Knowing how to properly store your dog’s food is very important. It helps the food last as long as possible without growing stale or risking foodborne illness in your pup. Here’s how.
Key Takeaways
- Once opened, packaged dog food should be consumed within 30 days for dry dog food and three to four days for canned and fresh food.
- Dog food containers should be hard-sided and airtight and kept in dark, cool spaces away from the elements.
- Signs that your dog’s food may be spoiled include odor, discoloration, and change in texture of the food. When in doubt, throw out food you think may be spoiled and open a new container.
Does Dog Food Expire?
Unfortunately, both dry and canned dog foods expire. Typically, dry kibble will have a later expiration or best-by date than canned food manufactured on the same day.
This information is usually located on the back of dry kibble bags, and sometimes near the barcode or on the bottom of wet food cans.
The best-by date on dog food is based on manufacturer-conducted studies to determine how long the food maintains its taste, texture, and nutritional value. Over time, even the vitamins and minerals in commercial diets can degrade, which is why these dates matter.
Keep in mind, though, that the expiration and best-by dates only apply to unopened bags or cans of food. Once that container is opened, it must be used within a shorter amount of time: around 30 days for dry dog food and three to four days for canned and fresh food.
How Long Does Dog Food Last?
Unopened
Unopened canned and dry dog foods can ideally last until their expiration or best-by date has arrived, but other factors can potentially shorten this timeframe.
For example, bags or cans of food kept above 80 F or in overly humid conditions may not last as long. The food can heat up inside the container and moisture can compromise its integrity, speeding up the pace of spoilage and nutrient degradation.
Opened
Opened dry food should be consumed within a month or so for ideal freshness, quality, and safety, while canned food should be consumed within three to four days.
However, if the storage temperature is too high, humidity is excessive, or the contents are exposed to air too often, the food will have an even shorter shelf life.
How To Store Dry Dog Food
Dry dog food is most vulnerable to temperature fluctuations, humidity, and pests during storage. To protect it, follow these best practices:
Location
Store dry dog food in a cool (below 80 F), dark place that’s sheltered from the elements. This helps prevent temperature and moisture extremes and keeps pests like mice and insects away.
Storage Container
The best type of container to store opened dry dog food is an airtight, hard-sided container. You can either put the entire bag into the container or empty the dry food directly into the container.
A great example is the IRIS WeatherPro Airtight Pet Food Storage Container, which comes in multiple sizes.
Hygiene
Containers should be thoroughly washed and dried between bags of food.
It’s also important to inspect the container for cracks, holes, and other signs of wear and tear over time, and to replace the container as soon as any defects are noticed. This helps prevent food spoilage and ensure the container can be cleaned properly. Scuffs and cracks can harbor bacteria that are difficult to remove even with regular cleaning.
How To Store Wet Dog Food
Though wet food is shelf-stable before opening and often comes in airtight, solid metal cans, it’s important to know how to handle it properly after opening to ensure freshness and safety.
Location
After opening, wet food cans store best in the refrigerator, ideally between 35–40 F to prevent bacterial growth without freezing the food.
Storage Container
Wet food can be stored in its original can with a tight seal over the opening. Use a silicone can cover, like this one from Frisco, which is easy to clean and comes in a two-pack.
Hygiene
Empty cans should be discarded after use, and can covers should be washed and dried thoroughly between cans.
How To Store Fresh Dog Food
Fresh dog food often has a shorter shelf life than dry or canned varieties, and is typically packaged in bags or plastic rolls. This can make storing it after opening more challenging.
Here are tips for properly storing fresh dog food:
Location
Because fresh dog food is already refrigerated before opening, it should continue to be refrigerated between 35–40 F after opening. You can even portion out servings of fresh dog food into bags and freeze at 0 F (or below) for later use.
Like wet food, fresh dog food should be consumed within three to four days of opening if kept in the fridge, or you can keep it in the freezer for up to three months.
Storage Container
To preserve its taste and help prevent spoilage, transfer fresh food into a separate, solid-sided airtight container after opening.
A great option is the Frisco Wet Food Container with Silicone Lid for smaller portions of fresh food.
Hygiene
Thoroughly wash and dry storage containers between uses. You might even be able to toss yours in the dishwasher, as many are dishwasher-safe.
Discard and replace any containers with cracks, holes, or scratches.
What Is the Best Dog Food Container?
When shopping for a dog food container, consider its durability, airtightness, and ease of cleaning.
Stainless steel, BPA-free plastic, and silicone are great choices for storing dog food.
In addition to the previously recommended containers, here are a few others we like:
When To Throw Out Your Dog Food
In addition to choosing the proper container, it’s important to know what to look for when checking your dog’s food for signs of spoilage.
Signs of spoiled dog food include:
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Visual signs of mold or mildew, including blue, green, or white material growing on the food
If your dog may have eaten spoiled food and it’s been within the past couple of hours, contact your veterinarian to have your pup treated.
If it’s been longer, watch your dog for signs of food poisoning, which include:
Some dogs may even become feverish, shake, or have trouble walking normally.
If you notice any of these signs, bring your dog to your veterinarian right away.
How To Store Dog Food FAQs
How long does canned dog food last in the fridge?
Once opened and properly sealed between uses, cans of dog food can last three to four days in the fridge.
Can I freeze my dog’s food?
Yes! Dog food can be frozen in plastic bags or airtight containers for three to six months. It should then be used within two to three days after thawing.
Is it better to keep dog food in a bag or a container?
It’s best to keep dog food in an airtight, solid-sided container to keep it fresh and safe from spoilage.
Is it safe to store dog food in a plastic container?
Yes, it’s safe to use plastic to store dog food; it can be a great, economical choice for dog food storage. Look for BPA-free plastic to reduce your pup’s exposure to a potentially harmful chemical, and wash and dry the plastic container thoroughly between bags or cans of food.
References
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“Pet Food Market – Focused Insights 2025–2030,” Research and Markets. March 2025. https://www.researchandmarkets.com/report/pet-food.
