If you’re wondering how long canned cat food lasts, the answer is typically between 2-5 years. However, it’s always best to check the label for specific storage instructions.
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Opened canned cat food generally has a shelf life of two to five days if kept in the refrigerator. The exception is if the can has been opened, but the leftover food is not contaminated. If you choose to feed your cat food from an opened can, the food should be used within 24 hours if kept in the fridge.
Canned cat food that has not been opened generally has a shelf life of two to five years. Once the can has been opened, the food should be used within 24 hours if kept in the fridge.
There are exceptions to these rules. Some pet foods contain certain ingredients that help to prevent bacterial growth. One example of this is Taste of the Wild pet food. So if the food is kept in a clean bowl, it may last longer than 24 hours. It also helps to store the food in a Tupperware container with a lid. Sometimes, this can extend the storage time by an extra day.
Another exception is if the food is contaminated. If your cat has a habit of sneaking into the pantry and digging into a container of wet cat food, it may get contaminated with bacteria.
The best way to keep your cat food fresh is to use the unopened can within the recommended time frame. You can also freeze the food for up to six months for safe storage that extends its shelf life.
What Happens When You Eat Food That Has Gone Bad?
How long can cat food last when unopened?
As long as unopened canned cat food is kept at a normal room temperature, it will be good for two to five years, as long as the can is undamaged and stored in a cool, dry spot.
How long can cat food last after opening?
Canned cat foods do not stay good forever. Once opened, the food can be refrigerated for a day or two. After that, throw out what your cat hasn’t eaten. If your cat refuses to eat the food, even when it’s freshly opened, it should be discarded.
How long does canned cat food last when it’s been cooked?
Canned cat food will often last for 2-5 years, and it could possibly last longer if it’s stored in a cool, dry place. Once you open the can, it can last for about 24-48 hours in the refrigerator.
How to Tell If Canned Cat Food Has Gone Bad?
Canned cat food has a long shelf life, but that doesn’t mean it lasts forever. You need to check the date of expiration on the can to find out how long the food should last. The food will have an expiration date printed on the bottom or the side of the can. Some brands may have a date code on the can instead. The code can be difficult to read, but you can use a key online to decipher the date, month and year. The code begins with a letter to signify a batch, followed by three digits that indicate the year the food was made. It then has a letter that represents the month and a single digit for the day.
Once you open the can, you need to store the food in the refrigerator. Canned cat food should be covered and sealed for maximum freshness. The food can be refrigerated for up to three days, but you should throw it away after the three-day mark.
You may also need to throw out the food after a certain amount of time if it sits in your pantry or cupboard. The food shouldn’t be exposed to air or high temperatures, otherwise it can start to grow bacteria or mold. You can refer to the expiration date on the can to see how long it should last. Many canned cat food brands have a time-frame printed right on the label.
You can also check to make sure the can is swelling or leaking. If you find either of these, then the food has gone bad and you need to throw it out.
How To Store Canned Cat Food To Keep It Fresh?
A lot of people give canned cat food to their cats because they believe that it is a healthier option than dry cat food. Canned food is also known to have a higher water content and is more palatable than dry food. However, there is a lot of debate on whether canned food is actually better than dry food.
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When Is Canned Cat Food Not Safe To Eat?
As a rule, canned cat food should be stored in a cool, dry place — not in your fridge. Canned cat food should not be kept in the refrigerator once opened, but that does not mean you should not refrigerate it before it is opened.
One of the main reasons people think canned cat food should be refrigerated is because they are generally used to refrigerating wet cat food. Canned cat food (and dog food) is not wet cat food, and wet cat food is not the same as dry or canned cat food.
Wet cat food has a very high moisture content (over 70%) and is kept in the fridge after opening to prevent the growth of bacteria.