Out of date dry food

[OzShrimp]

Ive fed dry food out of date and wss wondering if anyone else does and ever observed negatives?

[fishmosy]

It all depends on how the food is stored. If moisture can get in, then don't feed it. Chances are the food will be rotten, with bacteria or fungi present. Assuming the food is dry, The major factor that contributes to the deterioration of the quality of food is oxygen. Oxygen starts to oxidise the food as soon as the container is opened. Continuous opening of the container allows more oxygen in. UV light may also breakdown some of the nutrients in food, so if the food has been stored in a clear container for many months where light can get to it, best to get rid of it.

A good way to store food so that it doesn't spoil is in an airtight container (ideally with oxygen and moisture absorbent satchels, and with all air removed - think ziplock bags) in the freezer. Take only small amounts as you need it (say what you need in a month) and the food in the freezer will not be substantially degraded before its all used up. 

[inverted]

I try to buy only what I'll use in a few months! I think loss of nutrients would be a concern with out of date food provided it's not rank.

[jayc]

+1 me too. I only buy what I think the fish can eat through in a few months. Which means buying smaller size packs and paying more (no economies of scale). I see the larger sizes are cheaper, but I know my fish won't finish it all. Especially when I like alternating various foods types - dry fish food, frozen brine shrimp / blood worms, freeze dried blackworm, and live foods. The dry fish food is used up slower.

If the food was only a few weeks or a month overdue, I would not  mind. However if it was more than 6 months old, I would chuck it.

 

 

Edited January 26, 2019 by jayc

[OzShrimp]

I have unopened shrimp food which has never seen the light of oxygen and some which has but definitely not moist still like the day i brought it 

[ineke]

some of the dry foods sold for humans in can still be sold legally -look at rite price groceries -several years out of date. If it has been stored properly in a cool place unopened you should be OK but as Ben has stated once opened then they should be used quickly or repacked and frozen. Some ingredients degrade quickly, some can intensify in strength .