Amy Thompson
You might think dry dog food lasts forever, but that actually isn't the case. So if you feed your dog kibble, it's crucial to make sure that it's fresh and healthy.
And to make things even more complicated, there are a lot of other factors that can affect kibble shelf life ... like the types of fats used in the ingredients.
So how long does your dog's dry food really last?
Read on to get the full scoop on the the shelf life of kibble, the processes used to make it last, and how you can store it effectively to make sure your pup is eating fresh dry dog food.
How Long Does Kibble Last?
The shelf life of kibble varies based on several factors, including its ingredients, manufacturing process, and storage conditions.
Generally, unopened bags of kibble can last anywhere from 12 to 18 months if stored in a cool, dry place.
Once opened, kibble should be consumed within six weeks to ensure it retains its nutritional value and palatability. This is because after it's opened, food loses its nutritional value as the fats begin to oxidize and go rancid.
The packaging often contains a "best by" date, which serves as a guideline for optimal freshness.
How Does Kibble Last So Long?
12-18 months is a long time. So how is unopened kibble able to stay fresh that long, without turning into stale food?
It's all in the production process. The production of kibble involves several steps that extend its shelf life.
The process begins with selecting high-quality ingredients, which are then mixed and cooked at high temperatures. This cooking process not only makes the food more digestible but also kills harmful bacteria and pathogens.
Following cooking, the kibble is dehydrated to remove moisture, which helps prevent the growth of mold and bacteria.
Preservatives, such as natural antioxidants like vitamin E and C, or synthetic ones like BHA and BHT, are added to maintain freshness and prevent rancidity. These preservatives play a crucial role in extending the shelf life by protecting the fats and oils in the kibble from oxidation.
The Problem With Oxidized Kibble
The minute you open your dog’s bag of kibble, air gets in and the oxidation process begins. Oxidation is a chemical reaction that occurs when fats and oils in the food come into contact with oxygen.
Each time you open the bag, the amount of oxidation increases, leading to several health risks for your dog.
The fats and oils are especially susceptible to this process, and as they oxidize, they break down into harmful compounds.
When these fats become rancid, they also lose nutritional value and can destroy essential vitamins, leading to deficiencies. For instance, vitamin D deficiency, common in many dogs, can be exacerbated by rancid fats.
Studies have shown that dogs and other mammals fed diets with rancid fats suffer from vitamin, fat, and protein deficiencies.
Rancid fats have also been linked to a range of health issues, including malnutrition, hair loss, diarrhea, liver and kidney disease, reproductive problems, and even death.
Types of Fats in Kibble, And Which To Avoid
To help keep your dog's kibble from oxidizing and producing rancid fat, it helps to know what fats are in it. That's because there are several different types of fats found in kibble, and their stability varies depending on their chemical structure.
Fats are divided into categories based on the number of carbon bonds they contain. The more carbon bonds a fat has, the more quickly it will oxidize.
Here are the main kibble fats you should know about:
DHA and EPA Fats
The fats with the most carbon bonds are DHA and EPA, which are found in fish oils. These fats are extremely unstable and oxidize very quickly.
This instability is why kibble containing fish oil should be avoided, as it's likely to become rancid soon after opening, posing a significant health risk to your dog.
Saturated Fats
Saturated fats, such as those found in beef, contain no carbon bonds, making them more stable and less prone to oxidation compared to other fats.
They're less likely to become rancid quickly, providing a safer option for long-term storage.
Monounsaturated Fats
Monounsaturated fats contain one double bond, which means they oxidize more easily than saturated fats. Olive oil is a common example of a monounsaturated fat.
Although they're more stable than polyunsaturated fats, these still pose a risk of oxidation over time.
Polyunsaturated Fats (PUFAs)
PUFAs, such as those found in chicken fat, have multiple carbon bonds, making them highly susceptible to oxidation.
Foods containing PUFAs, particularly those with chicken or poultry fat, are more likely to become rancid faster. Therefore, they should be consumed within a shorter time frame after opening the bag.
The Problem With Fish Oil In Kibble
One of the most dangerous trends in the pet food industry today is adding fish oil to kibble. Fish oil is extremely unstable due to its high content of polyunsaturated fats (PUFAs), which oxidize quickly when exposed to air.
Even if the fish oil isn’t oxidized right after the kibble is made, it will become rancid rapidly once the bag is opened. This rapid oxidation leads to the formation of harmful compounds that can pose significant health risks to your dog, including vitamin deficiencies, malnutrition, and increased risk.
Given the high instability of fish oil, it's best to avoid kibble that contains it.
If you want to provide your dog with the benefits of fish oil, it is much safer to buy it separately and add it to their diet as needed. This approach allows you to control the freshness of the oil, ensuring it remains stable and nutritious.
Antioxidants In Kibble
Pet food manufacturers are aware of the problems caused by oxidation and therefore use antioxidants to slow down the process. Antioxidants in kibble come in two forms: those that protect the food and those that protect your dog’s cells from damage caused by rancid fats.
These antioxidants are added to the kibble to extend its shelf life by preventing oxidation. Common examples include mixed tocopherols (vitamin E), citric acid, and rosemary extract. These substances help maintain the nutritional value of the food for a longer period, so the kibble doesn't spoil as quickly.
These antioxidants are beneficial for your dog’s health as they protect against free radical damage caused by rancid fats. Free radicals can also cause oxidative stress, leading to cellular damage and various health issues. Including antioxidants in your dog’s diet can help mitigate these risks and support overall health.
It's important to read the ingredient list on your dog's kibble to understand what types of antioxidants are being used. AAFCO requires pet food companies to list antioxidants used as preservatives, which can help you make an informed decision.
Synthetic Vs. Natural Preservatives In Kibble
There are two different kinds of preservatives in kibble: synthetic and natural.
Here are the main examples of each kind and why they're important.
Synthetic Preservatives
Synthetic antioxidants are commonly used in kibble to extend shelf life but come with associated health risks. Some of the most common synthetic preservatives include:
- Ethoxyquin: Used to keep pet food fresh, ethoxyquin is also a pesticide. It is not approved for direct use in human foods due to its potential health risks but is still allowed in pet foods. High levels of ethoxyquin have been linked to liver and other health issues in pets.
- BHA and BHT: These artificial preservatives have been linked to cancer in lab animals. BHT is also suspected of causing developmental defects and thyroid changes.
- TBHQ: An antioxidant derived from butane, TBHQ is used in making varnishes and paints. It has been found to cause stomach tumors and has been linked to various forms of cancer.
Natural Preservatives
Natural preservatives are less toxic and are often used in higher quality foods. Some common natural preservatives include:
- Mixed Tocopherols (Vitamin E): Technically synthetic, they are derived from vegetable oils and used to prevent fat oxidation. Gamma-tocopherol, in particular, is effective and derived from cereal grains.
- Rosemary Extract: Derived from the leaves of the rosemary plant, this extract prevents oxidation and protects flavors. However, industrial extraction methods may involve solvents such as acetone, hexane, or methanol.
- Citric Acid: Produced by the fermentation of crude sugars, citric acid is recognized as safe (GRAS) and used in both human and pet foods. Some pet foods use fruits containing citric acid, like cranberries, blueberries, or apples, for their antioxidant properties.
While natural preservatives are generally safer, they may not offer the same extended shelf life as synthetic preservatives. However, their reduced toxicity makes them a better choice for your pet’s health.
How To Keep Kibble Fresh
To wrap up, we want to offer you a simple checklist to keep your kibble as fresh as possible.
This will help keep your dog food fresh and maximize its nutritional value.
1. Don’t Buy Kibble With Fish Oil Or Omega-3 Fats Added
Fats from fish and fish oil oxidize very quickly. If you must feed a food with fish, use it up within a week for best results.
2. Never Take Your Kibble Out Of The Package
Remember, most pet food makers spend more on the package than the contents, and that bag is designed to keep oxygen out. If you must keep your food in a plastic bin, put the whole bag in the bin, then squeeze as much air out of it as you can and seal it with a clip.
3. Know How Your Dog’s Kibble Is Preserved
If you’re looking for food-based preservatives instead of synthetic chemicals and vitamins, good for you! But be aware that your food won’t last as long.
4.Know What Fat’s In The Kibble
How long your pet food lasts once it’s opened depends on where the fats are from. If your dog’s kibble is beef, then you need to use the bag up within 3 weeks. But if it’s chicken or other poultry, the PUFAs will degrade faster, and you should use the food within 2 weeks of opening.
5.Don’t Buy Big Bags Of Food
It’s true that larger bags of food will cost you less, but your dog needs to get through that bag in 2 to 3 weeks before it goes rancid.
FAQ
How long does it take for kibble to go bad? Kibble starts to go bad within 2-3 weeks after opening, as oxidation degrades its nutritional value and freshness.
Does kibble have a spoil time? Yes, kibble has a spoil time of 2-3 weeks once the bag is opened, due to exposure to air and moisture.
How often should you change kibble? You should change your dog's kibble every 2-3 weeks to ensure it remains fresh and nutritionally adequate, preventing exposure to rancid fats.
How long does kibble stay in a dog's stomach? Kibble typically stays in a dog's stomach for 8-10 hours, longer than wet food or raw food, which digest more quickly.
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