I buy the big bag too, even when I had just one dog. I've never had a problem with staleness, the bags are great, foil and plastic coated. Just be sure and squeeze any excess air out of the bag before you seal it. I prefer clipping it to using their "zipper". I think I can get more air out of the bag. The problem with having any excess air in the bag or any type of container is the air has moisture and that's what causes the product to go stale. You don't have to worry about it spoiling, it might lose some flavor, but your dog will definitely let you know if it does. I think it smells just as good at the end of the bag as it does when I open it. Lol, I really like the way the food smells, sometimes I'm tempted to take some.