What Causes Dog Food to Spoil
Most pet owners keep in mind the expiration date of dog food, but they often fail to realize that this date is not applicable once the bag is opened. Studies suggest that even if dog foods can be used one year from the date of fill, it is best to use it within three months of opening the pack.
This is because once you open the pack, its freshness is exposed to different elements in the atmosphere. The three major causes of dog food spoilage include:
The fats and proteins present in dry dog food will break down in the presence of air. As a result, the food will become rancid and is at high risk for bacterial contamination. These harmful bacteria can bring several health problems to your furry friend when he consumes the food.
Dog foods, generally, have some moisture content in them. But when they are exposed to excess moisture, the conditions become favorable for the formation of molds and fermentation of organic substances.
Bacteria also need moisture, in addition to oxygen, to multiply. As a result, kibble will develop a foul smell, and your pet will most likely stay away from it. But it is important to look out for these signs, because your dog may not always understand that the food has gone bad.
The consumption of rancid food can cause food poisoning and other serious health issues.
Dry dog foods contain fats that will begin to oxidize when exposed to high temperatures. This process gives rise to free radicals that can badly affect your dog’s health.
According to the FDA, the ideal temperature at which dry pet food is to be stored is less than 80°F (27°C). Also, do not keep the dog food near fire sources and stoves where there is excessive heat.
Vacuum sealing or vacuum packing is a type of packaging where the air inside is fully removed prior to sealing. This method of packing is widely accepted all around the globe to pack food.
Just like its name, vacuum sealing refers to sealing the contents in a plastic bag through a vacuum. Once the items are filled in the bag, the vacuum sealer removes the air completely.
As discussed above, exposure to air and moisture can affect the quality, taste, and odor of food over time. Vacuum sealing protects food from dehydration, excess moisture, air, and other substances and keeps the food fresh and healthy.
Vacuum sealing greatly extends the shelf life of the food, as long as 6 to 12 months. If the food pack is vacuum-sealed and frozen, it can stay fresh up to 2 to 3 years.
Vacuum packing prevents bacteria from dwelling on your food and keeps the item fresh and free of molds and fungi. Here are a few reasons why this method of packaging is widely used:
Since air and moisture do not enter the bag once it is vacuum-sealed, the conditions are not favorable for bacteria or fungal growth, as these cannot grow without oxygen.
Moreover, the fats present in the food will not get oxidized, and the nutrients will not break down, preventing the food inside from going rancid.
Vacuum sealing is a great option for foods that requires some moisture content, such as wet dog food. As air and moisture do not leave or enter vacuum-sealed bags, the moisture content will stay the same until the bag is opened.
Vacuum sealing also prevents freezer burn, a condition where frozen foods are damaged due to exposure to air. This happens due to dehydration and oxidation and commonly occurs when the packaging is not secure. Vacuum sealing prevents freezer burns by not letting air or moisture to enter inside.
Vacuum sealed foods stay fresh 3 to 5 times longer than foods stored in plastic containers. The food in vacuum-sealed bags lasts for about 2 to 3 years if kept frozen. And 6 to 12 months if stored in other ways.
Vacuum seals are efficient food organizers. You can keep separate bags for different categories of food. Moreover, you can also see the contents inside vacuum bags.
Keep the Dog Food Container Clean
Whether you are storing kibble in containers or vacuum-sealed bags, always keep those containers clean and free of other substances. The best way to do this is to wash the containers thoroughly and then dry it to remove moisture. Also, before storing the food, check the bags for food materials and dents.
Refrigerator Your freezer is not the only place where your vacuum sealer can have a significant impact on your ingredients quality. Cheese generally lasts between one to two weeks when stored, but using your vacuum sealer extends that length between four and eight months. The same is true with fruits and berries – while most fresh fruits last about one to six days in the fridge, they can stay fresh for about one to two weeks when preserved with the vacuum sealer. The National Center for Home Food Preservation noted that keeping fruits in a drawer can further extend the freshness of this food.
Pantry Dry foods and baking ingredients are well-suited for your pantry, but can they be vacuum sealed? The answer is a resounding “yes” – not only can you use this appliance, but doing so drastically increases the time these ingredients stay fresh in this area. Your flour and sugar, for example, may last up to six months in the pantry, but storing them with a vacuum sealer increases that range to about one to two years. Your rice and pasta may have the same results – both may last up to six months when conventionally stored, but that number jumps to one to two years when vacuum sealed.
Freezer Storing your goods for the long haul? Your freezer is well-equipped to keep food safe for a longer amount of time, but this area is prone to certain conditions that may affect your foods texture, taste and quality. Using a vacuum sealer, as well as following the proper freezing guidelines for each type of food, can prevent freezer burn for a longer amount of time while preserving your foods integrity for longer. Meats, like beef, poultry and fish, generally only stay fresh for about six months when stored in the freezer by conventional methods. Using your vacuum sealer can extend that shelf life to about two to three years. Vegetables are also well-suited for your freezer, but its important to blanche these foods before vacuum sealing, as this may further extend the shelf life from eight months to about two to three years.
When it comes to saving your food, using a vacuum sealer is one of the best ways to drastically extend its shelf life. Whether youre storing ingredients in the pantry or keeping them fresh in the fridge, using your FoodSaver® Vacuum Sealing System can make your food last up to five times longer than traditional storage methods.