Canned cat food is a convenient and nutritious way to feed your feline companion. It can be stored for long periods of time, but it’s important to know how long canned cat food is good for past its best by date.
Canned cat food has a variety of benefits over dry cat food. It is typically higher in moisture content, which can be beneficial for cats that are prone to urinary tract infections or other bladder issues. It also has more protein than dry foods, making it a great choice for growing kittens or cats that need extra energy.
Cans of cat food are usually stamped with a “best by” date. This indicates the date when the food is at its peak quality.
However, this does not necessarily mean that the food should be discarded after this date has passed. Canned cat food can typically last up to one year beyond the best by date as long as it is stored properly.
Storing Canned Cat Food
The key to extending the shelf life of canned cat food is proper storage and rotation. Cans should be stored in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
If possible, they should also be kept away from areas where temperatures fluctuate too much (like near an oven or windows). When you purchase canned cat food, check the cans for any dents or punctures before bringing them home.
Rotating Cans
In addition to proper storage, rotating cans of canned cat food can help extend their shelf life even further. When you buy new cans of wet food, place them at the back of your pantry and move the older cans to the front so that they get used first.
Checking For Spoiled Food
Even with proper storage and rotation techniques, it’s still important to check your pet’s wet food before feeding it to them after its best by date has passed. If there are any off odors or if the texture seems off, discard it immediately.
Conclusion:
When stored correctly and rotated regularly, canned cat foods can remain safe for up to one year past their best by date. However, it’s still important to check each can before serving them to your pet and discard any spoiled or off-smelling cans immediately.