Storage Life

Storage life is the period after opening during which a bag of dog food remains nutritionally complete and palatable. For most premium kibble preserved with mixed tocopherols, storage life is 4 to 6 weeks after opening. For budget kibble preserved with BHA, BHT, or ethoxyquin, storage life is longer but the preservatives carry their own concerns. Canned food lasts 24 to 72 hours refrigerated after opening. Fresh refrigerated food lasts 4 to 7 days refrigerated, longer if stored frozen. Always store dry food in its original bag inside an airtight container, not directly in the container, because the bag's liner is part of the freshness barrier.