Best By Date on Dog Food: Everything You Need to Know

Dog food is an essential product for pet owners, providing the necessary nutrients to keep their furry friends healthy and happy. With so many options available on the market, it can be challenging to choose the right one for your dog. One critical factor to consider is the best by date on the dog food package.

The best by date on dog food is the manufacturer’s estimate of how long the product will remain fresh and safe to eat. It is essential to pay attention to this date to ensure that your dog is consuming fresh and nutritious food. Feeding your dog expired food can lead to health problems such as vomiting, diarrhea, and other digestive issues.

When purchasing dog food, it is important to check the best by date and choose a product with a date that is far enough in the future to allow for proper storage and consumption. It is also essential to store the dog food correctly to ensure that it remains fresh for as long as possible.

In this article, we will discuss the importance of the best by date on dog food and provide tips for choosing and storing dog food to ensure that your furry friend is receiving the best nutrition possible.

Best By Date Dog Food

As pet owners, we want to ensure that our furry friends are getting the best nutrition possible. One important factor to consider when purchasing dog food is the expiration date, also known as the “best by” date. This date indicates the last day that the manufacturer guarantees the product’s quality and nutritional value. In this article, we’ve researched and compiled a list of the best by date dog foods available on Amazon. These products have longer shelf lives and are guaranteed to provide your dog with the necessary nutrients for a healthy and happy life.

Rachael Ray Nutrish Premium Natural Dry Dog Food, Real Beef, Pea, -amp; Brown Rice Recipe, 6 Pound Bag (Packaging May Vary)

We highly recommend purchasing Rachael Ray Nutrish Premium Natural Dry Dog Food, Real Beef, Pea, -amp; Brown Rice Recipe, 6 Pound Bag (Packaging May Vary) for your furry friend’s health and well-being.

Pros

• Made with real beef as the number one ingredient
• Whole Health Blend helps support a healthy mind, body, and energy level
• No fillers, no artificial flavors, and no artificial preservatives

Cons

• Some customers have received bags with open packaging
• The food may be too hard for some dogs to chew
• Some customers have received oily kibbles, resulting in loose stools

We have personally used Rachael Ray Nutrish Premium Natural Dry Dog Food, Real Beef, Pea, -amp; Brown Rice Recipe, 6 Pound Bag (Packaging May Vary) and have seen the benefits it provides for our dog’s health. The real beef as the number one ingredient ensures that our dog receives the necessary protein to maintain lean muscle mass and healthy organs. The Whole Health Blend, which includes omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and whole grains, helps support our dog’s active mind, healthy body, and balanced energy levels.

We appreciate that this dog food contains no fillers, artificial flavors, or preservatives, ensuring that our dog is not consuming any unnecessary or harmful ingredients. Additionally, a portion of the proceeds from the sale of every Nutrish dog food product is donated to The Rachael Ray Foundation, which helps animals in need.

However, some customers have received bags with open packaging, resulting in spilled food. Additionally, some customers have reported that the kibbles may be too hard for some dogs to chew, and others have received oily kibbles, resulting in loose stools. Despite these issues, we still highly recommend purchasing Rachael Ray Nutrish Premium Natural Dry Dog Food, Real Beef, Pea, -amp; Brown Rice Recipe, 6 Pound Bag (Packaging May Vary) for its numerous health benefits and high-quality ingredients.

CRAFTED BY HUMANS LOVED BY DOGS Portland Pet Food Company Human-Grade Wet Dog Food Pouch: Fresh Dog Food Mixer and Dog Food Topper Multipack Packets Mixed Pack 9 Ounce (Pack of 5)

If you’re looking for a high-quality dog food that’s convenient and healthy, CRAFTED BY HUMANS LOVED BY DOGS Portland Pet Food Company Human-Grade Wet Dog Food Pouch is a great option.

Pros

• The all-natural ingredients make it a great choice for sensitive dogs.
• The large pouches are convenient for travel and on-the-go lifestyles.
• The variety pack allows your dog to sample all the flavors.

Cons

• The texture can be too soupy for small dogs to eat.
• The price point is higher than some other dog food options.
• Some dogs may not like all of the flavor options.

We love that this dog food is made with all-natural, human-grade ingredients, and that it’s free from gluten, wheat, and grains. The large pouches are also convenient for travel and on-the-go lifestyles, and the variety pack allows your dog to try all of the flavors.

One downside is that the texture can be too soupy for smaller dogs to eat easily, and the price point is higher than some other dog food options. Additionally, some dogs may not like all of the flavor options.

Overall, if you’re looking for a high-quality, convenient, and healthy dog food option, we would definitely recommend giving CRAFTED BY HUMANS LOVED BY DOGS Portland Pet Food Company Human-Grade Wet Dog Food Pouch a try.

Purina Pro Plan Sensitive Skin and Sensitive Stomach Dog Food Lamb and Oat Meal Formula

If you’re looking for dog food that is easy on your pet’s digestive system, then Purina Pro Plan Sensitive Skin and Sensitive Stomach Dog Food Lamb and Oat Meal Formula is a great option.

Pros

• The oatmeal in the formula is easily digestible, making it gentle on your dog’s digestive system.
• The high protein formula with real lamb as the first ingredient ensures your dog receives the necessary nutrients.
• The formula is fortified with guaranteed live probiotics for digestive and immune health.

Cons

• Some customers have reported that the product is powdery and doesn’t come with a zip-lock bag.
• The price point might be a bit high for some customers.
• Some dogs might not like the taste of the formula.

We recently switched our dog’s food to Purina Pro Plan Sensitive Skin and Sensitive Stomach Dog Food Lamb and Oat Meal Formula, and we are pleased with the results. Our dog has always had a sensitive stomach, but this formula has helped him digest his food better. The oatmeal in the formula is gentle on his digestive system, and the high protein formula with real lamb ensures he receives all the necessary nutrients.

We also appreciate that the formula is fortified with guaranteed live probiotics for digestive and immune health. Our dog’s coat looks healthier, and he seems to have more energy since switching to this formula.

While some customers have reported that the product is powdery and doesn’t come with a zip-lock bag, we haven’t experienced this issue. However, we do agree that the price point might be a bit high for some customers. Additionally, some dogs might not like the taste of the formula, so it’s important to monitor your pet’s reaction to the food.

Overall, Purina Pro Plan Sensitive Skin and Sensitive Stomach Dog Food Lamb and Oat Meal Formula is a great option for dogs with sensitive stomachs. We highly recommend it.

Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Natural Adult Healthy Weight Dry Dog Food

If you’re looking for a high-quality, natural dog food that can help your furry friend maintain a healthy weight, then the Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Natural Adult Healthy Weight Dry Dog Food is definitely worth considering.

Pros

• Real meat first, with high-quality protein from real chicken to help build and maintain healthy muscles.
• Reduced calories from fat, providing a fully satisfying meal without an excessive amount of calories to help dogs achieve and maintain healthy weight.
• Antioxidant-rich LifeSource Bits, a precise blend of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals selected by holistic veterinarians and animal nutritionists to support immune system health, life stage needs, and a healthy oxidative balance.

Cons

• Some dogs may not like the taste or texture of the food.
• The price point may be higher than other dog food brands.
• The size of the kibble may not be suitable for all dog breeds.

In our experience, we found that the Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Natural Adult Healthy Weight Dry Dog Food is a great option for dogs that need to maintain a healthy weight. The real chicken as the first ingredient ensures that your dog is getting high-quality protein, while the reduced calories from fat help to keep their weight in check.

One of the standout features of this dog food is the antioxidant-rich LifeSource Bits. These are a precise blend of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that are carefully selected to support your dog’s immune system health, life stage needs, and a healthy oxidative balance. We noticed that our dog’s coat looked shinier and healthier after switching to this food.

While our dog loved the taste of this food, we did find that some dogs may not like the taste or texture of the kibble. Additionally, the price point may be higher than other dog food brands, which may be a concern for some pet owners. Finally, the size of the kibble may not be suitable for all dog breeds, so it’s important to check the size of the kibble before purchasing.

Overall, we highly recommend the Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Natural Adult Healthy Weight Dry Dog Food for dogs that need to maintain a healthy weight. With high-quality ingredients and a precise blend of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, this dog food is a great choice for pet owners who want to provide their furry friends with a nutritious and balanced diet.

I and love and you Naked Essentials Dry Dog Food, Lamb and Bison Recipe

If you’re looking for a high-quality dog food that is packed with protein and free from fillers, then you should definitely consider the “I and love and you” Naked Essentials Dry Dog Food.

Pros

• The meat is the #1 ingredient, ensuring that your dog gets plenty of protein from pasture-raised lamb and bison.
• Packed with 30% protein, this dog food is perfect for boosting your dog’s energy levels and maintaining lean muscle mass.
• Contains pre and probiotics, which can help to improve your dog’s digestion and keep their gut healthy.

Cons

• This dog food is a little more expensive than some other brands, so it might not be the best option if you’re on a tight budget.
• Some dogs may not like the taste of this dog food, so it might take a little while to find out if it’s the right choice for your furry friend.
• The packaging can be a little difficult to open, so you might need to use scissors or a knife to get it open.

We recently tried this dog food with our own dogs, and we were really impressed with the quality of the ingredients and the overall nutritional value of the product. Our dogs loved the taste, and we noticed that they had more energy and seemed to be in better overall health after eating it for a few weeks.

One of the things we really appreciated about this dog food is that it is free from fillers like corn, wheat, rice, soy, and oats. This means that your dog is getting pure, high-quality protein and produce without any unnecessary ingredients that could contribute to obesity and lethargy.

Another great thing about this dog food is that it is recommended by an in-house holistic vet, Dr. Angie. This means that you can feel confident that you’re feeding your dog a product that is backed by scientific research and expert opinion.

Overall, we would highly recommend the “I and love and you” Naked Essentials Dry Dog Food to anyone who is looking for a high-quality, protein-rich dog food that is free from fillers and other unnecessary ingredients.

Hill’s Science Diet Adult Dry Dog Food

We highly recommend Hill’s Science Diet Adult Dry Dog Food for fully grown dogs.

Pros

• Made with natural ingredients, this dog food uses high quality, easy to digest ingredients to fuel the specific energy needs of your full grown dog.
• Provides a precise balance of omega 6 and vitamin E to help maintain a beautiful skin and a healthy coat in your dog.
• Supports lean muscle growth and maintenance in your adult dog with a premium source of high quality protein.

Cons

• Some dogs may not prefer the taste of this food.
• This dog food is a bit more expensive compared to other brands.
• The kibble size may not be suitable for smaller dog breeds.

We have been using Hill’s Science Diet Adult Dry Dog Food for our dog for over a year now and we have seen a noticeable difference in his energy levels and overall health. The natural ingredients and high quality protein source have helped him maintain a healthy weight and build lean muscle. We also appreciate that this dog food is formulated without any artificial colors, flavors, preservatives or chicken by-product meal.

The precise balance of omega 6 and vitamin E has also helped our dog maintain a shiny and healthy coat. We have noticed a significant reduction in shedding since we switched to this food.

While this dog food may be a bit more expensive compared to other brands, we believe that the quality of the ingredients and the noticeable difference in our dog’s health and energy levels make it worth the cost.

Overall, we highly recommend Hill’s Science Diet Adult Dry Dog Food for fully grown dogs who need a high quality, natural dog food to maintain their health and energy levels.

Hill’s Science Diet Dry Dog Food, Adult, Chicken -amp; Barley Recipe

If you’re looking for a high-quality dog food that meets your adult dog’s nutritional needs, Hill’s Science Diet Adult dry dog food is a great option.

Pros

• Made with natural ingredients for easy digestion
• Helps maintain a healthy coat and skin
• Supports lean muscle growth and maintenance

Cons

• Not recommended for puppies or pregnant or nursing dogs
• Packaging can be a choking hazard if not disposed of properly
• Some dogs may not like the taste

We’ve been using Hill’s Science Diet Adult dry dog food for a few months now, and our dog loves it. The chicken and barley recipe provides a great balance of nutrients, including omega-6s and vitamin E, to support a healthy coat and skin. We’ve also noticed that our dog’s muscle tone has improved since switching to this food.

One of the things we appreciate about Hill’s Science Diet is that it’s made with natural ingredients, which makes it easy for our dog to digest. We’ve had no issues with upset stomachs or diarrhea since switching to this food.

It’s important to note that this food is not recommended for puppies or pregnant or nursing dogs, so keep that in mind if you have a younger dog. Additionally, the packaging can be a choking hazard if not disposed of properly, so be sure to keep it out of reach of pets and children.

Overall, we highly recommend Hill’s Science Diet Adult dry dog food for anyone looking for a high-quality dog food that meets their adult dog’s nutritional needs.

IAMS Proactive Health Healthy Weight Control Adult Dry Dog Food with Real Chicken, 15 lb. Bag

If you’re looking for a dog food that will help your furry friend maintain a healthy weight, IAMS Proactive Health Healthy Weight Control Adult Dry Dog Food with Real Chicken might be just what you need.

Pros

• Contains L-carnitine and less fat to support healthy weight in adult dogs.
• Provides essential nutrients and carbohydrates for healthy energy.
• Supports strong, firm muscles with protein sourced from chicken and egg.

Cons

• Some customers reported that the product gave their dog gas.
• The kibble size might be too large for dogs with small mouths.
• The bag size might not be ideal for larger dogs or households with multiple dogs.

We’ve been using this product for a few months now, and we’ve noticed that our dog has maintained a healthy weight. The kibble size is perfect for our medium-sized dog, and he loves the taste. We appreciate that the product contains L-carnitine and less fat to support healthy weight in adult dogs.

However, we did notice that our dog had some gas after switching to this product. It wasn’t a major issue, but it’s something to keep in mind if your dog has a sensitive stomach. Additionally, the kibble size might be too large for dogs with small mouths, so you might want to consider a different product if your dog has trouble chewing larger kibble.

Overall, we recommend IAMS Proactive Health Healthy Weight Control Adult Dry Dog Food with Real Chicken for pet owners who want to help their dogs maintain a healthy weight. The product provides essential nutrients and carbohydrates for healthy energy, and it supports strong, firm muscles with protein sourced from chicken and egg.

I and Love and You Naked Essentials Wet Dog Food

We highly recommend purchasing this product because of its real meat ingredients, hydration boost, and flavor variety.

Pros

• The real meat ingredients provide a delicious and tasty protein that your pet will love.
• The hydration boost ensures that your dog is getting the extra serving of moisture they need every day.
• The flavor variety allows you to keep mealtime interesting by rotating in new and exciting flavors.

Cons

• The price may be a bit higher than other brands.
• Some dogs may not like the taste of certain flavors.
• The cans may be difficult to open.

We recently tried I and Love and You Naked Essentials Wet Dog Food and were impressed with the quality of the ingredients. The real meat provides a delicious and tasty protein that our dog loved. The hydration boost is a great added benefit that helps ensure our dog is getting enough H20 every day. We also appreciated the grain-free and filler-free ingredients, which are important for maintaining our dog’s overall health.

The flavor variety is a great feature that keeps mealtime interesting for our dog. We were able to rotate in new and exciting flavors without worrying about upsetting our dog’s stomach. However, the price of this product may be a bit higher than other brands, and some dogs may not like the taste of certain flavors. Additionally, we found that the cans can be difficult to open at times.

Overall, we highly recommend I and Love and You Naked Essentials Wet Dog Food for its high-quality ingredients and flavor variety. It’s a great choice for pet owners who want to provide their dogs with the best possible nutrition.

ORIJEN Small Breed Dry Dog Food

If you’re looking for a high-quality, grain-free dog food that meets your small dog’s nutritional needs, then ORIJEN Small Breed Dry Dog Food might be the right choice for you.

Pros

• The first five ingredients are fresh or raw poultry and fish, providing a high protein diet with the protein, vitamins, and minerals your small dog needs.
• ORIJEN dog food contains 85% animal ingredients, including WholePrey ingredients like nourishing organs to mimic what your dog’s ancestors consumed in the wild.
• The unique kibble shape of ORIJEN Small Breed Dry Dog Food is easier for small dogs to eat.

Cons

• ORIJEN Small Breed Dry Dog Food is pricey compared to other dog foods on the market.
• Some customers have reported that their dogs did not like the taste of this dog food.
• The product has a relatively short shelf life, so you should make sure to use it before it expires.

We recently tried ORIJEN Small Breed Dry Dog Food with our small dog, and we were impressed with the quality of the ingredients. The fresh or raw poultry and fish, along with the WholePrey ingredients, provide a high protein diet that is tailored to meet the nutritional needs of small dogs. The unique kibble shape is easier for small dogs to eat, and our dog seemed to enjoy the taste.

However, we did notice that ORIJEN Small Breed Dry Dog Food is more expensive than other dog foods on the market. Additionally, some customers have reported that their dogs did not like the taste of this dog food. Finally, we noticed that the product has a relatively short shelf life, so you should make sure to use it before it expires.

Overall, if you’re looking for a high-quality, grain-free dog food that meets your small dog’s nutritional needs, then ORIJEN Small Breed Dry Dog Food might be worth considering. However, the high price and short shelf life might be a turn-off for some customers.

Buying Guide

When it comes to choosing the best dog food with a “best by” date, there are a few key features to look for. Here are some things to keep in mind:

Ingredients

The first thing to consider when choosing a dog food is the ingredients. Look for high-quality protein sources like chicken, beef, or fish. Avoid products that contain fillers like corn, wheat, or soy, as these ingredients offer little nutritional value and may cause digestive issues.

Nutritional Value

Another important factor to consider is the nutritional value of the dog food. Look for products that are formulated to meet your dog’s specific nutritional needs based on their age, breed, and activity level. Check the label for information on the protein, fat, and fiber content, as well as any added vitamins and minerals.

“Best By” Date

The “best by” date on dog food is an important indicator of its freshness and quality. Make sure to choose products with a “best by” date that is well into the future to ensure that your dog is getting the freshest food possible.

Packaging

The packaging of the dog food can also be an important factor to consider. Look for products that are packaged in airtight containers to help preserve freshness. Additionally, consider the size of the packaging – larger bags may be more cost-effective, but they may also take longer to use, which can impact freshness.

Price

While price should not be the only factor to consider when choosing a dog food, it is important to keep in mind. Look for products that offer a good balance of quality and affordability. Remember that higher-priced products are not always better, and that the most expensive option may not be the best choice for your dog.

By keeping these factors in mind, you can choose the best dog food with a “best by” date for your furry friend.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long can dry dog food be used after the best by date?

Dry dog food can be used for a short period after the best by date, typically up to 2-3 weeks. However, it is important to note that the nutritional value of the food may decrease over time and the taste and smell may change. It is recommended to use the food within the best by date for optimal quality.

Is it safe to feed my dog wet dog food after the expiration date?

It is not recommended to feed your dog wet dog food after the expiration date. This is because the food may spoil and contain harmful bacteria that can cause illness or even death in dogs. It is important to check the expiration date before feeding your dog any wet dog food.

Can feeding my dog food past its best by date cause harm?

Feeding your dog food past its best by date may not necessarily cause harm, but it can lead to a decrease in nutritional value and a change in taste and smell. It is recommended to use the food within the best by date for optimal quality.

How can I locate the expiration date on my dog food packaging?

The expiration date is usually located on the packaging of the dog food. It may be printed on the top, bottom, or side of the packaging. Look for a label that says “best by” or “use by” followed by a date.

What are the risks of giving my dog expired canned food?

Expired canned food can contain harmful bacteria that can cause illness or even death in dogs. It is important to check the expiration date before feeding your dog any canned food and to discard any expired food.

Does dog food from brands like Purina have an expiration date?

Yes, dog food from brands like Purina have an expiration date. The expiration date is usually printed on the packaging and should be checked before feeding your dog any food. It is important to use the food within the best by date for optimal quality and safety.