How Long Can Canned Pet Food Be Left Out?

Canned pet food is a convenient and shelf-stable choice for pet owners. It can be stored in cupboards, pantries, and other areas without fear of spoilage. However, one important factor to consider when choosing canned pet food is how long it can be left out before it goes bad.

Generally speaking, canned pet food should not be left out for more than two hours. Leaving the food out at room temperature for longer than this can cause bacteria to form on the surface of the food and potentially make your pet sick if they eat it. In hot weather conditions, the two hour window is reduced even further as bacteria grows faster in higher temperatures.

If you are planning to leave your canned pet food out for a longer period of time, the best solution is to transfer it to a sealed container and store it in the refrigerator or freezer. This will help keep your pet’s food safe and preserve its flavor and nutritional content for as long as possible. It is also important to note that once you open a can of pet food, any unused portions should be discarded after 48 hours as bacteria will have likely built up on the surface within that time frame.

Conclusion:

Canned pet food can be a great choice for convenience and shelf stability but should not be left out at room temperature for longer than two hours due to potential bacterial growth that could make your pet sick. Transferring any unused portions of canned pet food into a sealed container and storing it in either the refrigerator or freezer is recommended if you plan to leave it out longer than two hours. Once opened, any unused portions should also be discarded after 48 hours.