Storage, Shelf Life & Best Before Dates

The best-before date is based on the food being stored indoors in a cool and dry place away from direct sunlight. It is not a "use by" or "display until" date, the food should still be fine to eat beyond the best-before date; it just will not be as fresh.

Dry Kibble

The best-before date of Akela and Country Kibble dry foods is 24 months from the point of manufacture. Most bags are shipped out quickly due to high demand so you can expect around 12-18 months left on the bag by the time you receive it (not guaranteed). 

Once opened the food should keep until the best-before date as long as it is resealed. It is recommended that the perforation holes in the side gussets of the bag be taped up if you intend to store it for longer. Alternatively, you could transfer the food into a food storage container.

Food must be kept indoors, in a cool and dry place, and away from direct sunlight/heat sources at all times. Preferably in a dark cupboard. It is not necessary to be refrigerated but will keep for even longer if it is.

Wet Food

The best-before date of Akela wet foods is three years from the point of manufacture. Most tins are shipped out quickly due to high demand so you can expect at least a year or two left on the tin by the time you receive it (not guaranteed). If the tin is punctured then it should be disposed of. Raised lids are normal as the food is cooked in the tin and the pressure inside can vary.

Can I Freeze Wet Food or Pate Chubs?

Freezing the products may introduce moisture which could then harbour and grow harmful microorganisms once defrosted. We, therefore, would not recommend freezing them – instead, they should be stored in your fridge, ideally in a BPA-free container. Once opened and refrigerated they should be used in 2 - 3 days.

Freezing For a Kong Filler?

If something is frozen for a short period and then offered as soon as it is defrosted then the risks above are not as prominent. Whilst we officially advise not to freeze any of our ambient products we are aware of some owners who stuff kongs with wet food, treats, and pate chub and feed straight away to their dogs with no issues.