Pet Food Storage : Rancidity, Exposure to Heat and Humidity and Food Poisoning
We all want our pets to last a lifetime or outlast as even, mainly because we have become so attached to our pets it’s hard to imagine growing old without them. That’s one reason why dog owners keep a tight watch over their furry friends; constantly staying alert to signs or symptoms of pet unwellness. Food poisoning is a common reason and rancidity is the first sign to watch out for as root cause.
What Exactly is Food Rancidity?
Be in the know that nowadays, dog food manufacturers use significant amounts of animal fats as ingredients. Dog food containing mostly fatty compounds and microbial enzymes, if exposed to light and heat, can cause such dog food compositions to oxidize and produce rancid oil.
However, rancid oil is capable of developing free radicals in cells and causing cellular damage. In humans, the cellular destruction caused by rancid oil radicals can lead to diabetes and digestive disorders. In some cases it has been linked to Alzheimer’s disease because rancid oil can deplete Vitamin B and E. Anyway, rancid oil as a by-product of rancidity does not always result to food poisoning; but at worst, have long term detrimental effects that can develop into serious disorders upon reaching old age.
Signs that Your Dog’s Food is Already Spoiled
If you want to make sure your pet’s food is fresh, always check the expiration date on the package and take note to consume the food days before the expiry date. Moreover, dog food experts recommend to watch out for signs that the dog food you are feeding your pet does not show signs of moisture, bugs, or molds while inside the dog food container.
This usually happens as a result of improper handling, like using a wet hand or bowl to scoop food. In some cases, a poor-quality container has cracks that allow bugs and moisture to enter, Dog nutrition experts recommend using only the best dog food container, specifically the durable type that comes with an airtight seal.
Still, it would be best to squeeze out all the air from the package when storing food in the container. Exposing your dog’s food to heat and humidity is a sure way of creating conditions in the development of rancid oils in food. Frozen dog foods must be kept frozen and refrigerated. Thawing the frozen content of a package must take place inside the refrigerator.
If you notice that your pet refuses to eat its ration of dog food, check if it smells rancid or wet as a result of moisture and humidity. Now if your furry friendly accidentally ate some of the spoiled dog food, the likely symptoms of food poisoning to watch out for are vomiting nausea and diarrhoea.