Is Expired Wet Dog Food Safe to Feed? Find Out Now!

Today, I wanna talk about something we all dog owners might face: expired wet dog food. Is it safe? Should we just toss it? Let’s dive into my little experiment and see what’s up.

So, I found a few cans of wet dog food in the back of my pantry. The “best by” date? Yeah, it was a couple of weeks ago. Normally, I’d just throw them out, better safe than sorry, right? But this time, I got curious. I mean, those dates are usually just suggestions, aren’t they?

First thing I did was give those cans a good once-over. I was checking for any bulging, leaking, or any weird stuff on the cans themselves. Everything looked normal, no dents, no rust, nothing out of the ordinary.

Next, I popped one open. I took a whiff – no funky smells, just the usual dog food aroma. It smelled pretty normal to me, no sour or off-putting odor. The texture seemed fine too. It was moist, not too watery, and definitely not dried out. It looked just like any other can of dog food I’d open on a regular day.

Now, here comes the brave part. I decided to give a little bit to my dog, Max. Just a small spoonful to see how he’d react. He’s usually a garbage disposal when it comes to food, so I figured he’d be a good test subject. Max gobbled it down like usual, no hesitation. I kept a close eye on him for the next few hours, watching for any signs of an upset stomach – you know, vomiting, diarrhea, anything like that.

Guess what? Max was totally fine! He was his usual energetic self, playing fetch and begging for more food like nothing happened.

My takeaways from this little experiment?

• Expiration dates are often just guidelines. If the food is stored properly and shows no signs of spoilage, it might still be okay. I learned that wet dog food could probably still be safe for about 7-14 days after the date. But always check for issues!
• Trust your senses. If it looks weird, smells funky, or the texture is off, don’t risk it. It’s better to be safe and toss it out. A bad smell or weird texture probably means bacteria, like Salmonella or E. coli, which are bad news for your dog.
• When in doubt, throw it out. Your dog’s health is not worth the risk. It’s always better to err on the side of caution. I was lucky this time, but I probably won’t risk it again, even if unopened canned foods can last for up to two years. I would not risk it at all.

This was just my experience, and every dog and every can of food is different. Always use your best judgment, and if you’re unsure, it’s always best to consult with your vet. Stay safe, furry friends!