Best-before date (minimum durability)

The best-before date, also called the minimum durability date, indicates the period during which a food keeps its expected qualities if stored correctly, appearing as a best-before statement, and for pet food it is mandatory on the packaging (FEDIAF; EU labelling regulation). Unlike a strict use-by date, a modest overrun does not imply immediate danger but a possible loss of freshness and vitamin content, since beyond this date [oxidation](/glossary/rancidity-oxidation) and nutrient degradation progress. The storage rules differ by format: for dry products, durability is long as long as the bag stays sealed and away from heat, while for [wet food](/glossary/wet-food) the date applies to the closed can, and once opened storage is measured in days in the fridge. Respecting the date and good storage conditions safeguards real nutritional value, helped by packaging such as [modified atmosphere packaging](/glossary/modified-atmosphere-packaging). A practical tip: check the date at purchase, especially for large formats consumed slowly, and rotate stock so older bags are used first. The marker: the best-before date is about quality and freshness rather than immediate safety, which distinguishes it from a use-by date, and it works hand in hand with [traceability](/glossary/traceability) when verifying a [product recall](/glossary/product-recall) in the [Petipedia glossary](/glossary).

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General documentary information. For an individual animal, a veterinarian's advice takes precedence over any online content.