How Long is Wet Cat Food Good For After Opened?
Wet cat food comes in cans and pouches and comes in various shapes, textures and flavors to satisfy every type of cat. Unopened cans or pouched food should be stored in a cool and dry area due to exposure to heat and air; once opened however it should be refrigerated to prevent spoilage.
But once the food has been opened, how long does it remain fresh and edible?
1. Refrigeration
Cats who enjoy moist foods have many choices when it comes to canned wet food, from pate and shreds, through flakes and cubes to slices with gravy for extra flavor and appeal. Some pet parents even prefer pouches because they provide more hygiene and storage ease.
Unopened canned cat food should be stored at room temperature; however, opened wet food should be refrigerated after opening to keep its freshest taste, nutritional value, and texture intact. Improper storage could allow bacteria to form on it which could make your cat sick when consumed by eating it.
Refrigerating food will prevent bacterial growth and spoilage, while helping maintain proper texture of meals and ensure all the components remain good for consumption.
If you don’t have access to a refrigerator, using a resealable plastic bag as an airtight container can help your food remain fresh. To maximize protection of the contents, ensure all air has been squeezed out before zipping it closed. Or alternatively, consider investing in can covers designed to cover popular sizes like 5.5-ounce and 3-ounce cans for additional protection from elements.
No matter which storage solution you select, always be sure to label each can with the date in permanent marker or sticker for easy monitoring of when food goes bad and an estimate as to how long until you need to feed your feline companion again.
Refrigerating wet food for your feline will extend its shelf life and ensure she receives fresh, nutritious meals to support optimal health. Consult with your veterinarian for further recommendations based on their unique needs for guidance on this matter.
2. Freezing
Canned cat food should always be refrigerated before opening it, and most varieties of wet cat food contain preservatives to ensure its safety. Unfortunately, even after being left out for only a few hours wet food may quickly spoil and collect bacteria that could be detrimental to its contents. To protect your pet and ensure its continued good health it is wise to refrigerate canned food even if you haven’t opened them yet.
Refrigerated wet cat food will remain edible for approximately seven to ten days before being transferred into a freezer-safe container and frozen until you are ready to use it. Many pet parents prefer this method of storage because it reduces waste from uneaten or expired food items.
Frozen wet cat food should always be defrosted in the refrigerator before feeding it to your cat or other companion animal, since freezing does not kill bacteria but simply slows their growth – an essential step as some harmful microorganisms may still survive in low temperature environments like your fridge.
If you’re unsure how long canned wet food should be stored for, consult the label. Typically speaking, however, refrigerate and consume within two days of opening for best results.
Keep the wet food of your pet fresh by monitoring their eating habits and estimating the amount they will eat at one sitting. This will save both time and money by helping prevent you from purchasing too many cans of wet cat food.
As well as properly storing wet cat food, it’s also important to make sure their bowl is always clean before giving them their meal. Reusing the same utensil over and over can introduce bacteria into their food supply; so after each use it’s important to wash utensils thoroughly with hot soapy water to remove this risk. Furthermore, try not leaving wet cat food out at room temperature for longer than 30-60 minutes as leaving it out longer can cause it to dry up and become unappetizing!
3. Warming
Wet cat food comes in various forms – pate, shreds, chunks and flakes, gravy – all offering ample protein to maintain lean bodies while providing other important vitamins, minerals and nutrients for health and muscle preservation. Many natural ingredients make up these treats that cats will love eating!
Placing wet food out at room temperature for too long can result in bacteria growth, spoilage and make it unsafe for consumption by cats. Therefore, it’s crucial that any leftover food be refrigerated immediately upon receipt.
Refrigerated wet food should last three days after being opened when stored properly in the fridge; after this point it should be thrown out even if its expiration date hasn’t passed yet. With canned goods it is also important to remember that heat and oxygen exposure may cause the oil within it to go rancid over time, potentially rendering them unsafe to consume.
For optimal results, food should be stored in airtight containers and placed immediately into the fridge upon opening it. Any unneeded portions can also be transferred into sealed airtight containers and frozen – helping prevent over-buying and waste.
Some pet parents prefer pouches over cans because they’re more hygienic and easier for cats to consume. Once opened, however, these pouches must be stored in an airtight, sealable container in the fridge in order to preserve its quality for your feline friend.
When making wet cat food for older cats who struggle with eating cold food, this approach may provide better consistency and flavors than microwaving. Also, this will aid digestion more easily – an added advantage for senior felines! The food includes chicken, fish and tuna protein as sources of nourishment as well as vegetables, fruits and minerals to promote overall good health for optimal performance.
4. Microwaving
Your cat food should always be stored correctly to maintain its taste, flavor and nutritional value. This includes placing it in an ideal environment such as the refrigerator before being refrigerated again before heating if necessary. Also be sure to follow any recommendations on its packaging about how long it should be kept open for storage purposes.
Canned food may last two years after manufacture when unopened; however, after opening it should be refrigerated to prevent bacteria growth. Freeze-dried products typically last 12-24 months after being manufactured; they should always be refrigerated after opening to protect from spoilage.
While you may leave wet cat food out at room temperature for 30-60 minutes, it should then be refrigerated quickly to prevent bacterial spoilage. Bacteria thrive in warm, damp environments such as left-out wet food.
If you plan to keep wet food out at room temperature for an extended period, try placing it in an area free from moisture or direct sunlight, away from other perishable items that could cross-contaminate it and double dipping utensils which introduce bacteria that hasten spoilage.
Many pet parents opt to purchase wet cat food in pouches instead of cans for increased hygiene and freshness. Once opened and sealed, these pouches can easily be opened, closed, and sealed again to preserve freshness of food. When using pouches make sure that any unfinished portions are transferred into an airtight container as soon as possible before refrigerating so as to maintain flavor and quality of flavorful ingredients.
Reheating wet cat food can also be an option for owners without access to a refrigerator, or those who would rather forgoing using one. Warming the food will enhance its smell and texture, making it more appealing to your cat. Furthermore, warming can make dental problems easier to manage as the softening action softens it up so they can easily chew and swallow their meal.
