Dry cat food can go bad. Over time, it can spoil due to exposure to air, moisture, or contaminants, leading to the growth of mold or bacteria. It can also lose its nutritional value and become rancid due to the fats in the food going bad. It’s important to store dry cat food properly and use it before the expiration date.
Tips to Store Dry Cat Food
- Keep in Original Packaging: The packaging for dry cat food is designed to protect the food from air and moisture. Keeping the food in its original bag within a container can provide an extra layer of protection.
- Use an Airtight Container: Storing the food in an airtight container can help keep out oxygen, moisture, and pests, all of which can spoil the food or spread bacteria.
- Store in a Cool, Dry Place: Heat and humidity can promote the growth of mold and bacteria. A pantry or cupboard away from appliances or areas that fluctuate in temperature is ideal.
- Keep Away from Sunlight: Direct sunlight can degrade the quality of the food over time and can lead to the degradation of vitamins and fats. Keeping the food in a dark place can extend its shelf life.
- Seal Bag Between Uses: If you’re not using an airtight container, make sure to roll down the top of the bag and use a clip to seal it tightly after each use to keep air out.
- Avoid Storing in Humid Areas: Places like laundry rooms or bathrooms can become humid, which can hasten the spoilage of dry cat food, so these areas should be avoided for storage.
- Monitor Expiration Dates: Always check and adhere to the ‘best by’ dates provided by manufacturers, as these are good indicators of how long the food will retain its optimal quality and nutritional value.
- Measure and Refill: Instead of topping off the container with new food, fully empty and clean it before refilling. This practice prevents older food from lingering at the bottom and potentially spoiling.
Signs that Show Dry Cat Food has Gone Bad
Change in Odor
Dry cat food typically has a mild, slightly meaty, or grainy smell. When it goes bad, the odor can change significantly, becoming rancid or sour. This change is due to the degradation of fats and oils in the food, which oxidize and produce off-smelling compounds. A bad odor clearly indicates that the food is no longer fresh and can harm your cat.
Visible Mold or Bugs
If you see mold growth or insects in the dry cat food, it’s a sure sign of spoilage or contamination. Mold appears as fuzzy spots of white, green, or black and is a clear indicator that moisture has affected the food, leading to fungal growth. Insects can infest the food if it’s not stored properly, laying eggs and leaving waste, which makes the food unsafe for consumption.
Changes in Texture or Appearance
Fresh dry cat food has a consistent color and texture. If the kibbles appear damp, clumped together, or have changed in color, this could be due to moisture exposure, which can lead to mold and spoilage. Discoloration can also occur when the food is exposed to too much light or heat, causing the nutrients to break down and fats to go rancid.
Fat Discoloration
The fats in dry cat food can start to spoil over time, especially if exposed to heat or oxygen for extended periods. This spoilage can be seen as a white or yellowish film on the kibbles, which is an indication of fat oxidation. Not only does this make the food potentially unsafe, but it also means the nutritional quality of the fats, which are essential to your cat’s diet, has been compromised.
Cat’s Refusal to Eat
Cats have a keen sense of smell and taste, and they often detect when something isn’t right with their food. If your cat suddenly stops eating its dry food, which it previously consumed with no issues, it could indicate that the food has spoiled. While there could be other reasons for a cat’s loss of appetite, a sudden refusal to eat a familiar dry food warrants checking the food’s freshness.
Expiration Date
Although not a physical sign of the food itself, the expiration date on the package is a critical indicator. If the dry cat food is past this date, it’s likely that it’s not at its best quality and could potentially have gone bad. Manufacturers set these dates to ensure that the product remains within certain safety and quality standards, and feeding your cat food beyond this date might pose health risks.
How Long can you Leave Dry Food in your Cat’s Bowl?
It’s generally safe to leave dry food in your cat’s bowl for up to 24 hours as long as the environment is clean and not too hot or humid. However, it’s best to provide only the amount your cat will eat to ensure freshness and prevent overeating.
Can you Refrigerate Dry Cat Food?
Refrigerating dry cat food is not necessary and can introduce moisture to the kibble, potentially leading to mold growth. Dry food should be kept in a cool, dry place with the bag sealed or in an airtight container.
How Long Does Cat Food Last?
Dry Cat Food: Unopened dry cat food can last 6-12 months when stored in a cool, dry place. After opening, it’s best to use it within 4-6 weeks, as exposure to air can decrease its quality and shelf life.
Wet Cat Food: Unopened wet cat food can remain fresh for up to 2 years if stored properly in a cool, dry place. Once opened, it should be refrigerated and used within 3-5 days to ensure it doesn’t spoil or lose its nutritional content.
Side Effects of Feeding Expired Dry Food to Cats
- Digestive upset (vomiting, diarrhea)
- Loss of appetite
- Nutritional deficiencies
- Food poisoning (due to bacteria or mold)
- Allergic or toxic reactions
What to do with Expired Dry Cat Food?
Expired dry cat food should not be fed to your cat as it may not be safe or nutritious. Instead, it can be composted if you have a composting system that accepts processed food, or it should be disposed of in the trash. Always check if local regulations allow for such disposal.