When it comes to feeding your dog, homemade cooked meals are a great option. They allow you to control exactly what goes into your pup’s diet. However, like all fresh foods, homemade dog food has a limited fridge life. So how long does cooked dog food last in the fridge?
Quick Answer
Homemade cooked dog food will typically last 3-5 days when properly stored in an airtight container in the fridge. The exact shelf life depends on a few factors like ingredients, storage method, and fridge temperature. Keep cooked dog food for a maximum of 5 days before throwing it out or freezing.
How Long Does Cooked Dog Food Last in the Fridge?
Cooked dog food that is properly stored in the fridge will stay fresh for 3-5 days. Here are some general fridge life guidelines for homemade dog meals:
- Cooked meat/fish/eggs: 3-4 days
- Cooked vegetables: 4-5 days
- Cooked grains/legumes: 5 days
- Complete meals with meat & veggies: 3-4 days
The shelf life depends on a variety of factors:
Ingredients
Ingredients like meat, fish, and eggs tend to spoil faster than fruits, vegetables, and starches. Meals containing fresh animal proteins should be tossed after 3-4 days while veggie mixes may last up to 5 days.
Storage Method
How you store the cooked dog food affects how long it stays fresh. Keeping food in an airtight container preserves freshness. Loose storage or repeatedly opening the container exposes food to air and bacteria which shortens fridge life.
Fridge Temperature
Colder fridge temperatures (34-36°F) keep food fresher for longer compared to warmer temps. Check that your fridge is cooling properly. Keep dog food towards the back rather than on the door where temps fluctuate.
Preservatives
Some homemade recipes call for vitamin/mineral mixes or preservatives which can slightly extend the fridge life. Still, cooked food with preservatives shouldn’t be kept longer than 5 days.
How to Tell If Cooked Dog Food Has Spoiled
Cooked dog food will show signs of spoilage after 3-5 days in the fridge. Here’s how to tell if homemade meals have gone bad:
Appearance
- Mold growth
- Sliminess
- Unusual discoloration
Texture
- Very soft or mushy
- Hardness
- Dryness
Smell
- Foul odor
- Sour smell
- Rotten smell
If homemade dog food develops an off appearance, texture, or smell, it has spoiled and should be discarded. When in doubt, throw it out.
How to Store Cooked Dog Food in the Fridge
Proper storage is crucial for maximizing the fridge life of cooked dog food. Here are some tips for storing homemade meals:
- Let food cool completely before refrigerating.
- Divide into portion sizes in airtight containers or bags.
- Ensure the containers have no cracks or openings.
- Press out excess air before sealing.
- Label each container with the date and contents.
- Arrange containers towards the back of the fridge.
- Avoid overloading the fridge which affects air circulation.
- Clean the fridge regularly to prevent bacteria buildup.
Refrigerator Temperature
Maintain a fridge temperature between 34-36°F. Use an appliance thermometer to monitor the temperature. The back of the fridge is coldest while the door shelves are warmest. Place dog food containers towards the back for optimal chilling.
Can You Freeze Homemade Dog Food?
Absolutely! Freezing cooked dog food extends the shelf life significantly. Here are some freezing guidelines:
- Freeze in airtight containers or bags after cooking.
- Pack food in portion sizes to avoid waste.
- Leave 1-inch headspace for expansion.
- Exclude any spices, garnishes before freezing.
- Press out excess air before sealing.
- Label containers with contents and freeze date.
- Freeze for 3-6 months at 0°F or below.
Thaw frozen homemade food overnight in the fridge or for a few hours at room temperature before feeding. Mix in supplements just before serving.
Freezer Burn
Minimize freezer burn by excluding air during freezing. Freezer burned food may turn rancid so best to toss it if this occurs. Use oldest frozen batches first.
Reheating Cooked Dog Food
When reheating cooked dog food, there are some guidelines to follow:
- Only reheat once – discard any leftovers after feeding.
- Use the stove, microwave, or sous vide to gently reheat to 165°F.
- Avoid boiling or overcooking again.
- Serve immediately after reheating.
- Do not leave food at room temp more than 2 hours.
It’s best to thaw frozen homemade meals overnight in the fridge before reheating. Reheating restores taste and aroma which improves palatability.
Conclusion
Homemade cooked dog food can be kept 3-5 days in the fridge when stored in airtight containers. Look for signs of spoilage like odor, texture, and appearance changes. For longer shelf life, freeze cooked dog food for 3-6 months. Remember to never re-freeze thawed dog food or leave it at room temperature too long. Following proper refrigeration and freezing guidelines ensures homemade meals stay fresh and nutritious.