Animal Welfare Professionals

We have been collecting donated pet food for our Pet Food Pantry, started in January 2024.  We have just received a substantial amount of dry food as well as treats (all unopened) that is past the expiration date.  What do we do with this?  Is it safe for pets to eat after the expiration date, and if so, how long after the expiration date?  I am being told different things from different professionals in the community.  Is there some research on this?  What are others doing?

#PetSupportServices*

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Karen Kirsch
Founder
Spayed and Aid
KY
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I think this depends on whether you are charging anything for the food. If you charge the community something then I think it needs to be in date. If you give it away for free we work on the basis that if it smells ok and looks ok then it is ok to use, but if anyone has any doubts to throw it away. Anything that is a year or more out of date goes in the bin. If the packaging is in any way compromised we see if we can use it within a couple of weeks and if not, it goes in the bin. I can't comment on any research but that's what we've been doing. We don't have a lot of money so can't afford to be too picky! 

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Samantha Cooper
Operations Manager
Cayman Islands Humane Society
George Town
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Hi Karen,

The industry standard is safe up to a year after the expiration date when unopened. Our policy for opened bags is original packaging, up to 6 months past expiration, and no signs of rodent or insect activity. 

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Quinn Douglas-Hiley
Community Resources Manager
San Diego Humane Society
CA
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Hi, Karen.  Our awesome veterinarian feels 6 months past date is ok.  

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Diane Metz
Board of Directors, Volunteer, and Foster Mom
Orange Street Cats, Inc.
Albany NY
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