Is It Safe to Feed Your Dog Out-of-Date Dog Food?
Feeding your dog can be a significant expense over their lifetime, especially if you choose premium brands or have a large breed. Buying in bulk can often save money, but it may lead to dog food sitting open for weeks or months, potentially going out of date or spoiling.
Some sellers, including discount stores and market stalls, offer dog food that is near or past its date at a reduced price. It may seem tempting, but is it safe to feed your dog out-of-date food? This article explores the key factors to consider, helping you make the best choice for your pet’s health.
Understanding Food Dates: Best Before vs. Use By
In the UK, all dog food packaging must display either a best before date or a use by date, but they mean different things.
A best before date is advisory, indicating the food is at peak quality up to that point. After this date, the food may lose some texture, taste, and nutritional value but can often still be safe and edible for a short period if stored correctly.
On the other hand, a use by date is a strict safety guideline. Foods past their use by date, such as those containing meat or dairy, can harbour harmful bacteria and should not be fed to your dog to avoid health risks.
Risks of Feeding Out-of-Date Dog Food
Feeding expired food can pose several risks:
- Spoilage: Wet dog food that is expired is often visibly spoiled, smelling bad or off-putting. Dry food may not smell bad but can taste stale and lose nutritional content.
- Bacterial and Fungal Growth: Expired food, especially if the bag is open, can develop moulds and harmful bacteria. Some produce toxins that can cause serious illness.
- Digestive Issues: Dogs eating spoiled or out-of-date food might suffer from stomach upset, vomiting, diarrhoea, or in severe cases, long-term health issues.
For all these reasons, spoiled or questionable food should be safely discarded and kept well out of reach of pets.
When Is It Acceptable to Use Out-of-Date Food?
If you have a recently opened or sealed bag of dry dog food that is just a few days past its best before date, it is usually safe to feed your dog for a short duration. The nutritional decline is minimal within this short timeframe if the food was stored properly in a cool, dry place.
However, it is never advisable to feed wet dog food or food past its use by date, as this increases the risk of harmful pathogens.
Always observe your dog's reaction when introducing any food that is near or just past its best before date, and if you notice any signs of illness, consult your vet promptly.
Tips for Responsible Feeding and Storage
- Buy appropriate quantities: To avoid food going out of date, buy amounts suitable for your dog’s size and consumption rate.
- Check dates carefully: When buying in-store or online, especially from discount or market sources, scrutinise the expiry dates.
- Store food properly: Keep dry food in airtight containers in a cool, dry area to maintain quality.
- Dispose safely: Throw away any food that shows signs of spoilage, such as mould, discoloration, or strange odours.
- Prioritise nutrition: Remember that feeding your dog high-quality, fresh food supports their health and wellbeing long term.
FAQs: Common Questions About Feeding Out-of-Date Dog Food
Is it safe for dogs to eat expired dry dog food?
Occasionally feeding dry dog food that is just a few days past its best before date and properly stored is unlikely to harm your dog. However, it is important not to feed expired food regularly due to nutritional decline and possible spoilage risks.
Can out-of-date wet dog food make my dog sick?
Yes, feeding wet dog food past its use by date can cause severe stomach upset and health risks due to bacterial growth. It is best to avoid using wet food that is out of date.
How can I tell if dog food is spoiled?
Look for signs such as unusual smells, mould, discolouration, or changes in texture. If in doubt, do not feed the food to your dog.
What should I do if my dog eats spoiled food?
If your dog shows symptoms like vomiting, diarrhoea or signs of distress after eating questionable food, seek veterinary advice promptly to ensure proper care and treatment.
Conclusion
Feeding your dog out-of-date food poses potential health risks and should be approached with caution. Understanding the difference between best before and use by dates, observing your dog’s reaction, and practicing responsible buying and storage will keep your pet healthy and safe. When in doubt, prioritise fresh, quality food and consult your vet if concerns arise.
