Seven Secure Methods for Storing Cat Food According to Jackie Brown and Reviewed by Emily Oliver, CVT, Published on July 6, 2021
Maintaining the freshness and nutritional quality of your cat's food is essential for their health and well-being. Here's a guide to help you store both unopened and opened dry and wet cat food safely and effectively.
Unopened Dry Cat Food
Unopened dry cat food should be kept in its original, sealed packaging and stored in a cool, dry place, such as a pantry or kitchen cabinet, with minimal temperature and humidity fluctuations. Ideally, the storage location should have stable conditions to ensure the food remains fresh.
Opened Dry Cat Food
Upon opening, it is best to keep dry food in its original packaging, resealing it tightly if possible, or transfer it to an airtight container made of food-grade material, like BPA-free plastic, to keep out air, moisture, and pests. The container should be clean and dry before refilling to avoid contamination. Opened dry food is generally recommended to be used within 4 to 6 weeks.
Unopened Wet (Canned) Cat Food
Unopened wet cat food can be stored at room temperature until opened. However, once opened, it must be refrigerated in a food-safe container and ideally consumed within 2 to 3 days to ensure safety and freshness.
Opened Wet Cat Food
After opening, wet cat food must be refrigerated promptly to prevent spoilage. It is essential to use the food within this timeframe to maintain its freshness and safety.
General Storage Tips
- Keeping storage containers airtight and clean helps prevent spoilage and contamination from bacteria, moisture, or insects.
- For both dry and wet food, checking expiration dates and marking opened dates on containers helps track freshness and avoid feeding stale food.
- Wash and dry the measuring scoop used for dry food at least a few times a week.
- Before opening dry food, check the bag for tears, holes, mold, or other signs of exposure. Cans of cat food should be sealed tight and not appear swollen or bulging.
Safety Measures
Improper cat food storage can lead to nutrient degradation, pest infestation, bacterial or mold growth, and potential health problems. Storing cat food properly is crucial for maintaining its freshness and nutrients.
- Wash your hands thoroughly after handling food or treats and wipe down kitchen counters or any surface your cat's food has come into contact with.
- After finishing a can of wet cat food, place plastic can lid covers in the dishwasher or hand wash with hot, soapy water.
- If necessary, the entire bag of dry cat food can be placed into a pet food container to protect it from pests.
Additional Tips
- Unopened canned cat food lasts a long time, but once opened, it is highly perishable and should be refrigerated within one hour.
- Extreme temperatures and high humidity can cause cat food to degrade or spoil. Store cat food in a cool, dry, dark place like your pantry.
- The container used for dry cat food storage should be clean, perfectly dry, and have an airtight lid.
- After a couple of hours, wet cat food left out at room temperature becomes a breeding ground for bacteria and less appealing for your cat to eat.
- Wash cat food bowls between feedings, ideally in the dishwasher daily. Wash water bowls at least once a day.
- Once served, canned cat food should not be left for long. Only feed as much wet food as your cat will consume right away.
- Refrigerated canned cat food should be used within three days of opening.
- Cat treats should be stored in the original packaging in a temperature-controlled environment and checked for expiration or "best by" date before feeding.
By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your cat's food remains fresh, nutritious, and safe for them to enjoy.
Maintaining a pet-friendly home-and-garden lifestyle involves storing unopened and opened dry cat food properly for optimal pet health. In the pantry or kitchen cabinet, keep unopened dry food in its original, sealed packaging to keep it cool, dry, and fresh. For opened dry food, carefully reseal the original packaging or transfer it to an airtight container to prevent air, moisture, and pests, ensuring the food remains fresh and safe for your pet.
