Cans of cat food are not ideal for every cat. Most cats rarely consume a full meal of canned food in one sitting. In fact, there are times when cats might not have enough time to eat it, and the owners might forget to pick them up. But, if you’re wondering how long does canned cat food last, then continue reading this article!
The amount of time that can be left out of canned cat food depends on the room temperature. If you have air conditioning, keep the food out for more than 20 minutes. The 20-minute limit applies to both the heater and the feed in the winter. If the heater is on and the feed is in a warm kitchen, the absolute maximum time can be around 30 minutes.
This article is essential for cat owners as it will teach them how to prevent their pets from getting sick after eating tainted food or contaminated with harmful substances.
Does Canned Cat Food Really Expire?
Although canned cat food can be stored for a certain period, cats’ food will eventually expire. This is because, unlike dogs, cats rarely eat their full meal after it is placed in front of them. The biggest danger with leaving food out is that it will eventually deteriorate.
Unlike mold and fungus, which can take days to develop and multiply, bacteria can grow and multiply in just a couple of days. This means that they can cause potentially deadly infections such as Salmonella.
For most cats, smaller meals are better for them as they tend to finish their meals in less than 15 minutes. It is better to give them a couple of spoonfuls of food every three hours instead of risking damage to their food.
Keep the container closed and the temperature at a safe level to prevent food from getting contaminated. Also, keep in mind that the moisture in the food might cause mold. If you keep pet food in a garage or shed that has a temperature of over 100 degrees Fahrenheit, it should be immediately discarded.
Most food manufacturers also advise keeping Kibble and canned meals in a dry environment. This can be done in the pantry or an internal cupboard. After opening the can, cover the food thoroughly and keep it refrigerated for as long as possible. Cats will not eat cold food, so the next dish should be reheated.
Also, they can be easily reheated in the sink under running water for a couple of minutes. Another method is to place the next serving of food in a microwave-safe dish and cover it with plastic wrap. The goal is to keep the food warm enough to allow it to reach room temperature rather than making it hot.
How You Will Know If Canned Cat Food Is Expired?
Every food item has a shelf life. This is why it is important to keep the canned food fresh and safe by regularly checking its expiration date. Also, canned pet food can get spoiled much earlier than its fresh counterpart. Your pets can not tell you if the food they eat has gone bad, so you have to be cautious when it comes to feeding them.
Although spoiled cans of cat food are not uncommon, they should be kept in a cool and dry place in order to prevent the food from spoiling. Also, since they have less shelf life than dry food, it is important to keep them fresh and clean.
Read also: 7 Best Cat Food for Less Smelly Poop (Complete Buying Guide)
Does Cat Food Show A “Best By” Date?
You have a bag of pet food that is past its best-by date. You do not want to waste it, but you also do not want to make your cat get sick. Most pet food products come with a “best by” date. However, the term best by date is usually used to indicate the date when the manufacturer can not guarantee the nutrients in a product. It does not mean that the canned food is ruined after that date.
Although it is generally okay to feed your pet food that has been opened three months after its best-by date, it is important to note that it is not always as nutritious as it should be. For instance, canned food should be used up within five to seven days.
One of the most important factors that you should consider when it comes to packaging your pet food is the strength of the container. If the food is stored in a cool, dry environment, it should not experience any issues. In fact, unopened cans can last for up to two years, while the food that has been stored in its original packaging can last for a year.
How Long Would Canned Cat Food Lasts Unopened?
Although it may seem like cat food can last for a long time, it does not mean that it can not go bad. Most dry cat food can last up to 4 months, while unopened wet food tends to last a bit longer due to the preservation process. Once opened, store your cat’s wet food in an airtight container for up to three days.
Although it is tempting to feed your cat all-natural food, it is still important to remember that some cat food will expire faster than others. This is because the composition of the food is what determines its shelf life. High-fat foods are also more prone to going rancid.
What Is The Best Way To Store Unopened Wet Cat Food?
One of the best things to feed your cat is wet food. It is usually higher in protein and has a lot more water. It is also better for your cat’s sensitive or picky nature.
One significant drawback of having a cat food bowl is its storage. You can store your unopened cat food in sealed cans, which will keep it cool and protected. This method eliminates the need to keep it refrigerated. You can also store your food in a cupboard. So, it usually ends up under the couch or under the entertainment center.
Even though it has a good shelf life, cat food can still get old very quickly. This is why it’s important to check the expiration date on the can.
How Can You Properly Store Opened Wet Cat Food?
It is easy for wet cat canned food to spoil as it is high in moisture and meat protein, which can attract and grow bacteria. Unfortunately, this can lead to vomiting and diarrhea. To prevent this, keep your cat’s food fresh by storing it properly.
You can use any kind of container, like plastic bags, to store your cat food. There are various types of containers that can be used for wet cat food, but I prefer the humble Tupperware. You can also buy small sealed bowls at the store. The key is to make sure that the food is airtight, and it should be labeled in some way so that nobody in our house would accidentally eat it.
Is Dry Cat Food Can Last Longer Than Wet Cat Food?
Wet food is more expensive and is less convenient to use, but it can be beneficial for cats with lower urinary tract illnesses and those who are overweight. Dry food can also be very efficient at providing calories for thin cats.
On the other hand, it greatly depends on how you store your cat food, whether it is dry or wet, and opened or not. But for some reason, wet-dry food can last up longer when unopened due to its sealed can. Meanwhile, dry cat food can last a bit longer when opened.
How To Tell If The Cans Of Cat Food Is Bad?
Although there are several ways to determine if your cat’s canned food is spoiled, the first sign that something is not right with it is if she won’t eat it. This usually means that she does not want to eat it.
Some of the other ways to tell if your pet food is contaminated are by the presence of a foul or rotting smell or if it has been exposed to moisture. You should also avoid serving food that is past its expiration date.
In fact, the shelf span of pet food relies on the storage method used. For example, if you store your food in the original packaging, it will last longer.
Can You Use Expired Canned Cat Food For Your Cat?
You have one cat food that has been sitting in your cupboard for months. So, would it be okay to feed it to your cat? Although it’s fine to feed your cat food that has already expired, it is not advised to feed it to your pet as it could cause illness. Also, keep in mind that the nutrients of the food may have already decreased due to the presence of harmful microorganisms.
Healthy food is important for cats, but it’s also important to keep in mind that food that’s expired can still be harmful to their health. This is why it’s important to check the expiration date of the food before giving it to your pet.
What Can You Do With Expired Cat Food?
If you find expired canned cat food at your home, then it is time to get rid of it and feed your cat fresh food. Just make sure to inform the store’s manager so they can remove the offending product. It is also a must to nourish your feline companion.
Read also: Do Cat Treats Expire?
Final Words
Although cats can eat expired cat food, they should avoid it if they have obvious signs of spoilage. This will not meet their nutritional needs. If the product shows signs of spoilage, such as insect activity or bacteria, then it should not be fed to your cat. You can also place the can in a sealed container before throwing it out in a trash can. When you’re planning to store cat food, make sure that you know how long does the canned cat food last so you won’t waste them.
