Every cat owner has had to deal with the dilemma of how long does wet cat food last in the fridge before it goes bad.
Wet cat food is a vital component of every kitty’s diet, but it can be hard to know when to throw out your feeders.
This article discusses how long wet cat food lasts in the fridge and what signs show you should toss your leftovers.
Table of Contents
How Long Does Wet Cat Food Last In The Fridge?
After being opened, a can of wet cat food lasts up to 3 days. After 4 days, the food may start to grow bacteria and mold, which can make your cat sick.
If you keep your open food for more than five days, you should consider throwing it out. For unopened wet cat food, or if you freeze your leftovers, they will last up to two weeks in the fridge and up to six months in the freezer.
What Happens If You Leave Wet Cat Food Out?
If you leave wet cat food out on a counter or in warm temperatures, it may spoil and be dangerous to eat.
The high temperatures of a warmer climate can expedite bacteria growth, making your cat’s meal unsafe very quickly.
If you leave wet cat food out for more than two hours, you should consider throwing it away. Even if the food is cold or has been refrigerated, bacteria can still grow on your food and cause your cat to become sick.
What Are Signs That My Cat’s Wet Cat Food Is Bad?
Cats are picky eaters and will not touch the food they deem unsafe. If your cat does not finish their meal within a short period, you should throw it away.
Also, if the canned food changes color or emits a foul smell, it is bad and should also be thrown away.
In some cases, the food may even burst or leak. If you notice any of these signs, the food should be thrown away and not consumed by your cat.
What If I Don’t Want To Throw My Cat’s Wet Food Out?
Wet cat food can be frozen for up to six months after it has been opened. If you’re concerned about the food going bad, pull a portion of it out and freeze it for later.
Your other option is to buy smaller cans or pouches if you tend to forget about your cats’ food.
See also: Best 7 Ways How to Store Wet Cat Food?
How Long Does It Take For Wet Cat Food To Go Bad?
Typically, the wet cat food can last up to 3 days in the fridge after being opened. If you keep it longer than four days, the food will likely start to develop bacteria and mold, making your cat sick.
For unopened wet cat food or if you freeze the leftovers, they should last up to two weeks in the fridge and up to six months in the freezer.
Signs that your cat’s wet food has gone bad include mold growth, a change of color, an offensive odor, or if the food is swollen. If you notice any of these signs, throw away the food immediately to avoid making your cat sick.
If you notice that your pet will not finish its meal within a short period, you should also throw it away to prevent other problems.
By throwing out the food after five days, freezing leftovers if possible, and checking for signs of spoilage before feeding your cat, you can ensure your animal stays healthy and safe!
Can I Refrigerate Wet Cat Food After Opening?
If you’re unsure how long wet cat food lasts in the fridge, it typically lasts up to three days after being opened.
After four days, bacteria could start to grow on the food and make your cat sick. So, if you keep it longer than five days, be sure to throw out any leftovers instead of feeding them to your cat.
However, if you freeze the food, it should last up to two weeks in the fridge and up to six months in the freezer.
How Do You Keep Wet Cat Food Fresh?
Freeze your wet cat food if you don’t think you’ll be able to use it quickly enough.
Or, for those who tend to forget about their cats’ food, consider buying smaller cans or pouches as they spoil less quickly.
What Signs Indicate That A Wet Cat Food Is Bad?
Many signs indicate your wet cat food has gone bad. If the food starts to have bloating, mold growth, a foul smell, or changes color, it should be thrown out immediately.
If you notice any of these signs in the food once opened, throw it away instead of feeding your cats, so they don’t become sick!
How Long Does Opened Wet Cat Food Remain Safe?
For opened wet cat food, it should last up to three days in the fridge. After four days have passed, bacteria could start growing on the food, making your cats sick.
Throw out any leftovers after five days, so you don’t risk making your cats sick by feeding them unsafe food.
However, if you freeze the food after opening it, it should last up to two weeks in the fridge and up to six months in a freezer.
By throwing out wet cat food after five days, freezing leftovers if possible, and checking for signs of spoilage before feeding your cat, you can avoid making your cat sick!
The Bottom Line
The wet cat food can last up to 3 days in the fridge. If it is not consumed by then, please discard the unused portion and replace it with new portions.
It is important to remember that the shelf life of wet cat food varies depending on various factors, including ingredients, packaging, and storage conditions.
FAQs
Can I Leave Wet Cat Food Out Overnight?
Absolutely not. If it is left out for more than an hour, the cat food can spoil and be hazardous to a cat’s health.
How Long Does Wet Cat Food Last In The Freezer?
It depends on what kind of wet cat food you have, but most of them last from 3-5 months in the freezer if stored properly. The only exception is if your package doesn’t recommend freezing and you do so anyway. That time frame varies depending on those factors.
How Long Is Wet Cat Food Good For After Opened?
It depends on the freshness of the wet cat food you purchased. It is best to use it within 6 months of opening. If the cat food has been kept in the freezer since purchase, you should open it as soon as possible.
Does Wet Cat Food Need To Be Refrigerated After Opening?
It depends on the freshness. If it is a bag of wet cat food, then yes, it needs to be refrigerated because most bags do not have a preservative and can go bad after being left out for too long.
Can I Freeze Wet Cat Food?
It is best not to freeze wet cat food because you are reducing the amount of water needed in the recipe, which may make your cat feel ill or eat their poop. Nor should they be frozen again if previously frozen.
How To Store Wet Cat Food After Opening?
It is best to store open wet cat food in a sealed container. Once opened, they can spoil and be hazardous to a cat’s health.
How Long Does Wet Cat Food Last In The Fridge?
It depends on if your cat likes it. Human spoiled food goes bad quickly in the fridge, so you will have to check the expiry dates of your cat’s new food before buying more.
Hi there! My name is Koushik; I am a cat lover. I specialize in writing about pet care & food. I have a wealth of knowledge on cat food niches and related subjects. I have worked in the pet industry for over 5 years and am passionate about helping cat owners provide the best care for their furry friends. With knowledge of cat food and nutrition, I aim to share their insights and help cat owners navigate the world of cat food niches. I enjoy playing with my two cats, reading, and exploring new cat food brands in my free time.
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