Canned cat food can be an excellent source of nutrition for cats. It is convenient and usually less expensive than dry food.
However, one of the big questions pet owners have when it comes to canned food is how long it can sit out before it needs to be thrown away. The answer depends on a few factors.
Storage Temperature
Canned cat food should always be stored in a cool, dry place. This means that temperatures between 40°F and 70°F are ideal.
If the temperature is higher than this, the food will spoil faster. Additionally, if the canned cat food is exposed to direct sunlight or heat sources like radiators or heating vents, the food will degrade even more quickly.
Opened or Unopened?
The shelf life of canned cat food also depends on whether it has been opened or not. Unopened cans of cat food can last for years if stored properly.
However, once a can has been opened, bacteria can start to grow and spoil the food. It’s important to refrigerate any opened cans and only leave them out for a short period of time before feeding it to your cat.
Feeding Time
Once you’ve served your cat their meal from a can of cat food, you shouldn’t leave any leftovers out for more than an hour or two at most before throwing them away. This will help ensure that bacteria doesn’t have time to grow on the leftover bits of food and make your cat sick.
Conclusion:
Canned cat food is a great source of nutrition but unfortunately it doesn’t last forever! Proper storage and feeding times are key to keeping your cats safe from spoiled or contaminated food. Unopened cans can last for years if stored correctly in a cool, dry place while any opened cans should be refrigerated and only left out for short periods before throwing away leftovers.