Canned dog food is a popular choice for pet owners. It’s convenient, relatively inexpensive, and can provide your pup with the necessary nutrients. But is it necessary to refrigerate canned dog food once opened?
The short answer is no. Refrigerating canned dog food after it’s been opened is not required, but there are a few factors to consider when deciding whether it’s the best choice for your pup.
First and foremost, you should be aware of the shelf life of the particular brand of canned dog food you purchased. The general rule of thumb is that unrefrigerated canned dog food can be kept at room temperature for up to three days after opening.
After this time frame, it should be discarded.
It’s also important to note that if the food has been left out for more than two hours at room temperature, bacteria may begin to grow which could potentially make your pup sick. This can be avoided by refrigerating the remaining portion of the canned dog food after it has been opened and placing it in an airtight container or covered bowl in order to maintain freshness and reduce spoilage.
The last factor to consider is whether your pup enjoys eating chilled or cold food. Some dogs may find cold canned dog food less palatable than room temperature offerings, so this should be taken into account when determining whether refrigeration is best for your pup.
Ultimately, if you plan on feeding your pup a single can of wet dog food each day without any leftovers, refrigeration likely isn’t necessary because all of the contents will typically be consumed within three days. However, if there are leftovers or if you plan on serving multiple cans per day over a period of time, storing them in the refrigerator will help keep them fresher longer and reduce any potential bacterial growth that could make your pup ill.
Conclusion: While refrigeration isn’t required for canned dog food after opening, it’s recommended if there are leftovers or multiple cans are being served per day over an extended period of time in order to maintain freshness and reduce any potential bacterial growth that could make your pup ill.