Does Unopened Canned Dog Food Go Bad in Heat?

Canned dog food is one of the most common means of providing nutrition to pets. It is usually shelf-stable, and does not require refrigeration until it has been opened.

However, can pet food go bad in extreme heat? Is it safe for our furry friends to eat canned food that has been sitting in a hot environment for an extended period of time?

The short answer is yes, unopened canned dog food can go bad in heat. This is because when exposed to high temperatures, the internal pressure within the cans increases drastically.

This pressure can cause the cans to swell or even burst open, leading to contamination and spoilage of the contents inside. Additionally, high heat can cause a chemical reaction with the ingredients inside canned pet foods, resulting in a rancid taste and smell that may be unappealing and potentially dangerous for pets.

To ensure that your pet’s canned food remains safe and edible in hot weather, store it safely away from direct sunlight and other sources of extreme heat. If possible, store cans in a cool basement or pantry where temperatures do not exceed room temperature. Additionally, try to rotate out your pet’s canned food every few months so that it does not sit in storage for too long.

Conclusion: Unopened canned dog food can go bad in extreme heat due to increased internal pressure within the cans and potential chemical reactions with ingredients inside. To keep your pet’s canned food safe during hot weather, store it away from direct sunlight and other sources of extreme heat while also rotating out old food every few months.