I buy rabbit food and I wonder how long can I store rabbit pellets. They could expire and become toxic or I might be overthinking it and acting slightly paranoid.
Do rabbit pellets go bad or expire? Can I freeze rabbit pellets and how do I make rabbit pellets last longer and remain fresh?
In this article, we will look into this topic further and find out how long can I store rabbit pellets.
How Long Can I Store Rabbit Pellets?
Storing rabbit pellets for a longer period of time involves using the right type of storage container that is airtight.
You can place the the bag in the container or carefully dump the contents into the container without touching them to prevent and bacteria growth. The environment must also be cool and dry.
- Do not exceed 6 months if you plan on buying a larger amount of rabbit pellets in bulk.
They may also lose their nutritional value. High quality pellets are crucial and forgo trying to save a few bucks on the cheap stuff that may go bad faster or carry less nutrition.
What is the Shelf Life of Rabbit Pellets?
The average shelf life of rabbit pellets is 2-6 months depending on the type or brand you have chosen to purchase. Full nutritional value is maintained in the first couple months and begins to wear away.
The bag itself must be thick with a reliable zipper on top. Otherwise, you should consider transferring the rabbit pellets into an airtight container and store it in a dry and cool place if you wish to make it last 6 months or longer.
Do Rabbit Pellets Go Bad?
Yes. Rabbit pellets are like any other food product will eventually become inedible if stored for too long. Expired pellets can still be used if they are free of mold and still have their structural integrity intact.
If the pellets have absorbed too much moisture from humid environments, they may end up softer, mushy or fall apart at the touch.
Keep in mind that expiry dates usually reflect the time that pellets are safe to sell, but consuming them is up to you and your ability to store them in airtight containers and dry, cool spaces to maintain their freshness.
Do Rabbits Get Bored of their Pellets?
Yes. It’s a good idea to change the type or brand of pellets for your rabbit once in a while. Rabbits may ignore the pellets that they find:
- tasteless
- dull
- boring
Rabbits should be fed weekly treats that differ from their daily diet of hay and pellets.
Switch it up, add some new fruits or vegetables in small portions and see if a new bag of pellets can ignite your rabbits’ appetite for these easy meals that we depend on to provide nutrition for our furry little companions.
Can I Freeze Rabbit Pellets?
Yes. You can prevent spoilage or extend the life of your rabbit pellets that you purchased in bulk by freezing some of them.
If you wish for the rabbit pellets to last in your home longer than 2 months, freezing them will prevent the nutritional value from dissipating.
The slow process of rabbit pellets losing their nutritional value takes place usually after 2 months, but you can still use the bag for up to 6 months depending on the environment and location where you store them.
I use an airtight container for half the pellets and freeze the other half. Sometimes freezing creates added moisture when they thaw out. This is why when I open the bag that was frozen and thaw it in a room with a dehumidifier to prevent excess moisture or the release of mycotoxins.
How To Make Rabbit Pellets Last Longer
When rabbit pellets approach the 6 month mark in your home, it might be time to toss them away.
You can keep them longer if you follow a few tips we have learned along the way to maintain their freshness.
- Store them in a cool, dry area.
- Keep the pellets in an airtight container.
- Freeze the pellets that won’t be used this month. Double bag them.
You can also try to thaw them out in a dry room with a dehumidifier to prevent excess moisture. There is evidence to support that mycotoxins can developed on moist or moldy rabbit pellets that weren’t stored properly.
What do Rabbit Pellets Contain?
Rabbit pellets are specially formulated to contain plenty of nutrition for your furry companion. They are not meant to substitute hay however.
Use both in conjunction with weekly treats like fruits and vegetables to maintain the diet of happy and healthy rabbits. Rabbit pellets may contain:
- Different types of hay and grass
- Vegetable protein meals
- Wheat
- Animal or vegetable oil
- Maize
- Salt
- Sorghum
- Limestone
- Lucerne crumbles
- Bran and pollard
- Choline chlorine
The better the brand, the more you can trust that the pellets contain higher quality ingredients. Try to avoid the cheapest options that could also expire faster.
What Are The Nutrient Contents Of Pellets?
The micronutrients and macronutrients vary in each bag of rabbit pellets. Generally, you should look for the following:
Macronutrients:
- Protein (not less than 12%)
- 3% of fat
- Fiber (not less than 18%)
Micronutrients
- Magnesium and potassium
- Chloride
- Vitamin A and D
- 0.5-1% calcium
- Potassium
- Chloride
- Phosphate
Should I leave Rabbit Pellets in their Original Bag?
Storing rabbit pellets in their original sealed bag with a zipper on top is a good idea. You will minimize handling and the possible growth of bacteria when transferring to another container.
You can keep the bag and still use an airtight container. Just lift the entire thing up and drop into the container. Now you have double the protection.
Otherwise, handle with care with dry hands, a scooper or dump the contents in the container without touching them at all.
Thank you for visiting PocketPetCentral.com for the best information to help you enjoy the life of your pocket pet companion in a fun, safe & healthy way.
