I am very picky when it comes to feed/Freshness. Any bagged feed I will not buy if its over 30-45 days since being bagged. I won't feed anything over 90 days. What about whole oats??? I'm sure whole grains are more stable right? I bought a bag and it was bagged July 1.. I assume since its whole grain its probably good? Thanks!
I'm sure they are still good and fresh. I think as long as they are stored in a clean dry area and kept covered up they should last a long time. On the other hand, my fil buys a whole trailer full right from the field and leaves it in a big open wagon type buggy in the barn... the barn cats use it as a giant litter box and I've seen a ton of mice turds in it.. he usually just picks out the cat turds and feeds it lol! I just can't ... wont.. we have very different views on feeding horses... I'll stick to my way lol!
I read whole oats are good up to 12 months if stored "properly". I am assuming properly means either sealed in an unopened, dry bag OR in a enclosed container away from environmental elements and little critters.
ROLLED oats however, especially in summer months, can go rancid within 3 weeks because of the "rolled" process they undergo.
With any whole feed grade grain, you don't know what year it was harvested, let alone what month unless you buy directly from the producer. Oats are very stable if they are clean. They will have insect eggs on them (microscopic) but likely will have been fumigated several times if they have been in storage while the temperature has been over 80 degrees. In general, if they don't get wet, they should be OK.
Whole Oats Storage
