Does canned cat food expire? This question may come up if you recently adopted a cat and some of the cans in the cupboard are due to expire soon, and you want to make sure that they still have plenty of time before they go bad.
For the most part, canned cat food does not expire, but it can be fresher for longer. Manufacturers recommend using the food within a year of opening the can.
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Does Canned Cat Food Expire?
Cats that are not opened and tightly sealed with artificial preservatives have a long shelf of four months to three years.
It is recommended to use canned cat food within one year of opening the can, but it will not go bad if it sits unopened for several years. The cans are sealed with a ring-pull lid to make them easier to access and remove from a cupboard.
Most manufacturers recommend using the food within one year of opening the can because once you open it, you introduce oxygen into the can.
As the oxygen dissipates, the food may lose some nutritional content and go bad. The more you open the can, the faster it makes your cat food go bad. After opening a can, store it in a cool, dry place.
Transporting canned cat food is also important as once it is opened and there is a loss of oxygen, it needs to be transported in an airtight container to prevent spoilage.
Expiration Dates And Labels
The dates printed on cans regarding how long they have before they expire simply an estimate. They are not scientific nor guaranteed. This is because the environment in which the food is stored can greatly affect its shelf life.
You can tell whether or not a can of food has gone bad by sniffing it. If there is a foul odor, the food has gone bad.
If there are black spots present on the food, it has also gone bad. Cats have very sensitive noses and will not eat spoiled food as it will make them sick.
Is Canned Cat Food Ok After Its Expiration Date?
If it has been more than a year after you opened the can, it is best to look for a new can. There is a greater risk that the food will go bad. Also, keep in mind that it will eventually go bad even with properly stored cat food.
5 Reasons And Ways To Check The Expiration Date Of Cat Food
1. The use-by date should be the most important information on the label. This is not a safety issue, but it indicates how long the food will remain at its best quality.
The statute of limitations is only for how long it can sit on your shelf without being sold. Usually one year past the date it was manufactured.
So, if a cat food meal was made in March 2013 and you have not opened it, you may store it safely until March 2014.
2. The best way to check for the date of manufacture is to check for shelf life on the food itself. Since there is no expiration date, it is assumed that you will discard your outdated food once the period passes.
This can be dangerous as most brands have expiration dates printed on the back of the package. If you have had your can since March 2014 and have not opened it yet, you may store it safely for another year.
Purina Friskies Canned Wet Cat Food
3. Another way to tell whether or not the food is still good is to remove the ring from the can and turn it upside down. If there are no leaks, then you are good.
This will let any air escape and keep your pet safe. Plus, most cans that have been stored properly do not rust or leak as quickly as others.
4. The packaging itself may also be a giveaway of an outdated food product, especially if it has lost its shiny sheen or becomes dented easily.
The can may also crack if you try to remove the lid, or it will not be as easy to open. Any of these signs indicate that the food is no longer fresh.
5. The food’s quality is another way to tell whether or not it has been stored in a way that allows it to remain fresh for long periods.
If your pet does not eat the old food, then you have your answer regarding its freshness, and thus why you should look for a new can before feeding your pet.
How Long Does Canned Cat Food Last Unopened?
Most canned cat food will last for six months to two years if unopened. Unopened cans can remain fresh for longer than one year if tightly sealed and stored in cool, dry areas away from sunlight.
If you open more than one can at a time, you should transfer the contents of the other cans into sealable plastic bags and store each bag in a freezer until you need to use it. Once you remove a bag, you will have to consume it within one month or discard it.
Merrick Purrfect Bistro Grain Free Canned Wet Cat Food
How Long Does Canned Cat Food Last?
The best cheeses last for about nine months unopened. After that, the flavor starts to diminish, and there is a risk of mold spores forming in the food since the food will not be fresh. The fresher it is, the longer it will last if stored in a cool, dry place away from sunlight.
The only real problems with canned cat food are if you open too many cans at one time or store it in a very humid area.
Is Expired Canned Cat Food Safe?
Some cats may try to eat the bad food, but there are no reported serious illness or death cases from canned cat food.
Can you feed expired cat food? Yes, you can feed your pet if it is still within its shelf life date. Most people do this for their pets rather than in case of emergencies where their pet is sick and feeling poorly.
Final Thoughts
Canned cat food is a convenient form of food for cats, and it does not have to be refrigerated like some other types of pet food.
You should always check the product’s expiration date before giving it to your pet. It is always best to get the new cans before they are opened, so you can make sure that they are within their shelf life.
Here are more pet food tips to keep your cat healthy and happy. If you like using canned cat food, review this article on the best brands for canned cat food.
FAQs
Can You Feed Expired Cat Food?
Yes, you can feed your pet if it is still within its shelf life date. Most people do this for their pets rather than in case of emergencies where their pet is sick and feeling poorly.
Can You Freeze Canned Cat Food?
Yes, you can freeze cans that are opened but still have a lot of air left. These cans will remain fresh if they are frozen properly.
Should You Feed Canned Cat Food To Your Cat?
If it is still within its shelf life date, you should always check the product’s expiration date before giving it to your pet. It is always best to get the new cans before they are opened, so you can make sure that they are within their shelf life.
Are Canned Cat Foods Safe?
Yes, canned cat foods are safe as long as they do not go bad. Expired ones can be unsafe as they can cause several health problems for your pet. This will depend on the brand and how long it sits on the shelf without being sold.
How Do You Determine Which Cat Food Is Expired?
Most canned cat foods are marked with a use-by date that denotes when they should be used. You should look out for this date on the back of the packaging and make sure that it is not over one year old before opening them. Many brands also have a sell-by date that considers the time it takes to sell the cans in the market, so you can still use them after this date.
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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