Canned cat food is a convenient and popular option for many pet owners. But once you open a can, the clock starts ticking on how long it remains safe to feed your cat. Can you store it in the fridge, and for how long?
The short answer is yes, you can store opened canned cat food in the refrigerator. However, it’s important to be aware of some important safety considerations.
According to the FDA, opened canned cat food should be stored in a covered container (or resealable plastic bag) and placed in the refrigerator within two hours of opening. This will help keep bacteria from growing on the food.
In terms of how long opened canned cat food can be stored, it’s generally suggested that not more than 3 to 4 days should pass before feeding any remaining food to your pet. Taking into account both storage time and quality of the food, you may want to consider discarding any remaining opened canned cat food after one day just to be on the safe side.
Additional Tips:
It’s also best not to allow your cat access to the refrigerator as this could lead to an unhealthy diet or other digestive issues. When storing opened canned cat food in a refrigerator or pantry, make sure that it’s kept away from other foods that could contaminate it with bacteria.
Finally, when preparing meals for your pet from opened cans of cat food, never use a microwave to warm them up as this could create hot spots that could burn your pet’s mouth or tongue.
Overall, storing opened canned cat food in the fridge is an acceptable practice as long as safety measures are taken into consideration. Refrigerate leftovers within two hours and discard any remaining portions after three days or less.
Conclusion:
Yes, you can store opened canned cat food in the fridge but only for up to three days and with certain safety precautions taken into consideration. Make sure that it is stored away from other foods and never reheated using a microwave.