Introduction
Canned cat food is a popular choice among cat owners thanks to its convenience, moisture content, and long shelf life. However, even canned cat food eventually expires and can go bad. Knowing the shelf life of canned cat food, signs of spoilage, and proper storage techniques can help cat owners avoid feeding spoiled food.
This article provides an overview of canned cat food shelf life and freshness. It covers how to tell if canned cat food has gone bad, health risks of spoiled canned food, proper canned cat food storage methods, what to do with expired canned cat food, and tips for buying and handling canned cat food. The goal is to inform cat owners on determining canned cat food freshness to ensure the health and safety of their feline companions.
Canned Cat Food Shelf Life
Unopened canned cat food typically has a shelf life of 2-5 years from the date of production when stored properly, according to pet food experts (https://www.communitycatspodcast.com/the-scoop-on-pet-food-expiration-dates/). The shelf life is determined by the manufacturer based on stability testing and nutritional analysis. This involves storing cans of food for extended periods under various temperature conditions to determine when the food starts to degrade in terms of nutrient content, flavor, and texture.
Manufacturers conduct palatability tests throughout the stated shelf life to ensure the food remains appetizing and provides complete nutrition. Canned food is sterilized during the canning process, which prevents bacteria from growing and allows for a long shelf life. As long as the can remains intact and undamaged, unopened canned cat food retains its safety and nutritional value well past the “Best By” date stamped on the can up until the expiration date determined through stability testing (https://www.quora.com/How-long-does-canned-cat-food-last-unopened).
Signs of Spoiled Canned Cat Food
There are a few telltale signs that indicate canned cat food has gone bad. Pay attention to any changes in smell, texture, and appearance of the cat food.
Spoiled canned food will have an unpleasant, rancid smell that is very distinct from the normal scent. Moldy food may smell musty. If the food smells bad, it has already begun decomposing and should not be fed to cats.
The texture of bad canned cat food can become extremely soft, mushy, or slimy. Healthy wet food should have a smooth, pâté-like texture. Discard any pouches that feel abnormally soft or watery.
Visually inspect the cat food. Signs of spoilage include mold growth, discoloration, curdling, separation of liquid and solids, puffed-out or leaking pouches, and rust or dents on the can rim. Any deviation from the normal appearance means it should be thrown out.
According to experts, if there is any doubt on freshness, do not take chances and toss the food out to be safe. Cats have a strong sense of smell and will likely reject rancid foods anyway.
Source: https://www.snappytom.com/post/how-to-tell-if-canned-cat-food-is-spoiled
Food Spoilage Explained
Canned cat food can spoil over time when it is exposed to oxygen, light, heat, and moisture. Bacteria and molds are the most common causes of food spoilage. Canned food is sterilized during the canning process to destroy any bacteria or microorganisms initially present. However, if the can is damaged or swollen, bacteria can enter and grow inside the can 1.
Common bacteria that can lead to spoilage include Bacillus, Listeria, Staphylococcus, Salmonella, and Clostridium botulinum. These bacteria produce toxins as they grow, causing the food to have an unpleasant smell, taste, and appearance. Mold can also grow if high moisture gets inside the can. Mycotoxins from mold can cause illness in pets. Proper refrigerated storage and avoiding damage to the can helps prevent bacteria and mold growth.
Proper Storage
Properly storing canned cat food is important for maintaining freshness and preventing spoilage. There are a few key tips for prolonging the shelf life of canned cat food:
- Store unopened cans in a cool, dry place like a pantry. Avoid storage areas that are humid, hot, or have direct sunlight. According to https://storables.com/articles/how-to-store-canned-cat-food/, heat and light can accelerate food spoilage.
- Refrigerate opened cans. Once a can is opened, bacteria can start growing. Keep leftovers refrigerated at 40°F or below and use within 2-4 days.
- Keep food in its original can. Don’t transfer to plastic or glass containers, as the can protects against air exposure.
- Store cans off the floor on shelves or in cabinets. This prevents dampness.
- Check expiration dates and organize by date. Use cans with the shortest date first.
- Wipe messy lids before storing to prevent attraction of pests.
The pantry is fine for unopened cans, but refrigeration is best once a can is opened. Proper storage keeps canned cat food fresh and safe for your cat’s consumption.
What Happens If Cat Eats Spoiled Food
Eating spoiled canned cat food can pose serious health risks to cats. The high moisture content of wet cat food makes it prone to bacterial growth, and consuming contaminated food can cause food poisoning in cats.
Some common symptoms of food poisoning in cats after ingesting spoiled canned food include:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Loss of appetite
- Lethargy
- Dehydration
In more severe cases, food poisoning can also lead to dangerous conditions like pancreatitis, sepsis, or neurological dysfunction. Bacteria like Salmonella and E. coli are commonly responsible for spoiled canned cat food poisoning.
Kittens, senior cats, and those with compromised immune systems are especially vulnerable to foodborne illnesses. While healthy adult cats may recover after a bout of vomiting or diarrhea, dehydration can quickly become life-threatening for high-risk cats after eating contaminated wet food.
Preventing food poisoning in cats starts with proper canned food storage and checking expiration dates. But if symptoms do arise after a cat ingests spoiled food, quick veterinary treatment is vital to avoid secondary issues and recover from the infection.
Disposing of Spoiled Canned Cat Food
To safely discard spoiled canned cat food, it’s important to contain the smell and avoid attracting pests. According to Reddit user cats4evr in this discussion, one good option is to dedicate a small area of your refrigerator for rubbish that can spoil and create maggots. Keeping the spoiled food chilled in an airtight container will contain odors. The plastic lid that came with the cat food can also work well for storage before disposal.
Others recommend placing the spoiled canned food in the garbage disposal to grind it up, as suggested in this forum. However, this can lead to clogged pipes over time. Freezing the cans first may help minimize this risk. Regularly running the disposal with lots of water can help flush out any remnants.
In general, disposing of the spoiled food in your normal household waste is fine, as long as it’s wrapped up or contained in some way. Double bagging the waste or using bags designed for odors can help minimize any unwanted smells in your garbage cans.
Buying Canned Cat Food
When purchasing canned cat food, it’s important to check the expiration date and packaging. Canned food usually has a shelf life of 12-24 months, but it’s still smart to check the “best by” or “use by” date before buying.
Look closely at the can for any dents, rust, swelling, or other signs of damage. Avoid cans that are leaking, rusted, or bulging, as these may indicate contamination or spoilage. According to veterinarians, even small dents can allow bacteria inside the can (Time).
It’s also a good idea to buy food that will be used up quickly once open, especially for single cat households. Canned food lasts around 3-5 days refrigerated once opened. Buying smaller cans or variety packs can help avoid waste.
Additionally, check the ingredients list and nutrition information when purchasing new canned foods. Look for quality ingredients, and avoid by-products, artificial preservatives, and fillers (NBC News). Consulting your veterinarian for recommendations can also help guide your selection.
Homemade & Raw Cat Food
The shelf life and storage requirements differ for homemade and raw cat food compared to canned commercial cat food. Homemade cat food that you cook yourself will only last 3-5 days in the refrigerator before spoiling. It should be stored in airtight containers and kept at 40°F or below. Any leftovers should be promptly refrigerated or frozen for longer term storage. Raw food diets have a shelf life of 2-3 days in the fridge. Freezing small batches in portion sizes can help raw homemade cat food last longer while preserving nutrients. Whether cooked or raw, homemade cat food spoils much faster than canned cat food due to the lack of preservatives. Homeowners should follow strict hygiene, storage, and handling guidelines when feeding homemade cat food.
Conclusion
In summary, canned cat food generally lasts 2-5 years unopened when stored properly in a cool, dry place. Once opened, it should be consumed within 3-10 days and refrigerated. Look for signs of spoilage like odor, texture changes, discoloration, bulging cans before feeding it to your cat. Eating spoiled canned food can cause gastrointestinal upset and other health issues. Prevent waste by only buying what your cat will consume in a short period and following FIFO practice. Homemade and raw diets have shorter shelf lives of just 2-3 days refrigerated. Proper canned cat food storage and rotation helps avoid waste and illness while providing your cat with nutritious meals.