Expired pellets

[je0409]

I have a bag of All Living Things (old Petsmart brand) Conure and Lovebird Diet fruit flavored pellets. I got them about 2 years ago when I was switching my GCC from seed to pellets and have continued to use them as treats since them. I gave her a few today and realized the bag said Best By: May 2023. Is this a hard rule and I absolutely should not give her anymore, or is it okay to still use them as the occasional treat? Should I be worried that I already have her a few? I've kept them in the original bag, but always made sure it was closed tightly and stored in a dry place. They look and smell as they always have.

 

[April]

I'd contact the company to ask,they'd be the best ones to advise you on this. I'd err on the side of caution to not give her any more until you get a reply.

 

[Shezbug]

There is a big difference between "best before" and "use by" dates... I would never use anything after a use by date but best before dates I will if it has been stored correctly and if i deem it to have not lost too much quality of flavour or texture. Use-by and best-before dates.

 

[Mizzely]

Another thing to consider is, how long have they been opened? Usually best by dates are for unopened product.

How they have been stored is also a consideration.

Expired usually has more to do with vitamin degradation and oils/fats turning rancid. So if they are just treats and smell/look fine, it's probably okay. But if they are a large part of the diet, the chances of them no longer being nutritionally sound is high.