Should You Bulk-Buy Pet Food During the Pandemic?
Seven months into the pandemic, bulk-buying home supplies isn’t as rampant as it once was. However, stocking up on essentials can help keep homeowners from taking multiple trips to the shop and avoiding the spread of the virus. As people, we’re likely to pay special attention to an item’s shelf life—but what about local pet supplies?
Even with an inventory to last your pet months, keeping pet food too long may work against them. If you’re thinking about going on a spree, take a look at the different types of pet food before you purchase them by the dozens.
Kibble
An unopened bag of kibble will typically last anywhere from 18 to 24 months. However, whether the load is fish-based or contains the proper levels of tocopherols, among other things, can cause this timeline to fluctuate.
An open bag of kibble should go within 30 to 45 days. You can increase longevity by freezing the food or utilizing airtight containers. However, the unfortunate fact is that commercial manufacturers won’t often evaluate their food’s stability and the nutrients it contains.
Even when properly storing kibble, it can still be at risk of rancid fat, mites, bacteria, and contamination. In fact, kibble mishaps are a leading factor in food-related illnesses in pets. When purchasing kibble in bulk, consider how much your pet eats in a month.
Canned Food
Unlike their kibble counterparts, canned food will last a more generous two to three years unopened. Thus, stocking up isn’t usually an issue for most pet owners. However, you’ll still want to pay attention to expiration dates.
After opening a can of wet food, you’ll ideally want to use it on the same day. Though refrigeration can solve wasted food, most pets won’t want to munch on a cold meal. If buying in bulk, consider purchasing smaller-sized cans.
Freeze-Dried
Compared to canned food and kibble, freeze-dried options provide the best of both worlds. Freeze-dried food doesn’t typically contain any preservatives and boasts more significant shelf stability.
For raw feeders, freeze-dried snacks are a dream for weight loss, better breath, and a shiny coat. The benefits of freeze-dried food are plentiful—with its moisture removed, it is more nutrient-packed and more digestible for your pet. Because they are far more palatable than artificial foods, your pet will likely take to them well.
Despite their seemingly higher price tag, most freeze-dried foods are cost-effective. Though they’ll pose a supposed expiration date of up to 2 years, most will last beyond 20 and even up to 30. We don’t necessarily recommend keeping freeze-dried food for this long, though it does present a viable option in dire situations.
Conclusion
Whether or not you should stock up on pet food depends on the type you’re looking to purchase. Even with raw food, you run into the possibility of oxidation, which causes nutrient loss over time. As a rule of thumb, consider varying your foods—a little bit of each can help keep the timeline steady and food healthy.
At Wags to Wiskers, we provide all your dog food and local pet supplies and necessities. With hundreds of items to choose from, you aren’t likely to come up short on anything your pet needs!