How long can wet cat food stay out of the fridge? When you first open a can of wet cat food, it should be refrigerated. If the canned food is left out for too long, bacteria will grow and cause spoilage.
This could lead to a few different illnesses in both cats and humans. So how long does wet cat food stay good after being opened? The answer varies depending on what type of canned food you have purchased or made.
While it may seem like a good idea to keep wet cat food out of the fridge all day, this isn’t true.
If you keep wet cat food out of the fridge for more than 24 hours, your cat could experience some negative side effects from the spoiled food.
This blog post will outline how long wet cat food can stay out of a refrigerator and what happens when it is left outside too long.
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How Long Can Wet Cat Food Stay Out Of The Fridge?
The answer to this question is a little more complicated than you might think.
If the wet cat food is opened, it should be thrown out after two days. After two hours, the wet cat food will have one-third of the bacteria from when it was first opened.
And after 12 hours of being out of the fridge, there are 15 times as many bacteria present in the wet cat food as there were when it was fresh.
In addition, the wet cat food can be out for four days, at which point it is still safe but should be thrown out anyway. If the wet cat food has been frozen, it should be thrown out after a month.
In this case, bacteria will not grow because bacteria do not grow well in freezing temperatures. Also, frozen food can only stay frozen for three weeks before it thaws, and bacteria can begin to grow again.
How Long Does Wet Cat Food Stay Good In The Fridge?
After opening a can of wet cat food, it is best to refrigerate the product immediately.
Once the meal has been placed in a refrigerator, you can expect it to last for about 3-4 days before spoiling.
Wet cat food must be stored in a tightly-closed container to keep out air and moisture.
While this will help prevent bacteria growth, it is still important to note that wet cat food should not stay in the fridge for more than 4 days.
If you do decide to keep your wet food in the fridge longer than 3-4 days, make sure to check for any visible signs of spoilage before you feed it to your cats.
What Happens When Wet Cat Food Is Not Stored Properly?
The best way to answer this question is through an example.
If you open a can of wet cat food and place it in the fridge, this will typically last for 4 days before spoiling.
But let’s say that for whatever reason, you leave your cats’ canned food out of the fridge for 48 hours before you notice that it’s gone bad.
Assuming there are no airtight containers around, this wet cat food could spoil and turn into a breeding ground for harmful bacteria, mold, and yeast.
If you were to feed any of this spoiled cat food to your cats (even if they hadn’t been left out for the full 48 hours), they could start to show signs of a food allergy.
This is because the spoilage that has occurred may leave harmful residue in your cats’ mouths and stomachs.
While this shouldn’t be seen as an excuse not to refrigerate wet cat food, it does prove just how dangerous leaving wet food out for too long can be.
Overheating wet cat food could also pose a problem, especially in extreme weather conditions like heat waves.
If the house temperature is over 80 degrees Fahrenheit (27 degrees Celsius) or under 40 degrees Fahrenheit (4 degrees Celsius), then you should not leave your cats’ wet food outside of the fridge for more than 15 minutes.
This is because the temperature could cause the bacteria in your cats’ food to start multiplying rapidly, which would make it unhealthy (or even harmful) for your cats to eat.
How Long Can Dry Cat Food Stay Out Of The Fridge?
Dry cat food is typically shelf-stable, meaning that it’s okay to leave it unattended for long periods.
However, just because dry cat food can be left out doesn’t mean you should leave it out for longer than an hour or two.
If your cats are used to snacking on dry food throughout the day, the best solution would be to set out a small bowl of dry cat food that can be finished within 2 hours.
How Long Does Dry Cat Food Last?
When properly stored, most types of dry cat food can stay good for at least 1-2 years before going bad.
Even though this is longer than wet cat foods, it is still important to note that dry food should only stay good for 1-2 years.
Like with wet cat foods, it is best to check every once in a while (especially before you feed your cats) and make sure there are no signs of spoilage.
If dry cat food smells moldy or the texture has changed over time, your cats should not consume it.
Does Canned Wet Cat Food Need To Be Refrigerated After Opening?
As mentioned before, wet cat food should be refrigerated immediately after opening.
It is also important to check for any signs of spoilage or mold before you feed your cats to be on the safe side.
Remember that wet cat food has a shelf life of about 3-4 days in the fridge and should not stay in the fridge for more than 4 days.
What Happens If You Don’t Refrigerate Canned Wet Cat Food?
As mentioned, wet cat food has a shelf life of about 3-4 days and should not stay in the fridge for more than 4 days.
Without refrigeration, bacteria like salmonella could start to grow on the food. This bacteria can cause severe diarrhea, vomiting, and even kidney failure in cats.
It is best to err on the side of caution when feeding wet cat food. Only leave wet cat food out if necessary (like on a hot day or for under an hour), and always look for any signs of spoilage before serving it.
Wet cat foods left out for a long time can pose a danger, whether from bacteria growth or spoiled food.
Only leave wet cat food out if necessary and always check for any signs of spoilage before serving your cats.
How Long Is Wet Cat Food Good For?
It is best to check every once in a while (especially before you feed your cats) and make sure there are no signs of spoilage.
If dry cat food smells moldy or the texture has changed over time, your cats should not consume it.
While leaving wet cat food out for too long could potentially be dangerous, it is always best to err on the side of caution.
If wet cat food has been left out for too long or there are any spoilage signs, it should be thrown away immediately.
The Bottom Line
The answer to this question depends on the type of wet cat food. If you’re feeding your cats canned or pouched foods, they should be refrigerated at all times.
These types of moist cat food will spoil if left out at room temperature for too long (about two hours).
On the other hand, dry kibble can stay safely out of the fridge for much longer periods before it starts to go bad (four days). So keep that in mind when storing away any leftover wet or dry pet food!
If you are unsure, it is best to err on the side of caution and put your wet cat food in the fridge. Take into account that if you leave wet cat food out too long, bacteria can grow more easily, making your kitty sick!
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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