IAMS SG
How to Decipher Dog Food Labels: Dates and Shelf Life
How to Decipher Dog Food Labels: Dates and Shelf Life

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How to Decipher Dog-Food Labels: Dates and Shelf Life

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What Is a Product Code?

A product code is a series of numbers and letters printed on the outer package of each product that a manufacturer produces to provide information about when the product was made.
 

As part of the product code, products manufactured by The IAMS™ Company include a 'Best Used By' date, or the date at which the product is no longer considered fresh and should no longer be sold. This date is expressed in “ddmmyy” and “ddmmmyy” formats (line 1 below).
 

The second line represents company internal information for use in traceability and inventory control (line 2).
 

Depending upon the production line, pouch products might have code date information in a single or double line.

By recognizing and understanding these codes, customers can make sure they are receiving a fresh product.

 

What Is Shelf Life?

Shelf life is the duration, measured in months, during which a product that is stored properly maintains its freshness. This means that if a product has a 16-month shelf life, it is fresh for up to 16 months from the date of manufacture.
 

The shelf life for our dry dog and cat foods is 16 months. All canned and pouch formulas have a shelf life of 24 months. Biscuits have a 12-month shelf life, and sauce formulas have a 16-month shelf life.

 

What Is the Proper Way to Store Dry and Canned Products?

Unopened dry products are best stored off of the floor in a cool, dry place. Open bags of food should be stored in a clean, dry container with a tight seal. Dry products also might be frozen without loss of nutrients.
 

Opened wet products are best kept refrigerated in tightly sealed containers for no more than three days after the can has been opened. Wet products should not be frozen in unopened cans or pouches. However, wet foods can be frozen if removed from the container, packed in freezer containers and frozen immediately.

  • A Comprehensive Puppy Food Guide
    A Comprehensive Puppy Food Guide

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    A Comprehensive Puppy Food Guide

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    Nutrition is an important part of pet care, and food is one of the basic needs of a dog. So, we cannot go wrong when it comes to feeding our fur babies. And how would anyone mess it up? As humans, we are used to satisfying the nutritional needs of ourselves. How difficult could it possibly be to do the same for a dog? Well, thanks to the endless varieties of dog food available in the market, choosing the right kind of puppy food has become a challenge. But fret not! With this comprehensive feeding guide, you can plan a healthy and balanced diet for your new-born puppy. It also covers questions like what, when, and how often to feed a puppy.
     

    Puppy food guide for the first year

    Complete and balanced nutrition is critical for the healthy growth of your puppy. In fact, according to Dr. Saza Curaming, “A puppy grows about 12x faster than a human child. That’s why the first year of a dog’s life is a critical stage and this will dictate its further development. It is at this stage where you must constantly monitor its nutrition and feeding regimen.” So, let’s look at the food guide for the first year of a newborn pup:

    • 6-12 weeks: The first few weeks of growth are the most important for your puppy, and as a caregiver, you need to be on top of it. Puppies need to eat good puppy food at this stage of life. You do not want to go for the adult dog food as of now. Foods developed for grownup dogs will not meet the nutritional needs of a new-born pup. Moreover, ensure that you feed it four times in a day. 
    • 3-6 months: Once your pup enters this growth stage, gradually decrease the number of feedings to three times a day. Puppies generally start losing their potbelly by the
    • 6-12 months: Once your puppy turns 6 to 12 months old, start feeding it only twice a day. Speak with your vet and get a thorough understanding of when and how to switch to adult dog food. If you have considered neutering or spaying your pup, consult the vet and slowly transition to adult maintenance food.
       

    Nutritional needs of a puppy

    As compared to adult dogs, puppies need a higher protein intake. It helps with muscle development and tissue repair. Hence, it is imperative to include protein-rich foods in their diet. While iron helps create red blood cells, calcium strengthens bones and teeth. As your puppy grows, it will start learning new things. And to ensure that your pooch can see and conceive new things, it needs DHA – an omega-3 fatty acid that supports healthy vision and brain development. You must also include prebiotics in its diet as your pet cannot have a healthy gut without it!
     

    Give your dog the food that’s specifically formulated for its breed and age. Since small breed dogs have a tiny mouth, they require smaller kibbles. Moreover, large breed dogs have a slower metabolism; hence, they require fewer calories per kilogram of their bodyweight when compared to a small or medium breed dog.
     

    At IAMS, we offer a range of puppy food that is loaded with essential nutrients like protein, vitamins, and minerals. Our food is scientifically formulated for puppies of all breed sizes. With IAMS, you make sure that your little pooch receives a balanced and complete meal.
     

    Foods that must be kept out of your puppy’s reach

    Now that you know the nutritional requirements of a dog, let us check out the food items that are harmful for your pooch:

    • Xylitol (artificial sweetener)
    • Grapes
    • Raisins
    • Onions
    • Garlic
    • Chocolates
    • Macadamia Nuts
       

    Keep a check on your pup’s weight

    A fat puppy might not necessarily mean a healthy pet. The way childhood obesity often leads to medical complications in humans, an overweight puppy can also grow up to have health problems. So, make sure you monitor your furry friend’s calorie intake. This includes keeping an eye on the amount of treats you give your pup each day! Remember that treats are not the only way of rewarding a dog. You can make it feel loved and appreciated with praises, pats, and belly rubs as well.

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