Economies of scale from big bags of dog food diminish when it is not used up within four to six weeks. While dog foods don’t technically expire, foods past their “best by” or “use by” label dates are not as nutritious and are more likely to become moldy or otherwise compromised, writes Cindy Foley.
The “use by” or “best by” dates are important enough to be considered as expiration dates.”
Source: Whole Dog Journal, July 9, 2023. Link. The FDA says proper storage of pet foods begins with an airtight container that’s clean and dry and has an airtight seal and in its original packing. This also retains the lot number in case of a recall.
NOTE: Room temperature is the most overlooked parameter during storage, and this may be a cause of concern because exposure to warmth can enhance rancidity, especially in diet formulations rich in fats and oils.
Also see: The best way to store dog food may surprise you, AHD, March 7, 2023. Link. Given pet food brands’ efforts to have a safe bag for kibble storage, it is surprising there is not more storage guidance provided on packaging and websites.