Canned cat food can be a convenient way to feed your pet, but like all food, it will eventually expire. Understanding how long canned cat food will last before it needs to be thrown out is key to keeping your pet safe and healthy.
Most canned cat foods carry a “best by” date or an expiration date on the label. This is a date set by the manufacturer that indicates when the food is considered at its peak nutritional quality.
Generally, these dates are about one year from the time of production, so if you have a recently purchased can of cat food, it should still be safe to feed your pet for at least a year from that point.
Once the best by date has passed, however, it’s important to take extra precautions before feeding your pet the food. Check for signs of spoilage such as bulging cans or any unusual odors. If you notice either of these signs, discard the canned cat food and do not feed it to your pet.
If you have an unopened can of cat food that is past its expiration date but does not show any signs of spoilage, it may still be safe to feed to your pet. According to the FDA, canned foods are typically safe for up to five years after their production date if stored properly in cool temperatures away from heat sources and direct sunlight. This means you can safely feed your pet expired canned cat food as long as you follow proper storage guidelines and look for any signs of spoilage.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, while most canned cat food carries a “best by” date or an expiration date on the label that indicates when the food is considered at its peak nutritional quality (usually one year), unopened cans may still be safe up to five years if properly stored away from heat sources and direct sunlight. However, always check for signs of spoilage such as bulging cans or any unusual odors before feeding expired canned cat food to your pet.