Storing opened canned cat food is critical to keeping it fresh and fit for consumption. Here is a guide to help your store opened cat food and ensure your cat stays healthy after eating it.
Guide to Store Opened Canned Cat Food
Immediate Storage After Opening
As soon as you open a can of cat food, if there’s any leftover, it needs to be stored correctly. Avoid leaving the food in the can, which can lead to a metallic taste. Instead, scoop the leftover food into an airtight container. This helps prevent the food from drying out, keeps odors contained, and maintains freshness. Glass or BPA-free plastic containers are good options.
Refrigeration
Place the airtight container with the leftover cat food in the refrigerator. The cool temperature slows the growth of bacteria, ensuring the food stays safe to eat. Refrigeration is crucial, as room temperature can cause rapid spoilage and bacteria growth in wet cat food. Make sure the container is sealed properly to prevent the food from absorbing other odors in the fridge.
Labeling and Tracking
It’s helpful to label the container with the date you opened the can. Most opened canned cat foods remain safe for about 3-5 days when refrigerated, but this can vary based on the brand and ingredients. Keeping track of when the food was opened helps ensure you’re not feeding your cat spoiled food.
Serving the Stored Food
When it’s time to feed your cat again, take the desired amount of food from the container and let it reach room temperature before serving. Cats often prefer their food at room temperature rather than cold. However, never leave the cat food for more than 30 minutes to avoid bacterial growth. Any uneaten food should be discarded after your cat has finished eating.
Signs that Show Stored Canned Cat Food has Gone Bad
If you regularly store canned food and serve your feline buddy after some time, it is important to know the signs that show canned food has gone bad.
- Unpleasant Odor: If the canned cat food emits a foul or unusual smell, it’s a strong indicator that it has spoiled and should not be fed to your cat.
- Change in Color: Look for any discoloration or darkening of the food, which can signal that the food has gone bad and may be unsafe for consumption.
- Mold Growth: Visible mold on the surface of the cat food is a clear sign of spoilage and can be harmful to your cat if ingested.
- Texture Changes: If the food’s texture has become unusually slimy, excessively dry, or shows any significant change, it’s likely no longer safe to eat.
- Swollen or Leaking Can: Before opening, if the can appears swollen, is leaking, or shows signs of damage, this could indicate bacterial growth and spoilage inside.
- Expired Expiry Date: Always check the expiration date on the can; feeding your cat expired food can lead to health issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I store dry cat food?
Store dry cat food in its original bag inside a clean, airtight container in a cool, dry place. This helps maintain its freshness and flavor and prevents exposure to air, moisture, and pests.
How long does canned cat food stay fresh in the refrigerator?
Once opened, canned cat food can stay fresh in the refrigerator for 3 to 5 days. Store it in an airtight container to maintain quality and prevent it from absorbing other odors.
How long can you leave canned cat food out?
Canned cat food should not be left out at room temperature for more than 30 minutes to an hour. Beyond this, the risk of bacterial growth increases, potentially making it unsafe for your cat.
Does canned cat food go bad in heat?
Canned cat food can go bad if exposed to heat for prolonged periods. High temperatures can accelerate spoilage and bacterial growth, making the food unsafe for consumption.
Can I freeze canned cat food?
You can freeze canned cat food, but it may alter the texture and taste, which might make it less appealing to your cat. Freeze in small portions and thaw in the refrigerator before serving.