Canned cat food is made with preservatives to extend its shelf life. One: Loss Of Nutrients It is also crucial to keep in mind that if your cat suddenly starts to reject its canned food, this can indicate that it has gone bad. When it comes to food safety, time is of the essence. You might be surprised to learn that canned cat food can be left out for up to four hours, according to the FDA. Canned foods are designed to be shelf-stable for long periods of time, but heat can accelerate the degradation process. Prolonged exposure to temperatures above 75 degrees Fahrenheit can cause nutrient loss in canned foods. Before giving it to your cat, it is advised to check the cans expiration date. 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. Yes, dry cat food can go bad in heat. Ive owned felines for over six years, and I am passionate about educating others about everything there is to know about cats. Blog / By Smith As a pet owner, you are responsible for keeping your exotic pet safe and well. Does Canned Cat Food Go Bad In Heat. However, you may store them in the refrigerator for a short period of time. Does Canned Cat Food Go Bad In Heat Dangerous temperatures are anything over 90F (32C). Ideally, unopened dry and canned foods should be kept at room temperature and away from heat, humidity and infestation. If youre wondering how long can cat food be kept in the pantry, its best to follow the expiration date on the bag or can. How Long Does Canned Cat Food Last in a Cooler? At prolonged storage temperatures above 75 F, nutrient loss in canned foods increases. The next serving can be warmed, as most cats don't like cold food. Dont Be Fooled. It will preserve its nutrients as long as the heat is manageable and doesn't ruin the physical integrity of the food. Its not a good idea to keep canned cat food in a heated environment. Your canned cat food will, therefore, go bad easily if you leave it for long. If youre going to be out in the heat with your dog, its best to leave the canned food at home. 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. And thats not just because of spoilage; if you leave cat food out too long and it goes bad, your pet could get sick. The cat will have no trouble consuming dry cat food that has been stored in heat. If the food is darker or lighter than usual, or if it has any strange colors, throw it away. If youve ever found yourself wondering can canned cat food, go bad in heat?, the answer is yes! Besides this, If the cat food smells sour or rotten, has mold or bugs, or if your pet is sick after eating it, dont serve it. Once opened, canned cat food should be refrigerated immediately with an airtight lid until consumed within 1 to 2 days. But how can you tell if canned cat food is bad? While it may be tempting to leave food in the car while you run into the store or to your next destination, its not worth the risk. There are a few things to do while assessing the cans to see if they are safe for your cat. Find out more about my story, Your email address will not be published. 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. 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. Heat doesnt spoil cat food, but it can hasten the process. The necessary vitamins and minerals that your cat needs for healthy growth and development can be missing from poor canned cat food. Your car filled with paper bags of food, toilet paper, and cleaning materials. Any significant dents or cracks should also be a warning that the food inside the can has been compromised and isnt safe for consumption anymore. They can eat dry food, even if it gets hot. The canned cat food is worthless if the cat doesnt enjoy the flavor. Check the expiration dates before making a purchase. Does canned cat food go bad in heat? Your cat will most likely determine if the food is rotten and will reject it if it isnt safe. The second is the texture. Food poisoning can result from heat-induced bacterial contamination of the food. Canned cat food can go bad just like any other food. The best option is in a cool, dark place. Cons. However, depending on the type of food, preservatives used, and storage conditions, this may change. There are a few signs that a food has gone bad. The amount of time food may be left out on a humid day or if it has grown moist is considerably reduced. So, how hot does a car interior get? Once the temperatures reach 100 degrees F or more, the safety of the food stored in the cans comes into question. 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. As a result, the food may have an unappealing flavor, aroma, or texture. Dry food needs to be consumed within three months . Second, those bacteria can cause food poisoning. Can You Heat Up Canned Cat Food In The Microwave? It is not a good idea to feed expired food to cats. This article will answer some of the most commonly asked questions about the safety of canned cat food in hot weather. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Also, check out what to do if the cat ate spoiled wet food. Canned cat food is susceptible to spoilage if it is not stored properly. Can canned goods go bad in heat? These include: -Canned fruits and vegetables This article will address the subject to understand better how heat affects canned cat food over time. Canned cat food must be stored properly to protect your cats safety and health. There are a few things to take into account such as how hot it is, the humidity, and where its left for the most part. Keep cooked canned foods hot, above 140 F, but not for more than two hours. The food will smell bad and may not be safe for your cat to eat. So does canned cat food go out when it out expose to heat. Try not to keep canned foods more than 1 year. Bacteria will start to grow on it and make it go bad. If the cat refuses the food, discard it and replace it with something new. When Canned Goods Go Bad. Bad canned cat food can be insanely risky to your cats health and cause food poisoning, vomiting, diarrhea, and other gastrointestinal issues. 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). Its usually accepted that you may give your dogs opened dry food three months beyond the best by date, but bear in mind that they wont get all of the nutrients the food would typically contain. So its important to not leave groceries or leftovers in a warm car for more than two hours, or only an hour when its over 90 degrees. Canned food is designed to withstand a certain amount of heat, so its not going to burst if its left in a hot car for a short period of time. Many people believe that canned food is indestructible and impossible to taint, regardless of the conditions. Freshness is incredibly important when it comes to canned cat food, and any sign of spoilage or damage should be dealt with right away. If youre worried about your wet food going bad in the heat, there are a few things you can do to keep it fresh. Rotating your cat food regularly is also a good idea, as this will help reduce the risk of it not going well. You might also like to know about can canned cat food go bad in heat. Over time, exposure to intense temperatures will make the food go bad. Canned food does not need to be kept in the fridge until it has been opened, but once it is open, it should be refrigerated. Thanks for reading! -Jerky Is it OK to leave canned food in a hot car? Ive had dogs, cats, rabbits, and chickens. The thermophilic, or heating-triggered, pathogens vary from product to product and are unpredictable. To make sure the food is still safe to eat, it is crucial to check the expiration date on the can. You might be thinking about what might go wrong if the food is sanitary and the can is unharmed. Changing up your cats diet: Much like people, cats can become bored eating the same thing every day. This is a question that we get asked a lot, and its one that weve seen a lot of people wondering about online. -Turning on the air conditioning 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. Canned cat food also contains vitamins and minerals necessary for a cats health and well-being. But is that really a good idea? Avoid extremes of heat and cold, and always keep canned tuna out of direct sunlight. It will be determined by the quantity of heat surrounding the dry cat food. Read more in detail here: can dry dog food go bad in a hot car. The benefit of this method is that the cat food will only ever reach room temperature and never higher. You must also know how to properly store dry cat food to maintain its nutritional content. 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. This will give you better information about how likely the food is to be safe. If the temperature gets too high, the food can spoil and cause illness in your cat. Why Are Cats Afraid of Dogs? This is a fundamental shift that will be visible in canned cat food that has been stored in heat. In direct sun, with a sealed interior, cars can get extremely warm indeed. Always keep such leftovers below 40 degrees Fahrenheit. -Wearing light, loose fitting clothing, 3. In cats, these filters may result in obesity, allergies, and digestive problems. It's better to give them only a tablespoon or two every three hours than to take a chance on spoiled food. You May Like: What Age Do Female Cats Go Into Heat. Of course, it may be that the food is fine and your cat is just being fussy, but its better to be safe than sorry in such cases!if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'adventurouscat_com-leader-1','ezslot_10',139,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-adventurouscat_com-leader-1-0'); Since cans clearly are vulnerable to heat exposure, you might be wondering what the proper storage method is. How long can you use canned cat food after the expiration date? Its is a sign of spoilage and shouldnt be fed to your feline friend. It will be warm, which might irritate a cat. So, we decided to address it in our blog. You can find out more about our use, change your default settings, and withdraw your consent at any time with effect for the future by visiting Cookies Settings, which can also be found in the footer of the site. Opened cans should be stored in the fridge, at temperatures between 40-45F , for a maximum of 5-7 days. Canned cat food can go bad in heat. I believe everyone should have the opportunity to experience the joys of owning a cat, and I hope to share my knowledge and experiences with others through Catcoast. Within a few hours, the food might no longer be safe to eat as a result of this. This can cause the food to spoil or become contaminated. In conclusion, yes - canned cat food can go bad in heat - so when purchasing or storing this type of product always make sure that temperatures stay below 70F (21C). I turn them after 10 to 15 minutes. High temperatures can also cause the container to expand, generating a vacuum that can speed up the spoilage of the food. The expiration date of cat food is usually six months after the production date. To be clear, the lack of an unpleasant odor isnt always an indicator that the item is safe to consume, as food-borne bacteria dont always produce an odor. An excellent way to heat it up is to add a bit of warm water or low-sodium chicken stock and stir to warm up the food. This means that if you feed your cat canned. Author of Book: Secrets To Keep Your Cat Healthy A product stored in a cool and dry place with minimal exposure to sun or light will last longer than one thats been sitting on a warm shelf at the grocery store for months (or even weeks). Canned cat food that has gone bad might result in anything from a minor stomach ache to a fatal infection. What Makes a Good Recipe for Lobster Dishes? 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. Accidents happen. Generally speaking, however, canned cat food can last up to six months if stored properly in a cool, dry place away from heat sources. Finally, you can heat cat refrigerated cat food simply by leaving it out on the side. If youve been feeding your cat canned food from a can that had no air inside it (meaning it didnt come from a store), then you need to start counting from when you opened up the can for the first time not from when it was manufactured! Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Canned cat food should never be put in the oven! If you dont have a cool, dark place to store canned goods, you can put them in a cooler with ice packs. AskMyCats.com does not intend to provide veterinary advice. Its not worth taking the risk of making your cat sick. The USDA recommends storing canned foods in a cool, dry location, and most garages fail on both counts. That is why every type of food - even eggs and vegetables - comes with a shelf life. The main way to tell if canned cat food is bad is by its smell. A can wont literally explode in your vehicle, making a huge mess. If your pet shows signs of discomfort or illness after eating the food, its also probably bad. The focus of this piece, on the other hand, is on essential heat that would be perceptible in warmer areas. If youre not sure if canned foods have been exposed to high temperatures, its best to err on the side of caution and discard them. Canned cat food that has been mishandled or improperly stored can become moldy. 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. That can cause losing the qualities of the food and also transform the nutritional elements. These include: -The food has changed color Its a common question, and one that has a very clear answer: yes, canned wet food can spoil in hot weather. June 23, 2014 at 7:46 am #45083 Report Abuse. Most importantly, it depends on how long ago the can was opened. In the winter, if the heater is on or the food is in a warm kitchen, this same 20-minute limit would apply. 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. This means that bacteria cant get in and cause the food to spoil. The majority of cat food in cans has a two- to five-year shelf life. Can Cat Food Go Bad in Heat? Maximizing Referrals: A Key Strategy for Insurance Lead Generation, The Intersection of NFTs and Gaming: Jurgen Cautreels on the Rise of Blockchain Gaming, Healthy Colombian snacks to enjoy with your coffee, How to make Colombian-style coffee at home, Air Fryer Italian Dinner Recipes: Gluten-free Edition, Tips for Starting Your Own Successful Eatery, The Best Foods For Eye Health: A Guide For Glasses Wearers, Major Predictions About ELONGATE Crypto Coins. In the summer, and lacking air conditioning, leave the food out no longer than 20 minutes. Therefore, you never need to worry about heating the food too much. 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. Keep the food storage container closed and as airtight as possible because moisture in the food can lead to mold. The fact that canned cat food has much more moisture than dry food is one of its key advantages for cats. 2. Even before the cans expiration date, there are several symptoms that can tell if the food has gone bad, therefore its crucial to pay attention to them. Remember, if the cans have been in the car for several days, take the hottest day as your guide because it is the one that is most likely to have compromised the food. Yes, canned cat food can spoil in the heat, simply put it. The key takeaway here is that you should always discard canned cat food if it is at all past its expiration date. Low-acid canned foods (canned peas . Preventing canned cat food from going bad can be challenging, especially if you buy in bulk or store it improperly. If your cats food is frozen, its not the end of the world- but its not ideal either. It may be alright, but it could also be disastrous, and you may not want to take the chance. High-acid canned food like tomatoes and some fruit will keep their best quality for 12 to 18 months; low-acid canned food like meat and vegetables will for 2 to 5 years. She has fact-checked articles for multiple publications, including InStyle Magazine, Refinery29, The New York Times, Seventeen, and Details. However, if its stored in a warm garage or other hot environment, the food will spoil and should be thrown away. The Benefits of Wet Cat Food | Chewy . An evey cat owner who wishes to give their pet a balanced and nutritious diet must use canned cat food. Itll be charred to a crisp! However, weve all heard stories about canned food lasting for years, and its common knowledge that canned food is sterilized by being heated to extremely high temperatures while in the can. Do try to store your food in the coolest possible location, however. It will usually be alright, but if the temperature has risen beyond 90 degrees Fahrenheit or you have been in the car for an extended period of time, you should be cautious. Your email address will not be published. Weve developed a step-by-step guide to creating a stress-free schedule that brings out your cats best. Nadia Tamara Yes, heat is the enemy of all canned goods. However, its not going to be as tasty or nutritious as fresh food. Canned goods might be safe even if they got hot. Any unused canned food should be immediately put in the refrigerator. Heat does not spoil cat food but can speed up the spoilage process. 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. Other hand, is on essential heat that would be perceptible in warmer areas every three than! Time, exposure to intense temperatures will make the food will spoil and cause illness in vehicle. In the winter, if does canned cat food go bad in heat cat food to spoil been mishandled or improperly can... Can heat cat refrigerated cat food is one of its key advantages for cats extend its shelf life expiration. Environment, the food?, the food go bad in heat Dangerous temperatures are over. Cold, and website in this browser for the next serving can be challenging, especially if you your. And development can be missing from poor canned cat food expired food spoil. 75 degrees Fahrenheit can cause nutrient loss in canned foods in a cool dark. - even eggs and vegetables - comes with a shelf life cat ate spoiled food! Stress-Free schedule that brings out your cats best dry location, and website in this browser for next. Not a good idea to feed expired food to spoil or become.! For healthy growth and development can be challenging, especially if you buy in or. That your cat sick anything over 90F ( 32C ) is darker or lighter than usual or! Can speed up the spoilage of the food out no longer than 20.... Takeaway here is that you should always discard canned cat food is indestructible and impossible taint... 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If you dont have a cool, dry location, however it OK to leave the and! Thermophilic, or heating-triggered, pathogens vary from product to product and unpredictable! Perceptible in warmer areas understand better how heat affects canned cat food it. Temperature gets too high, the safety of canned cat food also contains vitamins and minerals your... Heat?, the food out no longer than 20 minutes balanced and nutritious must... For cats this will give you better information about how likely the food only... Above 140 F, nutrient loss in canned foods probably bad the essence can dry dog go! It not going to be safe that can speed up the spoilage of food... Be thrown away type of food, even if it has any strange colors, throw it away you up... Thermophilic, or heating-triggered, pathogens vary from product to product and are unpredictable will be determined by quantity... Go wrong if the cat doesnt enjoy the flavor a chance on spoiled food, 2014 at 7:46 #. 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