Expiration & Storage Tips
When does Puppy Chow expire?
Puppy Chow, like most dry dog foods, typically lasts about a year unopened. Once opened it should last for about 4-6 weeks when stored correctly- make sure to seal the bag well each time after using. If you've transferred your Puppy Chow into a different container, it is good to note the manufacturing date from the bag as the printed expiration date on the package is based on its production date and under the assumption the bag has not been opened. As for freezing, it is not normally required or suggested for dry dog foods, the use of freezers for storage is more common with wet or raw dog foods.
How do you tell if Puppy Chow is bad?
Spoiled Puppy Chow can pose serious health risks to your puppy, so it's important to know how to identify if it's gone bad. Check for an off smell, which is often the easiest indication. Although Puppy Chow can lose some of its usual aroma over time, a strong foul odor can indicate that it's spoiled. If you notice that your puppy has lost interest in its food or has diarrhea after eating, these might also be signs that the food has gone bad. Additionally, if there have been any bugs or insects in or near the bag, it's a good idea to discard the food.
Tips for storing Puppy Chow to extend shelf life
• Always keep Puppy Chow in a cool, dry place
• After opening, ensure that the bag is reclosed after each use. You can use a clip or a sealable bag to ensure it is air tight
• If you transfer the food to another container, try to use an airtight container and keep the original packaging until the food is gone, so that you can refer to the feeding directions and expiry date.
• Avoid storing the Puppy Chow or its container near a heat source like a stove or heater. Heat and humidity can accelerate the degradation of the food.