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Wondering “does cat food expire?” If you've stocked up on pet food and are considering how to keep cat food fresh, then this guide is here to help. Good pet owners will want their cats to have the best quality cat food for their feline friend, ensuring that it is providing their pet with everything they need. Whether you’re buying wet or dry cat food it all has an expiration date. This is not only to ensure your cat’s food is served fresh, but that your pet is kept happy and healthy. If you feed them cat food past its expiration date it will have started to degrade, which could mean it loses not only its taste and color, but its nutritional value. Be sure to check the expiration date and the information below so that your kitty doesn’t get ill or suffer health problems because of food that has gone bad or is deficient in nutrients. Does cat food go bad and how can you tell?Both wet and dry that has passed its expiration date will start to go bad. Signs to look out for include a change in smell, texture or appearance as the oils in the food begin to break down and it goes soft. Take a look at the packaging to see if there is mold or even bugs inside if the packaging is biodegradable. Finally, watch your pet. If your cat isn’t eating their food this is a clear indicator it could have gone bad. Food can go bad whether it is open or not. The only difference is how quickly it expires. This will depend on the packaging or container it’s in, how it is sealed, where it is stored and its exposure to air, moisture and high temperatures. If your cat food is kept in unsealed packaging and stored in a hot, humid room it will go bad faster. How long does cat food last for?How long cat food lasts for very much depends on the brand of food and how it is stored. For example, often high-quality food doesn’t have as many preservatives in it so it won’t last as long as food with chemicals preserving it. But it also depends on the type of packaging and where the food is stored (food stored in high-quality packaging in a tightly sealed container in a dry, cool room will last longer). Wet cat foodUnopened wet cat food can last from four months to three years, but as soon as it is opened it should be sealed and kept in the fridge and used within five to seven days. It should only be kept out at room temperature (or in your pet’s bowl) for four hours. Then it should be thrown out if uneaten. The unsealed container can also be kept in the freezer at 40 to 45 degrees Fahrenheit (4.44 to 7.22 degrees Celsius) – it will last seven days longer when stored this way. But don’t store unopened cans of wet food in the freezer as this will alter its taste and texture. Dry cat foodDry cat food generally lasts for around six months or up to a year from its manufacture date if unopened, but once the seal is broken it should be used within 14 to 21 days. Cats can be fed opened dry cat food for up to three months as it may not go bad, but it will lose its nutrients and it is not worth the risk. Is it OK to feed expired cat food?If there are no signs that the cat food has gone bad you can still feed your cat from packets that have gone past their expiry date; however it is not advised as they will not only be losing out on important nutritional value, but it’s not worth the risk to their health. Eating food that has gone bad can lead to health problems because of nutrient deficiencies, as well as causing diarrhea, nausea and an upset stomach. It is safer to keep their food in date and throw any expired food away. How to store wet and dry cat foodStoring wet and dry cat food properly can extend its shelf life. Read the tips below to learn how to keep your cat’s food as fresh as possible: Storing dry cat food
Storing wet cat food
Just how fresh is the dry kibble you feed your cat? Even though dry kibble stays fresh longer than wet food, it still has an expiry date. So how long can dry cat food stay out before it goes rancid and loses its nutritional value? Dry Kibble was invented in the mid 18th century to replace the more expensive wet food. They packed kibble in plastic bags to free up metal for use in the Civil war. Dry kibble goes through an intense heating process to keep it dry for long. This prevents bacteria from multiplying hence keeping the kibble fresh. So does this mean dry cat food cannot go bad? Dry cat food has an expiry date as well. But how you handle dry kibble determines whether it stays fresh for long or goes stale quickly. What makes dry cat food go bad?Dry cat food oxidizes when left out in the open. This causes the dry kibble to develop a stale taste and eventually rot. Proper storage of dry cat food can slow down this oxidizing process and maintain the quality of the kibble. How do I store dry cat food?There are several ways to store dry cat food and ensure it remains fresh for longer. Fortunately, we also have dry cat food that comes without an expiry date. These are the freeze-dried versions that remain fresh for longer periods. But if you go for normal kibble with a best before date, you have three ways of storing it;
Ziploc bagsOnce you open dry kibble, it is recommended that you store it in ziplock bags. Ziploc bags keep oxygen out and ensure the kibble does not go rancid. Once you put the kibble inside the Ziploc bag, squeeze out the edges to remove air before storing it. Also, always ensure there are no tears or openings on the bags that will let air in. Airtight ContainerAirtight containers are stronger and more durable compared to ziplock bags. They are also easy to seal and open anytime. Ensure the Tupperware containers you buy are labeled as airtight. Some containers leave out spaces around the lid that let air in. Freeze your kibbleFreezing dry cat food is ideal if you still want to maintain the original packaging. Freezing prevents bacteria from growing and making the kibble stale. Ensure you thaw out the kibble before serving it to your cat. Huge chunks of frozen kibble can easily choke a cat. One more thing… Make sure the kibble bag is not damaged when you get it off the shelf. As you read the label, also inspect the packaging for any wear and tear. How do you buy the best dry cat food?How long can dry cat food stay out will also depend on the date you buy it. Most pet parents take a quick glimpse at the expiry date before tossing the product into the checkout basket. But there is something pet food stores are not letting you know. Dry cat food remains fresh 6 months after the Best Before Date. Some pet stores mark down their dry food products 3 months before this date. Dry cat food products are marked down three months before the ‘Best Before Date’. Though the discounted price allows you to stock up on cat food, you also have to know that their expiry date is drawing closer. Unless you are raising several cats at home, most of this cat food will go bad before you even use it. How do I serve dry Kibble and ensure it stays fresh?First of all, do not leave dry cat food out for more than 48 hours. The oils in the cat food will oxidize and make the kibble go stale. If you cannot be around to feed your cat, consider getting an automatic cat feeder. You can program the cat feeder to serve your cat’s meals at specific times of the day. Do you always serve dry cat food in clean bowls? It may seem obvious, but a lot of pet parents rarely clean feeding bowls before serving their cat’s meals. Leftover kibble may have bacteria on it that will ruin the quality of the fresh kibble you serve. Also rinsing the bowl before serving does not get all the dirt out. Some grime may remain in the bowl that will ruin the quality of kibble. Always wash your cat’s feeding bowls with a scrubber and soap. Leave the bowls to dry before serving the next meal to your cat. Final ThoughtsThe question, how long can dry cat food stay out, depends on how you buy it, store it, and serve it. Shop for premium dry kibble with a longer shelf-life or no expiry date. Consider getting airtight bags and containers to store the kibble in. Serve dry cat food in clean bowls to ensure it does not go bad fast. Frequently Asked QuestionsSee Also |
How to tell if dry cat food has gone bad
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