How long should dry cat food last?

Shoxt3r

Hi there,

We've been buying Royal Canin dry cat food ever since it was recommended to us by our vet back in 2018 when we took on our rescue cat. Due to a poor diet in her previous home (we believe she used to scrounge human food when she could and was in a house full of other cats so had to fight for her food) she developed problems with her digestion and has been on a diet of Royal Canin Gastrointestinal food ever since (not cheap!).

We have noticed ever since they changed the packaging that the food isn't lasting anywhere near as long. We opt for the larger, 4KG bag since it's more cost-effective but always means a level of waste after approximately 2 months - it used to take less time to go off and we'd waste more before we switched to storing in a separate, air-tight container. However, we've never wasted quite enough to warrant going for the more expensive option of 2KG bags (£21.59 vs £32.99).

However, after the last order received last month we found that the food didn't last any longer than 2 weeks (!!) before it went off which has left us in a difficult situation of sourcing an alternative in the short-term until we receive a replacement. Thankfully there wasn't much of a quibble and we received a full refund and apology from the retailer. I have also contacted Royal Canin regarding the matter.

In short, how long should dry cat food last when stored in an air-tight container? We opted to switch to a container as the original packaging used to frequently pop open despite the "air-tight seal" promise. I understand that it's probably a particular food and maybe doesn't last as long as other brands/types but just wanted to get others thoughts.

We would go for wet food only since with previous cats this always lasted very well due to being packaged individually but we're unsure if this is suitable for our cat given her digestion problems.

Thanks in advance!

comeandgo

We buy the mainecoon variety from Royal Canin and it lasts until it’s eaten, which is about 4 months but to be honest unless it was showing mould or smelt bad or the cat refused to eat it, I’d be non the wiser if it had gone off.

donnac2558

What do you mean, go off, the use by dates on dry food are usually pretty good.   Even after you open a bag, it will be fine for quite long period of months.   When I had two cats I was given a large Royal Canine plastic bin which is not airtight and I bought the 4 kg bags two and tipped in.   Unless it smells musty or past the sell by date on the bag, just keep using.  The cat will tell you if something is not right by not eating it.

KxMx

Multiple airtight containers might be an idea? As only one a time is being opened, the food in containers not being opened should last longer.

Although I'm not sure what you mean by it going off either? 

Robin9

A newly opened packet/bag of cat biscuits smells lovely (to me anyway) and is slightly moist.  As time goes on the smell goes away and the food is slightly drier - my cats still munch away. They do like an occasional change. 

AnnieB2018

I buy a 5 or 7kg bag and tip it out into 20 odd food ziplock bags…the cats are very excited when I open a new baggie with fresh bikkies! I have never had cat food go off but keeping it fresh is a nice gesture x

sheramber

The people to ask are the manufacturer.

from Royal Canine website

For dry diets, palatability of the kibble remains at its best for one month after the bag is opened, however will be fine for up to two months so long as the bag is stored properly, in a cool, dry, airtight container. 

Brie

Our cats always loved a fresh bag because of the obvious enhanced flavour on opening but usually ate what was put in their bowls (well most days....you know what cats are like....)

I started ordering food from zooplus when Ariadne was diagnosed as diabetic and needing a special and expensive diet.  They have a large variety of food from the well known UK companies like RC & Hill but also from European companies that seemed to be much cheaper.  Might be worth having a look to see what they have  - their delivery service was excellent throughout the last couple of years when it was difficult for me to get to a suitable pet food shop.

MovingForwards

I don't have RC but regular kibble for my cat.
Buy a bag and a couple of smaller boxes of different ones, throw them all in a storage tub and shake them around.
Have a tupperware tub and scoop some into it, refilling as required.

Shoxt3r

Thank you all for the tips and advice - didn't expect such a big response!
To clarify by "go off" I mean that the food both smells strongly and feels sticky to the touch. We have opted for a scoop with the airtight container but this still doesn't seem enough - it certainly should last longer than the 2 weeks that it did for the last bag.

As I say I've contacted Royal Canin directly so will see what they come back with. We'll also try again with the airtight container but maybe change the location just in case any humidity is causing it to go off prematurely.

Thanks again all!

PennyForThem_2

'Sticky to the touch' would suggest it is absorbing moisture.  What are you storing it in or, if in original bag, where?

I am very lucky to have an out house.  I store litter (Cats Best) and dry in original not opened bag out there - a side door is always open so it is subject to outside temperature change and also precipitation / humidity in the air.  Never ever had a 'sticky' problem. 

IMO I would ignore any 'best before / by' dates.  It is dry!