Can guinea pigs eat out of date pellets (Harrington’s)?

[Claire W]

After my hoarding, I have ended up with 6 bags of Harrington’s that all expire on 3rd July 2021. I only use a bag a month so will still have around 3 bags left by the time July arrives, can they still eat it?

 

[Spaghetti & Noodles]

I don't see why not if they are still sealed, others may be able to give a better answer. Is it a best before? Or an actual expiry date?

 

[Eddie & Elvis]

It's not fresh food like veg so I'd assume it's more a case of they might be a bit stale? I'm not entirely sure though...

 

[Claire W]

I don't see why not if they are still sealed, others may be able to give a better answer. Is it a best before? Or an actual expiry date?

It’s a best before date

 

[Deleted member 139433]

It will be fine if only a best before date particularly if sealed

 

[VickiA]

I would also think they will be fine.

 

[YvonneBlue]

Best before dates are guidance. It just means that as the product gets older it may not be as perfect (they may lose flavor or texture), so you have nothing to worry about with the pellets. You could probably use them many months past the date.

 

[Zanzan]

If they have added vitamin c this will deteriorate quite fast once the date is reached.

 

[Spaghetti & Noodles]

I agree with everyone, a best before date is exactly what it says, I don't see why they wouldn't be ok.

 

[Wiebke]

After my hoarding, I have ended up with 6 bags of Harrington’s that all expire on 3rd July 2021. I only use a bag a month so will still have around 3 bags left by the time July arrives, can they still eat it?

Hi!

Yes, they can still eat them; especially if that is the sell-by date - the pellets will still be perfectly OK to feed for a while more as they are not fresh food and not designed to be fed instantly. Try to feed them within 3 months of their sell-by date.

The vitamin C in them will start to deteriorate eventually and gradually but since the pellets are just one of several ways to provide vitamin C in a balanced diet this is not a big issue if you feed for instant a little more fresh growing grass (rich in vitamin C) or an extra sprig of fresh herb during that time (the amounts in question are minute as the vitamin C doesn't disappear all at one); especially as long as you keep the bags dry and cool during storage (slows down the vitamin C deterioration) and as long as they are not more than half a year over the sell-by date.

 

[Freela]

Yes, but I would make sure to give veggies with vitamin C because that's the first thing to deteriorate in older pellets. Just to make sure they're getting it from more than one source in case it's not as available from the pellets.