Canned dog food is a popular choice for pet owners due to its convenience and long shelf life. But once you open a can of dog food, it’s important to understand the best way to store it in order to keep your pet safe. Do you need to refrigerate canned dog food after opening?
The answer depends on the type of canned food you’re using and how long you plan on storing it. Generally speaking, most canned dog foods don’t need to be refrigerated, but there are some exceptions.
If the canned food contains any raw ingredients, like meat or fish, then it should be stored in the fridge after opening. This will help prevent any bacterial growth that could make your pet sick.
In cases where the canned food doesn’t contain any raw ingredients, it’s usually safe to store it at room temperature for up to three days after opening. However, if you plan on keeping the food for longer than three days, then it’s best to transfer it into an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. This will help keep the food fresher for longer and reduce any potential risk of contamination or spoilage.
It’s also important to make sure that your pet is eating all of the food within one mealtime as this will help reduce the chances of bacteria growing on any leftovers. If your pet doesn’t finish a can within one mealtime, then it’s best to discard any uneaten food as soon as possible and start with a new can when they’re ready for more.
Ultimately, whether or not you need to refrigerate canned dog food after opening depends on what type of food you’re using and how long you plan on storing it. If you have any raw ingredients or plan on storing the food for more than three days, then it’s best practice to transfer the contents into an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator until ready for use.
Do You Need To Refrigerate Canned Dog Food After Opening? The answer depends on what type of canned food is being used and how long it will be stored for – but generally speaking, most cans don’t require refrigeration unless they contain raw ingredients or are stored for more than three days at a time – in which case transferring them into an airtight container and refrigerating them is advised.