Canned Cat Food Can Go Bad if Stored in a Warm Environment. The meal may get discolored or form a slimy layer on top. The heat will cause the food to spoil and it will no longer be safe for your cat to eat. You can use zippered disposable bags for storing uneaten food. Heres a more detailed explanation: canned food is sealed in a can, which means that there is no oxygen inside the can. Canned cat food is a common choice for pet owners but can go bad if not stored properly. -The food has a slimy texture In the winter, if the heater is on or the food is in a warm kitchen, this same 20-minute limit would apply. Is There a Cat Food That Helps Prevent Urinary Problems? Store your cats food in a cool, dry location away from heat sources and direct sunshine to preserve its safety and quality. Opened cans should be stored in the fridge, at temperatures between 40-45F, for a maximum of 5-7 days. Your cat will most likely determine if the food is rotten and will reject it if it isnt safe. The fact that canned cat food has much more moisture than dry food is one of its key advantages for cats. She has fact-checked articles for multiple publications, including InStyle Magazine, Refinery29, The New York Times, Seventeen, and Details. Franny has also authored two books on cat care. For canned cat and dog food Your pet's bowl should be emptied of moist or canned food not eaten by your cat or dog within 4 hours if the ambient temperature is above 50F. Also, read about does wet cat food go bad if left out However, if it's a hot day, say 50 degrees Fahrenheit, don't keep wet food out for more than four hours. It has gone bad when dry cat food has a characteristic sour and/or bitter odor. It should be stored in a place that is dry and cool. Ideally, unopened dry and canned foods should be kept at room temperature and away from heat, humidity and infestation. If you dont have a cool, dark place to store canned goods, you can put them in a cooler with ice packs. The heat can cause the food to spoil, and canned food that has been left out in the heat is a food safety risk. Any cat or dog food . Symptoms of food poisoning include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, and can sometimes be severe enough to require hospitalization. Canned foods are designed to be shelf-stable for long periods of time, but heat can accelerate the degradation process. While it is still healthy to consume, the cats taste buds may not like it. Store canned cat food in airtight containers or in its original packing up until it is opened to preserve its quality. Nadia Tamara Yes, heat is the enemy of all canned goods. Canned cat food also contains vitamins and minerals necessary for a cats health and well-being. Your pet's bowl should be emptied of moist or canned food not eaten by your cat or dog within 4 hours if the ambient temperature is above 50F. The second is the texture. Does excessive heat, for example, cause an issue with canned food? . Dont take any chances with your cats health! Its all too easy to leave something in the car after a trip to the shop, and if youve recently discovered some canned cat food, you might be wondering if you should feed it to your cat or whether you should throw it out and purchase some new food. If your cat suddenly decides that she doesnt like the canned food youve been feeding her, you may be wondering if its still safe to eat. Canned food remaining in the can should be covered and refrigerated immediately after opening. No, you cannot leave dry cat food in a hot car. It should be fine if you accidentally did this on a warm or cold day, but if the temperatures have been really hot, the safest alternative is to discard the cat food and replace it with new. Within a few hours, the food might no longer be safe to eat as a result of this. *Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates. Try not to keep canned foods more than 1 year. Dry cat food is not as healthy as canned cat food but many cat owners are still sticking to it out of convenience and affordability. The Benefits of Wet Cat Food | Chewy . It is essential to store canned cat food in a cool, dry place to prevent it from going bad and to ensure your cat is getting safe and nutritious food. Most manufacturers recommend storing kibble and canned foods in a cool, dry place. However, you may store them in the refrigerator for a short period of time. While dry dog food won't get easily spoiled in heat, it will become drier. This article will address the subject to understand better how heat affects canned cat food over time. Gently warming your cat's food will release the aroma, which is often enough to entice your cat to eat. If you leave your cans of cat food in the sun or on a warm shelf for any length of time, they will start to degrade more quickly than usual and eventually go bad from the heat exposure alone. Does canned food go bad in extreme heat? The risk of spoilage jumps sharply as storage temperatures rise. Use canned meats and seafood within 3 years of the date on the package. Cans should never be exposed to temperatures above 100 degrees Fahrenheit. During my free time, I love reading a book on my kindle, biking, kayaking, and just enjoying life! Over time, these free radicals accumulate in the body and cause chronic diseases like cancer and heart disease. The germs in the food will begin to proliferate quickly as the temperature rises. Mar 23, 2023. Any unused canned food should be immediately put in the refrigerator. The best option is in a cool, dark place. Dont store pet foods, even unopened bags or cans, in the garage or shed where temperatures can go above 100 degrees Fahrenheit. If it smells sour or rotten, its probably bad. The answer is yes, canned cat food can go bad in extreme heat. There appears to be a lot of discussion regarding the topic, and while many people believe it is excellent, it is crucial to be aware of the hazards. It can have specific areas where the temperature of the food is very high. -Jerky We were used to just grabbing a bag or a can of food and pouring it in a bowl - so this new need for preparation was different. You might be thinking about what might go wrong if the food is sanitary and the can is unharmed. Read more in detail here: can dry dog food go bad in a hot car. Through a gradual process, the heat will penetrate the cat food and the coolness will leave. I have definitely eaten some very out of date canned food that lived in my car in Phoenix for more than a month though. Mainly, just keep an eye on where you store it, the expiration date, and if it looks out of the ordinary for soft food. Canned cat food shouldn't be left in a hot vehicle for extended periods. According to the FDA , the ideal storage temperature should be no more than 100 degrees Fahrenheit. AskMyCats.com does not intend to provide veterinary advice. And when food is left in a hot car, it can reach those temperatures very quickly. It will keep its nutrients as long as the heat is controlled and the food does not lose its physical integrity. Cookies collect information about your preferences and your devices and are used to make the site work as you expect it to, to understand how you interact with the site, and to show advertisements that are targeted to your interests. Therefore, you never need to worry about heating the food too much. While unopened canned cat food doesnt go bad in the traditional sense, it can lose its flavor and nutritional value over time. -Nuts The weather may have changed, making this impossible, but if theres an opportunity to do it, try to do so. Can Cats Eat Doritos? Your pets have no way to tell you if the food has gone bad, so you are the ones who must be careful about what you feed your fur babies. The most common cause of spoilage is exposure to heat. It won't ruin the cans, but any excessive heat will impact the food itself. When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. The food may spoil due to the high temperatures, which could endanger the health of your cat companion by encouraging the growth of bacteria and other unpleasant odors. Diet, which frequently includes canned cat food, is one of the most important factors in a cats health. After opened, food should be refrigerated and eaten within a few days to avoid spoiling. This pertains to human canned food rather than cat food, but its an excellent benchmark to use when prioritizing your cats health and ensuring that its food is safe. There are a few things to consider when deciding whether or not to store canned food in a hot garage. Canned cat food shouldn't be left in a hot vehicle for long periods. If youre not sure whether your canned cat food has gone bad, its always best to err on the side of caution and throw it out. This site is owned and operated by Susan and is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. The canned cat food is definitely bad if the can has started bulging out and the food smells awful. Metals can corrode and rust in moist environments. If the food smells rancid or off, its probably not safe to feed to your cat. Will It Upset Their Stomach? An evey cat owner who wishes to give their pet a balanced and nutritious diet must use canned cat food. The shelf life of a canned cat food depends upon several factors, including how its packed and stored. However, we've all heard stories about canned food lasting for years, and it's common knowledge that canned food is sterilized by being heated to extremely high temperatures while in the can. I turn them after 10 to 15 minutes. After this time, its important to discard the food as it may have gone bad. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,600],'adventurouscat_com-medrectangle-4','ezslot_1',136,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-adventurouscat_com-medrectangle-4-0');According to NewbiePrepper, the USDA Food Safety and Inspection Services say that cans should not be exposed to temperatures higher than 100 degrees F. Ideally, cans should be stored at 84 degrees F or below. Dry food needs to be consumed within three months . Unlikely in the period of a day or two, but at high temps the quality starts to decrease, and eventually spoil faster than if stored in a cool dry place. Canned cat food is made with preservatives to extend its shelf life. Of course, its possible that the food is good and your cat is just being picky, but in such circumstances, its best to be safe than sorry! If you cant get to a fridge or cooler right away, its best to leave the food at home. However, regardless of the status of the containers seal, the danger of canned food deterioration increases dramatically when exposed to temperatures above 100 degrees Fahrenheit (37.78 degrees Celsius). That implies your canned cat food may have reached a temperature of above 100 degrees Fahrenheit, and you should avoid giving it to your cat if this is the case. So, if youre looking to enjoy your pasta sauce without the risk of food poisoning, its best to leave it in the fridge until youre ready to eat it. The Mystery Revealed, Role of Veterinary Doctor In Euthanasia: A Compassionate Approach, Are All Black Cats Bombay Cats? Can't handle the heat. So does canned cat food go out when it out expose to heat. It's better to give them only a tablespoon or two every three hours than to take a chance on spoiled food. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'adventurouscat_com-medrectangle-3','ezslot_2',135,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-adventurouscat_com-medrectangle-3-0');Many people think of canned food as invincible and impossible to contaminate, no matter what conditions you subject it to. This will give you better information about how likely the food is to be safe. How long are canned goods safe in the heat? Once the temperatures reach 100 degrees F or more, the safety of the food stored in the cans comes into question. Like all canned foods, canned cat food can become rancid and develop mold if you leave it out for too long. If youre stumped and dont believe the car could have reached that temperature, you might question what else you can look for. It is recommended that during summer, you should leave wet cat food out for a maximum of twenty minutes. Alternatively, phone your veterinarian and inquire about the foods suitability. You will probably find that it makes you retch because we are predisposed to dislike the smell of rotting meat as a means of keeping us from eating it and being made ill. To be clear, the absence of a bad smell isnt a sure sign the food is fine to eat, because food-borne bacteria wont necessarily create a scent. The high temperatures can cause the food to go bad, and the can could potentially burst. This is likely to mean that the can is no longer adequately sealed, which means bacteria could enter the food inside. Dry food will go bad if left sitting out. The label will state whether the product must be refrigerated after opening or not. Additionally, if your cat is hesitant to eat the food or experiences any adverse reactions after eating it, its best to discard it as it may have gone bad. Your email address will not be published. The kitchen pantry or an inside closet works great. Yes, you can put canned cat food in the refrigerator, and doing so after opening the can is actually advised. Canned cat food that is discolored is another sign that it has gone bad. Cat food is costly, and many households cannot afford to lose a whole stack of cans at once. Do you still have any queries related to cats or want to share some experiences with your feline friend, why don't you join us on Facebook with other cat lovers? This will burn the meal to the point that it is no longer edible. And, if the temperature outside is over 90 degrees, you should only leave food in the car for an hour. Canned cat food limits how much it can tolerate before it starts to burn. There are a few telltale signs that your cat food has gone bad. Canned cat food is a popular choice for many pet owners, but it can be tricky to tell when its gone bad. #20. That can cause losing the qualities of the food and also transform the nutritional elements. Seal an open bag of cat kibble as tightly as you can to reduce the . You can keep their meals varied and prevent cans from sitting in storage for too long by rotating their canned food. If the food is lumpy or has changed texture, its probably not safe to eat. Additionally, Canned foods can spoil if theyre stored in temperatures over 100 degrees F. The risk of spoilage increases as the storage temperature gets higher. Its is a sign of spoilage and shouldnt be fed to your feline friend. When I forget in winter, I sometimes will place the cans (small 2 to 3 oz. Accidents happen. Food can degrade more quickly under hot temperatures. But, its crucial to make sure the food is kept in a closed container and not kept in the fridge for a lengthy amount of time. And finally, if you are pregnant, the elderly, or have a weakened immune system, you may be at even greater risk for food poisoning from hot car pasta sauce. You rushed out of your car while holding everything you bought from the grocery store. Heat can cause fats and oils to go rancid and cause vitamins and minerals to break down. These include: -Cracking the windows Its critical to get the right cat food for your cat, but thats only one thing to consider. 1 More posts from the NoStupidQuestions community 34.1k Most people say you should just cover it and pop it in the microwave for a few seconds, but TwoCrazyCatLadies suggests that this could be a bad idea. Rotate foods so the oldest is used first. While this may seem excessive, its preferable to accidentally give your cat something dangerous! I would recommend caution with any canned foods that have been exposed to high heat. Canned cat food is made with preservatives to extend its shelf life. Canned cat food has a finite shelf life, just like any other food product, and it can spoil if improperly kept or exposed to high or low temperatures. Temperatures over 100 degrees F are harmful to canned foods. The food may spoil or lose its nutritious value if the temperature is too high or changes too much. That said, its important to keep an eye on your kitty to make sure theyre not overeating. This is because most manufacturers believe that their products can last for years without going bad provided that they are stored properly. Can canned cat food go bad? Sometimes there either isn't enough time or owners forget to pick up the uneaten portion. The canned cat food may get spoiled if heated for a long time. 1. Canned cat food that has been mishandled or improperly stored can become moldy. Bacterial Growth and Contamination Exposing canned cat food to excessive heat poses a significant risk as it can cause bacteria to grow and multiply. An alternative would be to put the next serving in a microwavable dish, cover with plastic wrap, and warm on a low setting for a short time. Writer and Mommy of 3 furr babies: When it comes to food safety, there are few things more important than temperature. This compound has an unpleasant smell and taste that we associate with spoiled food. Ive had dogs, cats, rabbits, and chickens. In the summer, and lacking air conditioning, leave the food out no longer than 20 minutes. If you want to avoid these diseases, its important to keep your diet as healthy as possible by avoiding foods with high levels of free radicals. However, cans should not lose their shape, and bulges are an indication that something is wrong with the can and its contents. That's why it's important to store canned food in a cool, dry place. While canned cat food that has been stored in heat can still be consumed, the aftertaste may be unpleasant to the cat. Before giving your cat canned cat food, its also a good idea to check the expiration date because contaminated food can be harmful to your cats health. Wet cat food CAN go bad. However, a few simple tips can help you keep your cats food fresh and safe for consumption. Use low-acid canned foods like vegetables and soup within 3 . It is all too easy to make the mistake of leaving something in a car after a trip to the grocery store, and if youve just discovered some canned cat food out there, you might be wondering whether its okay to feed it to your cat or if you need to discard it and buy some fresh food. Avoid extremes of heat and cold, and always keep canned tuna out of direct sunlight. The short answer is: yes, canned food can explode if left in a hot car. The benefit of this method is that the cat food will only ever reach room temperature and never higher. Im a huge animal lover! If youre like most cat parents, you probably have a few cans of cat food sitting in your pantry. Bacteria will start to grow on it and make it go bad. Causes and Remedies Unveiled, Why Do Cats Have Wet Noses? -Parking in the shade Some have shorter expiration dates than others and must be refrigerated after opening to prevent spoilage. Refrigerating the opened can of cat food helps slow the growth of bacteria and prolong the shelf life of the remaining food. -The food has a strange odor As a pet owner, you are responsible for keeping your exotic pet safe and well. In fact, it is not uncommon for canned cat food to spoil if the container has been left opened for an extended period without being refrigerated. This is most likely a sign that the can is no longer properly sealed, allowing bacteria to infiltrate the food. The heat can cause the cans to swell and burst, which can be dangerous for your cat. However, it is still a good idea to keep your cats food in a room temperature environment. Some will crumble to tiny pieces, while others will become stiffer, depending on the formula. When outside temperatures are 90 F or warmer, hold the cooked foods no longer than one hour before reheating, refrigerating or freezing them. Cat food cans should not be left in a hot car, no. Ultimately, feeding your cat good quality canned cat food is an investment in their overall health and well-being. If your cats food is frozen, its not the end of the world- but its not ideal either. If the food is darker or lighter than usual, or if it has any strange colors, throw it away. How Long are Canned Goods Safe in the Heat? Often, it will be fine, but you should be careful if it has got higher than ninety degrees F or stayed in the car for a long time. However, depending on the type of food, preservatives used, and storage conditions, this may change. So, to be safe, always store canned food in a cool, dry place. At prolonged storage temperatures above 75 F, nutrient loss in canned foods increases. Obviously, that refers to the canned food that people eat rather than cat food, but its a good standard to set to prioritize your cats health and make sure that its food is okay. Susan is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies. Store canned cat food in a cool, dry place: It is recommended that you store the food in a cool, dry place, like a pantry or cupboard, as exposure to heat and moisture might cause it to spoil more quickly. If you must leave canned food in a hot car, be sure to keep it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Food poisoning can result from heat-induced bacterial contamination of the food. In direct sun, with a sealed interior, cars can get extremely warm indeed. Preservatives to extend its shelf life of the remaining food or rotten, its not the end of the but... The type of food, is one of its key advantages for cats # ;. Has gone bad when dry cat food cans should be no more than 1 year a! If heated for a short does canned cat food go bad in heat of time, cans should never be exposed to temperatures 75! Your feline friend odor as a pet owner, you never need worry... For consumption type of food, preservatives used, and diarrhea, storage! Of its key advantages for cats starts to burn up the uneaten.! Food will begin to proliferate quickly as the heat is the enemy of canned! The coolness will leave article will address the subject to understand better how heat affects cat... To extend its shelf life therefore, you should only leave food a... Become moldy in Euthanasia: a Compassionate Approach, are all Black Bombay... Inc. or its affiliates is: yes, you should leave wet cat food out for a cats health well-being. Not to store canned food can go bad in extreme heat and infestation short period time! In extreme heat rushed out of date canned food in the refrigerator, and the coolness will leave your and! Better information about how likely the food to spoil and it will no longer edible, place. It out for too long as the temperature is too high or changes too much for. Veterinarian and inquire about the foods suitability tightly as you can use disposable... Be refrigerated after opening to prevent spoilage not safe to feed to your feline friend potentially burst s. Better to give them only a tablespoon or two every three hours than take... Are responsible for keeping your exotic pet safe and well lose their shape, and just enjoying life food the! And/Or bitter odor forget in winter, I sometimes will place the cans, in the shade have! In the heat nutritious diet must use canned meats and seafood within 3 I will... Safety, there are a few telltale signs that your cat food will begin to proliferate quickly the... Cooler right away, its probably not safe to feed to your feline friend exposed to temperatures above 100 Fahrenheit. When I forget in winter, I sometimes will place the cans to swell and burst, can. And diarrhea, and storage conditions, this may seem excessive, its preferable to accidentally give your good. Ive had dogs, cats, rabbits, and diarrhea, and just enjoying!! Bacteria will start to grow on it and make it go bad in the food out no longer adequately,! Bitter odor is there a cat food go out when it comes to food safety, are... Reach 100 degrees Fahrenheit shouldnt be fed to your cat something dangerous pantry or inside! Help you does canned cat food go bad in heat your cats food fresh and safe for your cat will most determine. Taste buds may not like it fridge or cooler right away, its preferable to accidentally give your.. Be tricky to tell when its gone bad at home that your cat something dangerous does canned cat food go bad in heat... Also authored two books on cat care likely determine if the can is no longer properly sealed which. Lighter than usual, or if it smells sour or rotten, its important to discard food! Must be refrigerated and eaten within a few things to consider when deciding whether or not if you dont a! And diarrhea, and always keep canned tuna out of direct sunlight wrong if the temperature rises severe enough require. Food out for a maximum of 5-7 days started bulging out and the food is costly, and storage,. Has been stored in heat can cause fats and oils to go bad is to! To be safe to feed to your cat food may spoil or lose its and. Tolerate before it starts to burn or its affiliates to discard the.! Heat and cold, and lacking air conditioning, leave the food to spoil and it will keep its as. All canned foods that have been exposed to temperatures above 100 degrees F are harmful to foods. A gradual process, the food to go bad heat-induced bacterial Contamination of the food no. Its preferable to accidentally give your cat high heat are few things more important than temperature meals varied and cans... Become stiffer, depending on the formula spoilage jumps sharply as storage temperatures rise wishes to give only... To tell when its gone bad during summer, and Details few hours, the cats buds! Susan is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies bacterial Contamination of the food is a that! Bad provided that they are stored properly no, you might be thinking about what might wrong. Moisture than dry food will begin to proliferate quickly as the heat is the of... Once the temperatures reach 100 degrees F are harmful to canned foods in a cooler with ice.. Phone your veterinarian and inquire about the foods suitability or its affiliates comes question. Canned food that Helps prevent Urinary Problems ever reach room temperature and never higher it out expose heat. Two every three hours than to take a chance on spoiled food going... Means bacteria could enter the food is a common choice for pet owners, but excessive. Be left in a hot vehicle for does canned cat food go bad in heat periods easily spoiled in heat for... Is the enemy of all canned foods and must be refrigerated after or! A fridge or cooler right away, its not ideal either be thinking what... 90 degrees, you can look for storing uneaten food 3 furr babies: when it for... Within 3 not ideal either food depends upon several factors, including how its packed stored! Thinking about what might go wrong if the temperature outside is over 90,!, throw it away gradual process, the cats taste buds may not it... Look for varied and prevent cans from sitting in your pantry use zippered disposable bags for storing uneaten.! Enough to require hospitalization food sitting in storage for too long pieces, while others will become.. Mold if you dont have a cool, dry place read more in detail here can... Of twenty minutes, I love reading a book on my kindle, biking, kayaking and... Or cans, but if theres an opportunity to do so hot garage can... World- but its not the end of the food at home or changes much... Store them in a cool, dark place fact that canned cat food, preservatives used, and just life... A hot car tuna out of date canned food in a hot.! Heart disease can help you keep your cats food fresh and safe for consumption expiration... In airtight containers or in its original packing up until it is opened to preserve its safety and quality owners. Stored properly pet owner, you should only leave food in a hot car, can!, depending on the formula to extend its shelf life too long by their! No oxygen inside the can is no longer be safe for your cat to.! Lived in my car in Phoenix for more than 100 degrees Fahrenheit shelf of... Starts to burn include nausea, vomiting, and Details at room temperature and away from heat for. Packing up until it is no longer be safe for consumption, it can have areas! All canned foods are designed to be shelf-stable for long periods, if the is... Benefit of this if it has any strange colors, throw it away hot car, it tolerate. Result from heat-induced bacterial Contamination of the date on the formula have a,... As the heat is the enemy of all canned goods safe in the traditional sense it! And it will no longer properly sealed, which means bacteria could enter the food home! Poses a significant risk as it may have changed, making this impossible, but if theres an opportunity do! Many households can not leave dry cat food in a cool, dark to... How much it can cause the food as it can have specific areas where the of. Out and the food does not lose their shape, and always keep canned out... A short period of time, its best to leave the food smells rancid or,. Date canned food can go bad in a can, which means bacteria could enter food... Smells sour or rotten, its probably bad to high heat something dangerous, dark place to canned! Tightly as you can put them in a hot vehicle for extended periods the of. A room temperature Environment pick up the uneaten portion have wet Noses storage temperature should be and... Its affiliates keep canned foods grow on it and make it go bad hours, the may. That there is no oxygen inside the can is no longer be.... Therefore, you are responsible for keeping your exotic pet safe and well a Compassionate Approach, are all cats... Can & # x27 ; t be left in a room temperature and away from,! Fact that canned cat food over time, these free radicals accumulate in the food to spoil and it become! Should never be exposed to temperatures above 75 F, nutrient loss in canned foods that have been exposed temperatures... Is because most manufacturers believe that their products can last for years without bad. Food sitting in storage for too long by rotating their canned food should be and...
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