Can you freeze wet cat food? The short answer is yes. However, If you ask a few different people, you might get a few different answers. The answer to this question depends on your cat, what type of food it is, and what steps you take in the freezing process.
This article will go over some processes for freezing wet cat food and the possible risks involved if you attempt the project!
Table of Contents
Can Cat Food Be Frozen?
Can cat food be frozen is a common question. Well, the short answer is yes. It depends on the type of cat food that you are freezing.
There are two main types of cat foods: dry and wet. Both types can be frozen. For example, dry kibbles can be frozen in a bag or in a container with the dry ice method (see the diagram below, which illustrates the difference between a freezer and a refrigerator).
Can You Freeze Wet Cat Food?
It depends on which ingredient it is made of, its frozen state, and what step of the thawing process was used.
There are multiple opinions from experts and pet owners alike. While many say that freezing wet cat food is completely safe, and they have done it themselves, there are still those that strongly discourage anyone from attempting to freeze wet cat food because it could leave your kitty with some gastrointestinal issues.
On the other hand, you should have no problems if you follow the right guidelines and take the right precautions to preserve freshness before freezing and thawing.
Will Canned Cat Food Freeze?
Canned cat food is typically less concerning than wet cat food. This is primarily because canned cat food often has artificial preservatives to help make it last for a long period.
What’s good about this is that these preservatives are added to give the food longer shelf life, not for flavor enhancement.
Canned food will typically last for about two years from the production date, which is long compared to that wet cat food. For this reason, many experts say it’s safe to freeze canned wet cat food.
How To Defrost Your Cat’s Food Safely?
Defrosting wet cat food can be very easy and takes little time. Unless you are in a rush, I would suggest defrosting by the recommended method.
If you are going to defrost wet cat food with a microwave, do not put it in the microwave oven until it has completely cooled down.
You should have noticed that I have said NOT to put the dry cat food in your microwave, yet I included another warming/heating method when referring to canned cat food.
What’s The Difference Between Defrosting By The Recommended Method Or By Microwaving It?
The microwave creates a field where moisture can condense and drip down onto other dry food items. This moisture is then later dispersed into your cat’s wet food when you shake it.
This subsequently leads to dry cat food that is not good for your pet and can cause stomach upset or even worse.
Purina Fancy Feast Gravy Wet Cat Food Variety Pack
How To Freeze Cat Food? Best 5 Ways
Here are the best 5 ways to freeze cat food:
1. Quality Will Make The Difference
The quality of the meat matters a great deal when you want to freeze wet food.
Defrosting wet cat food with firm meats (meat that is still in relatively good condition) is known as cold-smoking. This process can be quite easy.
During thawing and defrosting, it’s very important to avoid moisture buildup at all costs. This helps prevent bacteria growth and spoiling.
2. Use Air Tight Containers
When you are storing wet cat food to freeze it, you need an airtight container.
Don’t forget to check the package before you buy your airtight container to ensure it’s compatible with the wet cat food packages.
3. Freeze Immediately
To freeze wet cat food, it’s best to do so immediately after you have finished preparing the meal for your pet.
4. Use Frozen Food Within 24 Hours
For the best quality of wet cat food, it’s best to consume or heat within 24 hours of freezing/heating. This will help prevent bacteria growth and limit any freezer burn.
5. Store Foods At The Correct Freezer Temperature
Store Foods At The Correct Freezer Temperature For Optimal Quality, Freezer storage temperatures of 0 degrees Fahrenheit or below are recommended for freezing wet pet food.
How To Defrost Frozen Cat Food?
The most efficient way to defrost your cat’s wet food is by the recommended method.
1. Blister Packaging
Blister packages are best for frozen cat food to maintain its quality to defrost dry cat food.
2. Microwave It Only
Do not heat wet cat food in a microwave oven. It will lead to moisture condensation and liquid dripping on dry cat food.
3. Check For Expiration Date
Check the expiration date before heating your wet cat food. This is important because if you have wet cat food already expired, it probably won’t be very good for your pet anymore.
4. Use In 24 Hours
For the best quality of wet cat food within 24 hours of thawing/heating. This will help prevent bacteria growth and limit any freezer burn.
How To Tell If Frozen Cat Food Has Gone Bad?
1. Freezer Burning
There are many different signs that your cat’s food has gone bad.
The most obvious one is freezer burn. When food is stored in the freezer for a long period, it can absorb a lot of moisture and start to go bad.
2. Cloudy And Faint Moisture
The moisture of your frozen cat food starts to dissipate and evaporate in the freezer at a very slow rate which causes it to cloud.
3. Stale Smell
When the food has gone bad, there will be a stale smell of decay that changes with each passing day.
4. Starch
The protein in the food will start to stick together. Spoiled cat food’s starchy and the gnarled texture may also be felt when crumbled.
5. Bad Smell
An odd, foul-smelling odor may develop if a blockage in your cat’s digestive system or any contamination occurs during food preparation.
6. Mold And Bacteria Growth
Sometimes there will be mold and bacteria growth in the wet cat food that you have defrosted and microwaved.
Can I Freeze Canned Cat Food?
There are different types of canned cat food for different types of cats.
When you freeze wet food, check the label as to what type of canned cat food you have purchased. It may also be found on the package lid or lid seal.
If it’s a canned cat food that you want to freeze, then keep it in an airtight container and cover it with a thick freezer bag before freezing.
After successfully freezing your dry cat food, it’s best to defrost it within 24 hours before feeding your pet.
Conclusion
Above all, you can freeze wet cat food as long as you follow these guidelines that I have provided for you.
So don’t be afraid of freezing your cat’s wet food anymore because it’s one of the best ways to store it.
If you are unsure if your canned cat food has been frozen and then thawed, don’t hesitate to throw it out, for the sake of your pet’s stomach.
If you have any questions then please feel free to comment below or contact me via the Contact page.
FAQs
How To Feed Cat Wet Food While Away?
To feed cats wet food while you are away, you can use a microwave if you have one.
What Is The Best Way To Defrost Canned Cat Food?
I recommend using the recommended method for defrosting canned cat food and microwaving it after it’s been thawed.
How To Keep Wet Cat Food Fresh?
To keep wet cat food fresh, you should store it in an air-tight container with a thick freezer bag over the top of it.
Freezing Canned Cat Food Will Make It Spoiled?
Freezing wet cat food is safe as long as you follow the instructions and recommendations that I have provided.
Can You Freeze Canned Fruit?
Yes, you can freeze canned fruit as long as you use an air-tight container.
How Long Does It Take For Canned Food To Freeze?
How long it takes for canned food to freeze depends on the type of can and the type of food that you want to freeze.
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.