Does fish food go bad?

[pumkin54]

I was reading a little pamphlet I found that came with one of my tanks. It said, "Buy a good, quality name-brand flake food and replace it when no longer looks or smells fresh."

? But it always looks the same and it ALWAYS smells funky. Does flake and pellet food go bad? I've got containers I bought...3 years ago!

[kizno1]

If it hasent been opened then it should be ok. If its been opened for 3 years i personally would throw it away just to be on the safe side but im not sure if it actually goes off.

[pumkin54]

It's been opened. I hate to think I've been feeding my poor fishies rotten food all these years... Ah well, I guess that's what learning is for.

How long would you keep an opened container? 6 months?

[kizno1]

Im not sure if it actually goes off but im just saying i wouldnt use it for that long but i would wait and see what other people say.

[2tall]

I'd think that the nutrient level might drop off over time. I really don't have facts to base my opinion on though. Take it for what it is. Weak!

[liz2]

I use a tub of food for ages, but then half way through it I usually run out of pond food and feed the pond fish on it so I have tubs of food all over the house....

[silverrabbit]

I think the vitamin levels etc would decrease over that period of time, but as long as the pot is resealed after use then I don't think it would go bad, just not as nutritious.

Maybe buy smaller pots?

[pumkin54]

I just threw out my old ones and got new ones. They're only 3 or 4 bucks each, and my fishies need their vitamins :P

On a side note, most betta pellets seem to come in sizes that are just too big for betta mouths, especially little girls. I used to have to dig through the container looking for the smaller pellets. Otherwise my girls would just attack the pellet, unable to fit it in their mouths. This new pot I bought has all small sized pellets, which I'm thrilled about. (who knew such a thing could be thrilling) It also seems the small size will be easier for their digestion. It's by Aqueon, in case any of you are interested. Not sure if you guys have that brand across the pond though.
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[silverrabbit]

Yeah some pellets are way too big for smaller bettas! I usually cut the in half for my smaller ones