It’s easy to forget that canned dog food is not just human food in a can. Canned dog food is specifically formulated to provide the nutrition your pup needs and it should be treated accordingly. So, the question arises: Do you have to refrigerate canned dog food after opening?
The short answer is yes, you should refrigerate any opened canned dog food in order to maintain its freshness and maximize its nutrients. Refrigeration helps to slow down the growth of bacteria and it also helps to prevent spoilage.
Canned dog food contains proteins and fats, both of which are prone to spoilage if not stored properly. Leaving an open can of canned dog food out of the refrigerator for extended periods of time will likely result in spoilage and could cause your pup to become sick. Therefore, it’s important to refrigerate opened cans of dog food as soon as possible.
How Long Does Opened Canned Dog Food Last?
The shelf life of opened canned dog food depends on the type of product and how it was stored prior to opening. Generally speaking, an unrefrigerated open can should be used within three days or discarded. A refrigerated open can should last for up to five days.
Storing Canned Dog Food Properly
To ensure that your pup is getting all the nutrition from their canned diet, it’s important that you store it properly. Here are a few tips for storing opened cans of canned dog food:
- Refrigerate immediately after opening – As previously mentioned, you should place an open can into the refrigerator right away.
- Transfer leftovers – If there are leftovers from a meal, transfer them into a sealed container and store them in the refrigerator.
- Cover with plastic wrap – If transferring leftovers isn’t possible, cover the top with plastic wrap before placing back into the refrigerator.
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Conclusion:
Do You Have To Refrigerate Canned Dog Food After Opening?: Yes, you should refrigerate any opened canned dog food in order to maintain its freshness and maximize its nutrients. Refrigeration helps slow down bacterial growth and prevents spoilage so ensure that you store your pup’s foods properly for optimal nutrition!
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