How to Tell if your Dog Food has Gone Bad

As a dog owner, you try your best to ensure your dog remains healthy. Nutritious food plays a key role in the development of your dog. When your dog’s food goes bad, it begins to degrade and no longer retains its full nutritional value. Here are some ways to detect if the food your dog is eating is safe.

Inspect the Dog Food Using Your Senses

Food can go bad if exposed to excess moisture, bacterial growth, or high temperatures. This is especially the case in the hot summer months. It is important to look for signs of food decay. Growth of mold can signify food contamination. Similarly, bad odor and insects are also indicators of spoiled food. Dry kibble tends to smell like chemicals when it has spoiled, while canned or wet food emits a bad odor.

Read the “Best Before” and Expiration Dates

Packaged food begins to degrade as soon as you open it. Check the expiration date on the packaging before you serve the food to your dog. Dog food usually comes as canned wet food or dry kibble. Opened canned food that is properly refrigerated with a tight lid lasts 6-7 days.  Opened bags of dry food that are properly sealed after each use last up to 6 weeks. You can contact the manufacturer to find out details or look at the food production date. Always buy food that is less than 6 months old to ensure that your dog eats fresh, nutritious food.

Observe Your Dog’s Reaction to Food

Dogs have powerful senses, especially their ability to smell. Observe your dog to find out not only what type of food he likes and enjoys, but also if he refuses to eat his favorite food. You might notice your dog did not eat more than a few bites. He might even sniff and turn away from the food you have served. These can be signs that your pup’s food has gone bad. A dog has a far better sense of taste and smell than us humans, making it easier for him to detect spoiled food.

Do Not Buy Your Dog Food in Bulk

Dogs have a digestive system that is able to handle and digest food much better than humans. Dry food usually has a “Best By” date ranging from 6 months to 1 year, while unopened canned food can last 2 to 5 years. Dry food or canned food which is past its prime date is not recommended. Yet, it is not illegal for stores to sell expired food. You should make it a point to buy food no longer than one month in advance and read the expiration date.

Exposure to air, bacteria, or mold are common reasons for degradation of dog food. Knowing how to detect spoiled food will keep your dog healthy. In order to ensure your dog eats nutritious food, remember to buy fresh food for your pup every month. Read the “Best By” date and expiration date, and properly seal and store the food after every use.

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