It’s generally agreed that it’s okay to feed your pets opened dry food three months after its “best by” date —but you should keep in mind that they probably won’t be getting all the nutrients the food would normally have. For opened canned food kept in the fridge, use it up within five to seven days of opening it.
Does canned cat food really expire?
But packaged items like canned and dry pet foods don’t actually have ”
expiration dates
” at all —unless specifically noted. The only federal law mandating this type of labeling is one that stipulates that if a food is to be dated, the date must also be accompanied by a clear label of what that date represents.
Can old dry cat food make
cats sick
?
Bacteria and Mold: Expired or improperly stored food can promote mold and bacteria growth. These unwanted additions to your cat’s food can make them very ill and disturb their sensitive gastrointestinal tracts.
How long does dry cat food stay good?
Ideally, dry food should be consumed within six weeks of opening the bag, so pick your bag sizes appropriately. Kibble can be left out in bowls for a day or so, but don’t offer more than should be consumed in 24 hours.
How do you know if cat food has gone bad?
Some other ways to tell are a noticeable sour or rotten smell, growth of mold or bugs, if the food has been exposed to moisture or humidity, or if your pet shows signs of discomfort or illness after eating the food. You must not serve any canned cat food that’s past its expiry date, whether it’s spoiled or not.
Does cat food get stale?
Although dry food won’t go off as quickly as wet food, its nutritional value will start to deteriorate the longer it is left out. Dry food that has been kept for too long tends to go stale and won’t be as tasty for your cat.
What do you do with expired pet food?
The best thing to do with expired food is toss it in the trash Put it in a trash bag and and toss that bag in a covered trash can or receptacle to prevent wildlife or outdoor pets from accessing it, McCarthy advises.
What happens if a cat eats spoiled wet food?
Botulism is a toxin caused by bacteria that can cause severe paralysis, which can be fatal If botulism is suspected, your cat should be taken to a veterinarian immediately. Botulism is a serious type of food poisoning caused by bacteria that grows as food items like meat or
vegetation decompose
.
How long do canned foods last?
High acid foods such as tomatoes and other fruit will keep their best quality up to 18 months; low acid foods such as meat and vegetables, 2 to 5 years If cans are in good condition (no dents, swelling, or rust) and have been stored in a cool, clean,
dry place
they are safe indefinitely.
How long does cat food last after opening?
Opened cans should be stored in the fridge, at temperatures between 40-45°F, for a maximum of 5-7 days Any cat or dog food remaining after that time should be thrown out.
How long does a 15 pound bag of cat food last?
For 2 cats weighing close to 9 pounds, they will eat close to 1 cup per day so the 15.5 pound bag will last close to 62 daysmore.
What is best cat food for indoor cats?
- Iams ProActive Health Indoor Weight & Hairball Care Dry Cat Food.
- Hill’s Science Diet Adult Indoor Chicken Recipe Dry Cat Food
- Solid Gold Let’s Stay In Indoor Formula Dry Cat Food.
How do you store opened dry cat food?
Your cat’s dry food needs to be stored in a dark, dry, cool place so it stays fresh. By storing it in too warm of a location, it could lead to the destruction of vitamins in the food and allow bacteria to grow. Keep food that will expire soon at the front.
Should you keep cat food and
water separate
?
Cats do not enjoy the scent of food while drinking water. They are also turned off by food particles in their water. Therefore, keep cat food and water bowls in two separate locations.
Sources
Is It OK to Feed My Cat Expired Cat Food? What You Need to Know!