You just opened a fresh can of wet food and poured some of it into your cat’s bowl. Now you are wondering that how long can wet cat food sit out? Is it okay to leave wet cat food for later use? In this guide, you will learn that how long does it sit out and what measures you can take to preserve it for further use.
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How long does wet cat food last?
If you just gave some wet food to your cat, and it left some food in the bowl. Now you must be pondering, “can this wet food sit out?” Ideally, wet cat food should never be left at room temperature for more than 2 hours. After this time, bacteria can start to grow, making the food unsafe for your cat to eat. If the food has been left out for longer than 2 hours, it’s best to discard it to avoid any potential health risks for your cat.
Moreover, if unopened wet food is kept in a cool, and dry place, it can last for about 1 to 3 years, depending upon the type of brand and the date of expiration provided by the manufacturer.
Lastly, you can also refrigerate the opened can or pouch, it can last for up to 4 days. You must ensure that the food is stored in an airtight container or covered tightly to maintain freshness and to avoid contamination.
Tips to store wet cat food
Here are some tips for you which can help you to store wet food properly:
1. Refrigerate Opened Food
After opening a pouch or can of wet food for your cat to eat, store the extra portion left by it in the refrigerator. Make sure that the food is stored in an air tight container or cover it with plastic wrap or anything suitable to keep it fresh.
2. Use within 3 days
Refrigerated wet cat food should be used within 3 days to avoid any health risk for your cat. After this time, it may also lose its freshness and bacteria may grow in it.
3. Discard Opened Food Within Time
If you have food leftover, don’t use the food and its better to throw it away. Discard the food if it has been exposed to air for about 5 or more hours. Because after this time, there may be bacteria in that food.
4. Keep it Cool
Unopened pouches or cans should be stored in a cool, dry place, away from any heat sources or direct sunlight. This will help you to maintain the quality and freshness of the food until it’s opened.
5. Warm Up the Food
Cats normally don’t like to eat cold food, so it’s better to slightly warm up the food before giving it to your cat. You can do this by letting it sit at room temperature for a few minutes or adding some warm water in it. Avoid microwaving directly in the can; instead, transfer it to a microwave-safe dish.
6. Check for Expiration Dates
Before feeding your cat, always ensure that the food is not expired by checking the date on the packaging. Even if the can or package is unopened, it is unsafe for your cat. Throw away the food which has met its expiration deadline. {1}
Can you leave wet cat food out?
No, it’s not recommended to leave wet cat food out for longer periods. It is best that wet cat food should not be left open at room temperature for more than 2 hours. After this time, the food may begin to spoil, lose its freshness, and the bacteria may start to grow. This can make the food unsafe and its intake can cause potential health risks for your cat.
If you have left the food for more than 2 hours or your cat doesn’t finish it in this specified time, it’s a best approach to discard or throw the food away because you will not want to serve your cat contaminated food. If you want to preserve the food, leave it at a cool place or refrigerate it and use it within 3 to 4 days.
Can I freeze wet cat food?
Yes, wet cat food can be freezed to extend its shelf life. Food can be frozen for up to six months, but for maximum freshness, it should be consumed within three months. Food should not be refrozen once it has been opened as this may alter its texture and nutritional value. Instead, it should be consumed within 2 to 3 days.
How to store wet cat food after opening?
After opening a can of wet cat food, store the leftovers in an airtight container or cover the original can with a reusable can cover or plastic wrap. It can be kept fresh for up to 3 days by refrigerating it. To keep track of how long the food has been stored, be sure to date and mark the container. You should also only remove the amount of food required for feeding in order to preserve its quality.
To prevent repeated exposure to air and temperature changes, just remove the necessary amount of food for a single meal when feeding your cat from the stored food. Some cats prefer their food not to be too cold, so you can let it remain at room temperature for a few minutes before serving to help relieve some of the chill. Never forget to throw out food that has been refrigerated for longer than 3 days or exhibits spoiling symptoms, such an unpleasant odor or texture changes.
Does canned cat food need to be refrigerated?
No, there is no need to refrigerate the cat food which is unopened or canned. Unopened food should be stored in a cool, dry place, such as a cupboard or pantry. In contrast, once a canned food is opened, any leftover portion of the food should be refrigerated to keep it fresh and safe. Opened canned food should be refrigerated because it helps to prevent spoilage and bacterial growth.
Moreover, the food should be stored in an airtight container or covered tightly, and it can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. These all things will ensure that the food remains safe for your cat to eat and prevent any potential health risks.
Read more: How to soften dry cat food?
Final Verdict: How long can wet cat food sit out
When wet cat food is stored properly, it lasts up to 3 days in the refrigerator after opening. Unopened pouches or cans can last from 1 to 3 years when it is kept in a cool and dry place. To maintain the cat food’s safety and quality, you should refrigerate any portion of the food which is unused in an airtight container and discard the food that has been left out at room temperature for more than 2-3 hours or show signs of spoilage or contamination. Food if stored properly, helps to ensure that your cat receive fresh and safe food avoiding any health issues.
FAQ’s
1. How long does wet cat food last in the fridge?
After being opened, wet cat food can be refrigerated for up to three days. To keep it fresh and avoid infection, store it tightly covered or in an airtight container. Prior to feeding your cat, always inspect the food for indications of deterioration, such as an odd texture or foul smell.
2. How long does wet cat food last after opening?
After opening, wet cat food typically lasts up to 3 days if stored in the refrigerator. To preserve freshness and avoid spoiling, store it tightly covered or in an airtight container. To protect your cat’s health and wellbeing, it is recommended to throw away any food that has changed in color, texture, or scent.
3. How can I make my cat to eat wet food?
Start with tiny amounts of wet food mixed with your cat’s dry food and gradually increase the amount of wet food over time to encourage them to eat wet food. To improve the scent and attract your cat to the wet food, slightly warm it. To find out what your cat prefers, offer a range of textures and flavors.
