Sometimes it happens that we as dog owners reach for a can of kibble in our cupboard only to realize that it is a few weeks or even a month past its expiration date. We may have been eating the dog food for a while and just forgot or we could have bought expired items at the store, but the big question is, is it okay to feed these expired items to our dog?
Let's find out why in this case there is a big difference between "can" and "must".
Can I give my dog expired meat?
The simple answer is yes, giving your dog old-fashioned corned beef won't harm your dog, but it won't give your dog much nutritional value either.
Unlike human food, dog food does not have an expiration date that tells you not to eat it after that date. Dog food has an expiration date, which means you'll get the best quality food if you eat it before the expiration date. This allows stores to sell stale dog food even after it's prime, so be sure to take a look at the dates printed on the labels.
Unfortunately, even the expiration date does not indicate when the food was prepared and canned. While the dangers of losing nutritional value, mold, and general loss of integrity are greater for dry dog food, even canned dog food has its limits.
To get us all on the same page, dry dog food has a shelf life of about three months, while canned dog food can sit on the shelf for five years. It may seem like canned dog food could survive a nuclear holocaust, but it's still not uncommon to accidentally pick up canned dog food that's past its expiration date.
Remember that expired dog foods, even canned ones, have the nutritional equivalent of cartons. It can be tasty, it can be substantial, but it haszero vitamins and nutrientsYour dog needs to stay healthy.
Can dogs eat cooked meat that is left out overnight?
No, your dog can't eat meat or meat labeled as canned kibble if it's left out overnight, and neither should you (in case that crossed your mind).
Jokes aside, feeding your dog meat that has been sitting out for hours can be dangerous. Food generally has a two hour safe zone if left out in the open, which can be extended by another two hours if you reheat the meat above 65°C. Whether or not the meat smells bad, it is no longer good for consumption. Your dog will be at high risk of contractingfood poisoning.
There is also the issue of fat content. The fat content in dog food is usually the first to go bad, but the good news is that you can tell by the strong rancid smell that the food is no longer edible.
Can dogs eat raw meat that has been left out overnight?
No, it's also a bad idea to feed your dog raw meat that's been left out overnight. In fact, it's an even worse idea than feeding your dog cooked meat that's been sitting out for hours.
Raw meat already has some bacteria on it that can spread very quickly to millions in just four hours, let alone 8-12 hours. Again, the same rules apply for keeping food at room temperature. After two hours, you need to reheat or cook it to at least 65°C to extend its shelf life by another two hours. Any more than that and you'll have to discard the meat.
It bears repeating that it doesn't matter if the food smells bad or not. Most of the bacteria that cause food poisoning do not emit an unpleasant odor, so it is always better to err on the safe side.
What is the most dangerous old or rotten raw meat to feed a dog?
The most dangerous rotten raw meat for dogs is raw chicken. The danger of eating raw chicken for dogs is not primarily due to the Salmonellabut for the possibility of causing a common disease in dogs calledAcute polyradiculoneuritis or APNwhich causes canine paralysis.
With APN, the dog's own immune system attacks the dog's own nerves, which can lead to paralysis and a lot of pain. APN is caused by ingestion of the bacteria.Campylobacter jejuniwhich is present in raw chicken and can multiply in exponentially large amounts in old or rotten raw chicken.
The second place where old or rotten meat is dangerous for dogs is pork fat. Dogs are already sensitive to fatty foods as they are. Add in the fact that it's old or rotten, and you have a pet at high risk for pancreatitis, food poisoning, and indigestion.
What is the most dangerous old or rotten cooked meat to feed a dog?
The answer to the most dangerous, old, or rotten cooked meat to feed your dog is still high-fat foods, such as bacon, ham, or beef trimmings. The high fat content will aggravate the problem of the high amount of bacteria, and you will also have the additional problem of the high salt content.
Be aware, however, that any cooked food that has been left out too long or has gone bad can pose a health hazard to your dog no matter what.
Human stomach vs. canine stomach: how do they differ in digesting spoiled food?
Surprisingly, dogs and human stomachs have become more similar over the hundreds of years that dogs have been domesticated rather than foraging for food in the wild.
Don't get me wrong, there are still some key differences between dog stomachs and human stomachs. Dogs even have a much more acidic digestive tract, which allows them to digest tougher foods, and they can even eat foods with more bacteria than humans can tolerate. Also, dogs only digest their food for hours, unlike us fragile humans who have to digest our food for days. But despite these advantages, they have become more prone to spoiled or contaminated food than most animals found in the wild.
While dogs still retain much of their resistance to spoiled, dirty, hard-to-digest food from millions of years of evolution, their stomachs simply aren't as hard as wolves', for example, simply because they've been eating processed foods for years, hundreds of years.
What are the signs that your dog has food poisoning?
OSymptoms of food poisoning in dogs.it is generally the same as with humans, including vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, lethargy and dehydration or a combination of any of these things as well. The effect of food poisoning on dogs can also differ depending on how sensitive your pet is, as well as the amount of bacteria ingested, meaning some dogs may even experience tremors or seizures.
If you see that your dog presents any of these symptoms, inform your vet, but it is also normal to offer water only for 24 hours and see if, after or during fasting, your dog's condition improves. If not, take your dog to the vet immediately for further treatment.
Also, be sure not to confusefood toxicityfor food poisoning. If the symptoms are more or less the same, the treatment can be different and knowing what your dog suffers could save his life. While food poisoning is caused by eating spoiled or contaminated food, food toxicity is caused by eating foods that are poisonous to dogs (but generally good for humans), such as chocolate, sugar-free gum and candies, and grapes or raisins, among others.
Conclusion
We've learned that while feeding your dog canned food past the expiration date won't harm them, it will offer very little nutritional or dietary value and may be bad for your pet in the long run. We have also learned that feeding your dog food that has been left out for hours, as well as rotten food, is bad for your dog and can cause food poisoning, whether the food is cooked or not.
Food poisoning can be dangerous for your pet, especially if it is allowed to become severe. If you suspect your dog may have ingested spoiled or contaminated food, call your vet immediately.
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FAQs
Can you feed dogs expired meat? ›
Typically, food that has been cooked but left in the fridge for the past week is safe to feed your dog. These are classic “leftovers” but they are a just few days past what many humans find “acceptable”. If there isn't any visible mold growing on the food, chances are you are safe to feed it to your dog.
Can you feed your dog expired dog food? ›It's generally agreed that it's okay to feed your pets opened dry food three months after its “best by” date—but you should keep in mind that they probably won't be getting all the nutrients the food would normally have. For opened canned food kept in the fridge, use it up within five to seven days of opening it.
Can dogs get food poisoning from old meat? ›Any rotten or moldy foods can cause food poisoning in dogs.
Can you feed your dog expired chicken? ›It is not recommended to feed dogs old chicken or any other kind of old meat. Old chicken or other meats may contain harmful bacteria such as Salmonella and E. coli that can cause food poisoning in dogs.
How long after expiration can you use meat? ›Sell-by Dates
"For poultry or ground meat, eating the food one to two days past the date should be ok, and for beef, three to five days after the date has passed," says Schapiro.
If your dog does happen to get into spoiled or expired dog food, you may see signs of general gastrointestinal upset such as vomiting or diarrhea. 2 Depending on the pathogen, though, your dog may become seriously ill. Bacteria like E. coli can cause life-threatening illnesses if left untreated.
How long does dog food last before it expires? ›If stored properly, bags of unopened dried dog food will generally last up to 18 months after manufacture. Once dried dog food has been opened, you should generally aim to use it within 6 weeks. Storing your dog food properly will help to preserve its freshness for as long as possible.
When should you throw away dog food? ›Your pet's bowl should be emptied of moist or canned food not eaten by your cat or dog within 4 hours if the ambient temperature is above 50°F. Opened cans should be stored in the fridge, at temperatures between 40-45°F, for a maximum of 5-7 days. Any cat or dog food remaining after that time should be thrown out.
How many years dogs live? ›The average lifespan for medium-sized dog breeds is 10 to 13 years, with some breeds living even longer.
Can dogs eat old frozen meat? ›As long as you or a neighbor have dogs, there's not need to waste the beef or pork. It can be thawed, trimmed of fat, cut in cubes and fed raw to canines. They will be very grateful.
What are the signs of salmonella in dogs? ›
- Fever.
- Shock.
- Lethargy.
- Diarrhea.
- Vomiting.
- Anorexia.
- Weight loss.
- Dehydration.
Spoiled meat will have a distinct, pungent smell that will make your face scrunch up. Texture – In addition to an unpleasant scent, spoiled meats can be sticky or slimy to the touch. Color – Rotten meats will also undergo a slight change in color. Poultry should be anywhere from a bluish-white to yellow in color.
Can animals eat expired meat? ›It's important to stress that not all animals can eat rotten meat. Animals that eat it are known as scavengers. Examples of such animals are vultures, bears, and snapping turtles. They can eat meat at various stages of decay.
Can dogs eat oatmeal? ›“It is a great alternative carbohydrate for dogs that may be sensitive to wheat or grains.” Oatmeal contains vitamin B, which helps maintain a healthy coat, and linoleic acid, which is a type of omega-6 fatty acid that helps to maintain the strength of dogs' skin.
Can dogs eat potatoes? ›White potatoes belong to the nightshade family of vegetables, which includes tomatoes; like tomatoes, raw potatoes contain solanine, a compound that is toxic to some dogs. However, cooking a potato reduces the levels of solanine. If you do feed your dog a potato, it should be baked or boiled, with nothing added to it.
What happens if you use expired meat? ›Spoiled ground beef is dangerous to eat because it may contain pathogenic bacteria, which are responsible for foodborne illnesses. Symptoms include fever, vomiting, stomach cramps, and diarrhea — which may be bloody ( 9 , 10 , 11 ).
Does meat expire in the fridge? ›Most uncooked meat, regardless of cut, can be stored in the fridge for three to five days. But there are definitely exceptions. Ground meat and offal like liver and kidneys should only be kept in the fridge for one to two days.
Can you eat beef that's been frozen for 2 years? ›According to the USDA, frozen foods are safe to eat indefinitely. But just because something is ok to consume doesn't mean it will still taste delicious after years in a deep freeze.
How long should a 30 lb bag of dog food last? ›So how long does a bag of dry pet food really last after it's been opened? According to renowned dog nutrition experts, Steve Brown and Beth Taylor, approximately 2 weeks. Yes, just 2 WEEKS!
How can you tell if dog food is bad? ›- There is a noticeable sour or rancid odor.
- You see signs of moisture, mold, or bugs.
- The bag is past its expiration date.
- The food has been exposed to heat or humidity.
- Your dog refuses to eat, or shows signs of illness/discomfort after eating.
How can I make my dog food last longer? ›
Dr. Nelson says you should store the whole bag of dog food inside of the airtight dog food storage containers. That way, the bag can provide an added barrier that helps seal in fats and oils to prevent them from becoming rancid later.
Can I make homemade dog food? ›Homemade dog food is easy to make with ground turkey, rice, and vegetables. I have made my own dog food ever since my dogs were puppies — 4 years now! You can also add it to their kibble. They love it!
Should dogs have food available all day? ›Free Feeding, Preferred by Dogs 100% Of the Time
Open or free-feeding may come with consequences like overeating, however. Too much food can mean extra weight, which adds stress to joints and the heart.
Purina advises that “you might consider microwaving wet foods (out of the can) for a short time. But avoid serving food that is either too hot or too cold.” So, there are owners who warm their dog's chilled food to simply bring it back to room temperature or slightly above.
What is the most common cause of death in dogs? ›Cancer is the leading cause of death in dogs, and unfortunately, the symptoms are frequently not recognized until it is too late.
How long can dogs hold their pee? ›The Importance of a Bathroom Routine
On average dogs can hold their pee for up to 10-12 hours is they have to. If the need arises and your pet will be home alone for that long, most young dogs will manage, but asking them to do this on a regular basis may have some negative consequences.
Allowing your pet to eat too much or not getting enough exercise is a habit that can shed years off your dog's life. Some reports indicate that over half the dog population is overweight and obesity can bring with it a number of health issues.
Is 5 year old frozen meat still good? ›According to the USDA, frozen meat kept at 0°F or lower will always technically be safe to eat. This low temperature prevents the growth of microorganisms and microbes like bacteria and mold.
Is meat frozen for 5 years still good? ›The guidelines for freezer storage are for quality only—frozen foods stored continuously at 0 °F or below can be kept indefinitely.
Is it OK to use frozen meat after expiration date? ›If you notice that the date on the frozen food package has already passed, you may be wondering if that food is still safe to eat. The good news is that you can eat frozen food that has passed its expiration date — although in some cases, the flavor, color, or texture may have decreased in quality (1).
What kills salmonella in the body? ›
Antibiotics. Your health care provider may prescribe antibiotics to kill the bacteria. These are usually given if your provider suspects that salmonella bacteria have entered your bloodstream, your infection is severe or you have a weakened immune system.
Can dogs catch COVID? ›Pets worldwide, including cats and dogs, have been infected with the virus that causes COVID-19, mostly after close contact with people with COVID-19. The risk of pets spreading COVID-19 to people is low.
Can a dog survive salmonella poisoning? ›Can salmonella kill a dog? Left untreated salmonellosis can kill a dog with a compromised immune system, extremely poor gut health or a senior dog. While your dog is sick, it's important to monitor them, ensure they stay hydrated and also speak to your vet.
Can you cook bacteria out of meat? ›You can kill bacteria by cooking poultry and meat to a safe internal temperature . Use a cooking thermometer to check the temperature. You can't tell if meat is properly cooked by looking at its color or juices. Leftovers should be refrigerated at 40°F or colder within 2 hours after preparation.
Can you get sick from expired meat? ›People who eat rancid meat are likely to get sick. Like any other old, spoiled food, bad meat can make you sick. If the meat has been contaminated with something pathogenic, like bacteria or toxins, it can make you sick.
Can spoiled meat be cooked? ›Oven Via clarifies that although cooking spoiled meat can kill germs, mold, and other kinds of bacteria, it's still not safe to eat as it will not get rid of harmful toxins.
What does cinnamon do to a dog? ›Chewing on cinnamon sticks and consuming ground cinnamon or essential oil can cause irritation in your dog's mouth, and inhaling cinnamon powder can cause your dog to cough, choke, and have difficulty breathing.
What else can dogs drink besides water? ›So, what can dogs drink besides water? You can add some Pedialyte, coconut water, fresh fruit or vegetable juice, unsalted broth, and nut milk to their liquid intake. Your pup will love new beverages as a treat!
Can dogs eat Cheerios? ›They won't harm your dog, but they don't provide much benefit either. Cheerios are made from mostly whole-grain oats, which provide no essential component of your pet's diet. As a result, mass-produced Cheerio treats function only as filler—they're just empty calories when dogs need a high-energy diet.
Can dogs eat french fries? ›Dog owners wondering if dogs can eat french fries should know that this human treat isn't toxic in small amounts. However, this popular human snack is still a high-fat junk food that isn't advisable to feed to your pet, even as an occasional treat.
Is it OK for dogs to eat saltine crackers? ›
Dogs can consume small amounts of saltine crackers or sodium crackers, but these snacks rarely add significant nutritional value to a typical dog food diet. Avoid feeding your pet goldfish crackers, baking soda crackers, or unnecessary gluten products.
Can dogs eat popcorn? ›Plain, air-popped popcorn is safe for dogs to eat in small quantities. Buttered popcorn or popcorn with other toppings is not safe for your dog on a regular basis, although eating a few dropped pieces here and there probably won't hurt them.
What happens if meat is expired? ›Bacteria can grow in enormous numbers on bad meat, so even a small amount of uncooked or spoiled meat can spread bacteria such as salmonella and E. coli. When it comes to meat, poultry, or fish, think, “When in doubt, don't.” That is, if you're unsure whether it's safe to eat or not, don't eat it.
How long does dog meat last in fridge? ›Once you thaw your frozen raw pet food in the fridge you should use it within four to five days.
Does meat really expire? ›Fresh meat, poultry and fish are highly perishable so they have “sell by” dates. This is an expiration date for how long a grocery store can display that food. Purchase the food product before the expiration date on the package. If there is a “use by” or "freeze by" date, follow that date.
Can spoiled meat be saved? ›Oven Via clarifies that although cooking spoiled meat can kill germs, mold, and other kinds of bacteria, it's still not safe to eat as it will not get rid of harmful toxins.
Do expiration dates matter? ›The dates solely indicate freshness, and are used by manufacturers to convey when the product is at its peak. That means the food does not expire in the sense of becoming inedible. For un-refrigerated foods, there may be no difference in taste or quality, and expired foods won't necessarily make people sick.
What meat does not expire? ›Frozen ground meat or poultry
According to the USDA, “food poisoning bacteria does not grow in the freezer, so no matter how long a food is frozen, it is safe to eat.” That's right: If you leave ground beef, chicken or turkey in the freezer for more than a few months, it won't go bad.
| Food | Type | Refrigerator (40 °F or below) |
|---|---|---|
| Hamburger, ground meats and ground poultry | Hamburger, ground beef, turkey, chicken, other poultry, veal, pork, lamb, and mixtures of them | 1 to 2 days |
| Fresh beef, veal, lamb, and pork | Steaks | 3 to 5 days |
| Chops | 3 to 5 days | |
| Roasts | 3 to 5 days |
Spoiled meat will have a distinct, pungent smell that will make your face scrunch up. Texture – In addition to an unpleasant scent, spoiled meats can be sticky or slimy to the touch. Color – Rotten meats will also undergo a slight change in color. Poultry should be anywhere from a bluish-white to yellow in color.
Can I eat week old meat in the fridge? ›
Answer From Katherine Zeratsky, R.D., L.D. Leftovers can be kept for 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator. After that, the risk of food poisoning goes up. If you don't think you'll be able to eat leftovers within four days, freeze them right away.