every bag of dog food has a chart on the back that tells you how much food your dog needs. Finding the category for your dog’s weight and age will reveal a range, such as 1 to 3 cups of food per day. Each dog is different from the other and will require a different amount of food to stay healthy. The more physical activity or metabolism your dog has, the more food they need.

3. Type of ingredients

A kibble with more nutritional punch requires less feeding to ensure proper growth, health, and weight. For a 50-pound dog fed a kibble full of fillers and meat by-products, you may need to feed 4 cups per day. You may only need to feed your dog 2 cups of food per day if the first three ingredients are meat, eggs, and single-source grain. A bag of food will last longer if you feed your dog less frequently.

4. Estimation of dog food 

The Dog Food Project says most kibble contains 4–5 cups of food per pound. A 65-pound dog with moderate activity and metabolism may eat 4.5 cups generic and 2.5 cups premium per day. Using a generic brand, you’ll need a 30- to 40-pound bag of food every month. You’ll need a 15-pound bag of food for a month if you feed a high-quality brand. Calculate your dog’s weight, multiply the bag’s weight by 4 cups, then divide the total by the feeding recommendation on the bag’s back.

5. Bag size

The bag size also matters when it comes to your dog’s food shelf life. But bigger isn’t always better. The longer your dog eats from the bag, the more likely it is that the food will go bad. Bags of dog food range in weight from 30 or 40 pounds is ideal. Choose a bag that your dog can eat in a month.

6. Shelf life of dog food

Pet food manufacturers set expiration or “best buy” dates to ensure your dog’s safety. Sealed dry pet kibble has a shelf life of 12-18 months, and unopened canned pet foods have a two-year shelf life from the date of manufacturing. Look at the expiry date on the bottom of your dog food bag, and plan to open and use it before then.

Remember that the date on the bag indicates how long the food will stay fresh before being opened. Dog food can rapidly deteriorate once it is opened, and air and moisture have a chance to get in. According to some experts, open food bags should be consumed within a couple of weeks.

If you’re worried about finishing an opened bag of dog food before it spoils, buys it in smaller quantities. It’s better to use up a small bag of dog food safely than to risk a large, opened bag spoiling before it’s empty!

What are the advantages of buying dog food in bulk?

1. Offer big discounts

It’s no surprise that pet food suppliers reward discounts to customers who purchase in bulk. Purchasing dog food in bulk amount reduces the cost of the middleman and all the cost-cutting incentives go to the consumer.

2. less chance out of stock

 Many times have you gone to the market to buy your dog’s favorite food and they told it’s sold out? That’s especially frustrating for senior dogs who are picky eaters.

Buying in bulk extends the shelf life of food. Also, most suppliers will notify you in advance if they decide to discontinue stocking a particular food. Introducing a new recipe gradually gives you plenty of time.

3. Quality dog food

Buying your dog’s food directly from the source allows us to communicate with product experts that provide you a quality dog food. Because wholesalers, unlike retailers, deal directly with manufacturers. As a result, they can better answer your questions about the product and improve products as per your pet needs.

What are the risks associated with buying dog food in bulk?

The only disadvantage to buying dog food in bulk is that it may go rancid before your dog finishes it. When it comes to dry dog food, how long does it last? It is dependent on several factors, including how it is stored. However, it should last you up to 18 months, give or take.

How to store dog food to keep it fresh?

• Containers for dog food keep food contained and out of the way. Food poured from its bag into a bin spoils faster as oils and fats settle in the bin’s walls and bottom. Experts advise keeping dog food in the bag. Dog food bags protect food from air and humidity, which can accelerate food from degradation.
• Retaining food in its original packaging can help keep fats from oxidizing. When kibble fats and oils first contact the walls of your pet food containers, they oxidize, especially in the plastic jars.
• Unopened canned dog food should be kept cool and dry. Cans of dog food can be refrigerated once opened. Cover unused canned food tightly with plastic wrap or a reusable lid. Also, keep fresh or frozen dog food in the fridge or freezer. Specifications vary by manufacturer.

Frequently Asked questions

1. Can I buy a kibble in bulk that contains fish and omega-three fatty acids?

Fish and fish oil, fats oxidize very quickly. If you have to feed the fish, finish it within a week for the best results.

2. Can I purchase dog food in bulk without knowing the fat source?

The source of the fats determines how long your pet food will last once opened. If your dog eats beef kibble, you must finish the bag within three weeks. The chicken or poultry food should be consumed within two weeks of opening the bag.

3. How to know if dog food is bad?

Like humans, dogs can smell bad food before eating it. A bad smell is a warning that the diet may be harmful. A dog sniffs the menu and turns away without tasting it. It may also leave after a few bites, indicating that the smell or taste is intoxicating.

Mold, bugs, or moisture in the food are also signs of bad food. If the bag of dog food is expired, don’t feed it to your dog.

Conclusion

Quality dog food, regardless of age, isn’t cheap. So, after buying the food, make sure it stays dry and fresh at all times. Bad food for your dog also has a cost in terms of health issues.

Food storage properly extends shelf life and maintains food quality. To keep your dog’s great health, throw out any food that has passed its expiration date. To avoid disappointments, only buy dog food from reputable brands.

References

• https://dogcare.dailypuppy.com/long-bag-dog-food-last-dog-1553.html
• https://northpointpets.com/npp-journal/pandemic-considerations-for-pet-food-bulk-buying-and-shelf-life/