Dont store pet foods, even unopened bags or cans, in the garage or shed where temperatures can go above 100 degrees Fahrenheit. A can wont literally explode in your vehicle, making a huge mess. Its is a sign of spoilage and shouldnt be fed to your feline friend. The second is the texture. But how can you tell if canned cat food is bad? Can canned cat food go bad in heat? Canned cat food generally has a shelf life of about two years, although this can vary depending on the specific brand and type of food. Yes, you can put canned cat food in the refrigerator, and doing so after opening the can is actually advised. Store canned cat food in a cool, dry place: It is recommended that you store the food in a cool, dry place, like a pantry or cupboard, as exposure to heat and moisture might cause it to spoil more quickly. Most manufacturers recommend storing kibble and canned foods in a cool, dry place. Keep cooked canned foods hot, above 140 F, but not for more than two hours. In the winter, if the heater is on or the food is in a warm kitchen, this same 20-minute limit would apply. A damp garage could cause tin cans to rust, and canned food that is stored in a garage thats hotter than 85 degrees Fahrenheit runs the risk of spoiling. Im a huge animal lover! Heat isn't as harmful for dry dog food as it is for wet dog food. Keeping food in a cold, dry environment is the greatest approach to guarantee its safety for consumption. In the summer, and lacking air conditioning, leave the food out no longer than 20 minutes. Through a gradual process, the heat will penetrate the cat food and the coolness will leave. When Canned Goods Go Bad. The main way to tell if canned cat food is bad is by its smell. Will It Upset Their Stomach? If the cans are merely swollen - and you are sure the swelling was caused by freezing - the cans may still be usable. Meat goes off fast, and if the food inside the cans has been compromised, it may have an unpleasant smell. The high temperatures can cause the food to go bad, and the can could potentially burst. When temperatures rise above 100 degrees Fahrenheit, canned foods are at risk of spoiling. Verify the date of expiration: Before buying the can and once more before giving it to your cat, be sure to check the expiration date. Your car filled with paper bags of food, toilet paper, and cleaning materials. So, how hot does a car interior get? Food always goes bad after a certain time. If the food smells rancid or off, its probably not safe to feed to your cat. That said, its important to keep an eye on your kitty to make sure theyre not overeating. 2 Canned food shipped - Dog Food Advisor; There are a few non perishable foods that can be left in a hot car without fear of them going bad. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[320,50],'adventurouscat_com-box-4','ezslot_4',137,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-adventurouscat_com-box-4-0');if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[320,50],'adventurouscat_com-box-4','ezslot_5',137,'0','1'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-adventurouscat_com-box-4-0_1'); .box-4-multi-137{border:none !important;display:block !important;float:none !important;line-height:0px;margin-bottom:7px !important;margin-left:auto !important;margin-right:auto !important;margin-top:7px !important;max-width:100% !important;min-height:50px;padding:0;text-align:center !important;}If a can is bulging or has become misshapen, it should be discarded. Refrigerating the opened can of cat food helps slow the growth of bacteria and prolong the shelf life of the remaining food. Remember that if the cans have been in the car for many days, the warmest day should be used as a reference because it is most likely to have spoiled the food. To keep canned cat food from spoiling in heat, its crucial to store it properly. If youre gone for more than four hours, youll need to either refrigerate the food or throw it out. Its all too easy to leave something in the car after a trip to the shop, and if youve recently discovered some canned cat food, you might be wondering if you should feed it to your cat or whether you should throw it out and purchase some new food. Thanks for reading! Avoid extremes of heat and cold, and always keep canned tuna out of direct sunlight. An evey cat owner who wishes to give their pet a balanced and nutritious diet must use canned cat food. Dec 12, 2017. Dont take any chances with your cats health! And if youre taking canned food with you on a trip, be sure to pack it in a cooler with ice packs to keep it cool. The short answer is: yes, canned food can explode if left in a hot car. So its important to not leave groceries or leftovers in a warm car for more than two hours, or only an hour when its over 90 degrees. Some canned cat foods do have expiration dates marked on their labels; however, many do not have expiration dates listed on them at all. Deficiencies, compromised immune systems, and other severe health issues might result from this. Heres a more detailed explanation: canned food is sealed in a can, which means that there is no oxygen inside the can. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Cat food is costly, and many households cannot afford to lose a whole stack of cans at once. If youre worried about it, though, you can always transfer the food to a different container before leaving it in the car. Store it away from potential temperature changes, such as in the garage. If youre stumped and dont believe the car could have reached that temperature, you might question what else you can look for. If you have an unopened can of cat food thats been sitting around for more than a year, you may want to consider donating it to a local shelter. Opened cans should be stored in the fridge, at temperatures between 40-45F, for a maximum of 5-7 days. The majority of companies will have the information on their websites. If you leave your cans of cat food in the sun or on a warm shelf for any length of time, they will start to degrade more quickly than usual and eventually go bad from the heat exposure alone. Canned goods might be safe even if they got hot. At prolonged storage temperatures above 75 F, nutrient loss in canned foods increases. Diet, which frequently includes canned cat food, is one of the most important factors in a cat's health. The answer is yes, canned cat food can go bad in the heat. Bacteria will start to grow on it and make it go bad. It worked out being like 9 free 12.5oz cans of which I put 6 in my donation box (just being honest), but I do buy a lot to donate, I currently have about 75 cans of various sizes to bring in as well as about 30lbs of dry food. Dry food needs to be consumed within three months . Causes and Remedies Unveiled, Why Do Cats Have Wet Noses? Meat spoils quickly, and if the food within the cans has been tampered with, it may emit a foul odor. Low-acid canned foods (canned peas . Table of Contents. Once the storage temperature rises, the risk of food spoilage jumps sharply. They can eat dry food, even if it gets hot. It won't ruin the cans, but any excessive heat will impact the food itself. Its best to store it in a dry and mild temp environment; don't store in garages or inside cars as they can get pretty hot and cause it to start to turn despite the expiration date. Yes, canned cat food can go bad in heat. Can Cat Food Go Bad in Heat? Yes, canned cat foods can definitely go bad in excessive heat. If your pet shows signs of discomfort or illness after eating the food, its also probably bad. The three main telltale signs of food spoilage are easy enough to spot. Over time, exposure to intense temperatures will make the food go bad. So does canned cat food go out when it out expose to heat. But, its crucial to make sure the food is kept in a closed container and not kept in the fridge for a lengthy amount of time. The USDA recommends storing canned foods in a cool, dry location, and most garages fail on both counts. Accidents happen. Author of Book: Secrets To Keep Your Cat Healthy Food can degrade more quickly under hot temperatures. Susan also participates in affiliate programs with Clickbank, CJ, ShareASale, and other sites. Yes, canned cat food can get bad in the heat. The effects of heat on a canned cat food can be severe, so its crucial to keep the food in a cool, dry environment. How Much Wet Food to Feed a Cat Every Day. You should also look for growth of mold or bugs, or if the food has been exposed to moisture or humidity. Additionally, Canned foods can spoil if theyre stored in temperatures over 100 degrees F. The risk of spoilage increases as the storage temperature gets higher. Pet food also comes with an expiration date, but sometimes canned cat food may get spoiled much earlier. However, when canned food is left out in the heat, the heat can cause the can to expand, which allows oxygen to enter the can. So, to be safe, always store canned food in a cool, dry place. High-quality cat food bags have been designed to keep out the elements and maintain its freshness for as long as possible. Of course, its possible that the food is good and your cat is just being picky, but in such circumstances, its best to be safe than sorry! Cats are finicky eaters, and often their food preferences can change on a whim. At what temperature does canned cat food go bad? This means that bacteria cant get in and cause the food to spoil. So, if youre leaving groceries or leftovers in a warm car, its important to not exceed the two-hour mark. The exact amount of time canned cat food will last in the heat will depend on various factors, such as your areas temperature and humidity levels. The heat can cause the food to spoil, and canned food that has been left out in the heat is a food safety risk. That is why every type of food - even eggs and vegetables - comes with a shelf life. For example, if you have a pantry, keeping cat food cans on the pantry floor might work. Obviously, that refers to the canned food that people eat rather than cat food, but its a good standard to set to prioritize your cats health and make sure that its food is okay. So, there you have it! Besides this, If the cat food smells sour or rotten, has mold or bugs, or if your pet is sick after eating it, dont serve it. There are a few things to take into account such as how hot it is, the humidity, and where its left for the most part. Heat can cause fats and oils to go rancid and cause vitamins and minerals to break down. Do Canned Cat Foods Have an Expiration Date? During my free time, I love reading a book on my kindle, biking, kayaking, and just enjoying life! If you dont have a cool, dark place to store canned goods, you can put them in a cooler with ice packs. 2. The short answer is: no, canned food should not be left out in the heat. The best time for storing canned cat food is when its still sealed, but once thats done theres not much else you can do to prolong its shelf life. Canned cat food is an excellent choice for picky eaters because it is frequently more tasty than dry food. The shelf life of a canned cat food depends upon several factors, including how its packed and stored. Ultimately, feeding your cat good quality canned cat food is an investment in their overall health and well-being. Most importantly, it depends on how long ago the can was opened. Writer and Mommy of 3 furr babies: Seal an open bag of cat kibble as tightly as you can to reduce the . If the food gets too warm, it may start to smell bad or look discolored. Blog / By Smith As a pet owner, you are responsible for keeping your exotic pet safe and well. That's not bad, but the Food and Drug Adminstration (FDA) actually recommends washing pet food bowls, dishes, and scooping utensils with soap and hot water after each use. Yes, canned cat food can get bad in the heat. I would recommend caution with any canned foods that have been exposed to high heat. If you live in a warmer climate, its important to keep an eye on your dogs food. If you leave a can of food out for too long, it can go bad. However, if it smells terrible, you will know it isnt safe to feed your cat. Cans frozen accidentally, such as those left in a car or basement in sub-zero temperatures, can present health problems. You must understand that cat foods aging is influenced by more than simply the heat. This can affect the dishs flavor, fragrance, and overall quality. And, if the temperature outside is over 90 degrees, you should only leave food in the car for an hour. Of course, the dry cat food will not survive being placed in an oven. Ideally, unopened dry and canned foods should be kept at room temperature and away from heat, humidity and infestation. Find Out Why. Is It Safe To Warm Up Cat Food? There are many health dangers associated with feeding your cat unwholesome canned cat chow. However, it is still a good idea to keep your cats food in a room temperature environment. Due to the overall influence of the heat, there is a fair limit to how long dry cat food may be stored before it spoils. This is a question that we get asked a lot here at the blog, and its a valid one! While it is still healthy to consume, the cats taste buds may not like it. You might be able to find a number for the manufacturer, who should be able to tell you what temperature their product is guaranteed up to. If canned cat food is left out in the heat, it can start to spoil and may cause your cat to become ill. How Long Can You Keep Wet Cat Food In The Fridge. First, make sure you store it in a cool, dry place. Therefore, you never need to worry about heating the food too much. If you have a large stock of canned food and are worried about it freezing, you can always transfer it to a freezer-safe container. 1 Is unopened canned cat food still good if its been left in the heat? If it smells sour or rotten, its probably bad. The cat did not like it. Also, dont serve any canned cat food thats past its expiration date. You should never serve any canned cat food thats past its expiry date, even if its not spoiled. Rotate foods so the oldest is used first. This article will answer some of the most commonly asked questions about the safety of canned cat food in hot weather. Bacterial Growth and Contamination Exposing canned cat food to excessive heat poses a significant risk as it can cause bacteria to grow and multiply. Open canned or wet cat food, on the other hand, will only survive five to seven days. Canned cat food is a moist and nutrient-rich food that can spoil quickly when exposed to air and moisture. This compound has an unpleasant smell and taste that we associate with spoiled food. If youre not sure if canned foods have been exposed to high temperatures, its best to err on the side of caution and discard them. Here are the top best Does canned cat food go bad in heat public topics and compiled by our team. Canned Food Go Bad In A Hot Car: Yes Find Out Why. This entails placing it close to an oven and hoping for the best. The majority of cat food in cans has a two- to five-year shelf life. If youre worried about your wet food going bad in the heat, there are a few things you can do to keep it fresh. This website is for informational purposes only. These include: -The food has changed color This article will address the subject to understand better how heat affects canned cat food over time. I believe everyone should have the opportunity to experience the joys of owning a cat, and I hope to share my knowledge and experiences with others through Catcoast. Cats can eat expired canned cat food if it was properly stored and had passed the manufacturer's test in recent days. It is preferable to throw out the can right away if it is bulging, dripping, or emitting an odd smell. There are a few telltale signs that your cat food has gone bad. If youre going to be out in the heat with your dog, its best to leave the canned food at home. Heat overexposure can affect the nutrients in the food, cause the container to explode, cause germs to thrive, and cook the meal. Use up any opened canned food that has been kept in the fridge within five to seven days of opening. Overexposure to heat can cause the nutrients to change, explode the container, cause bacteria growth, and cook the food. However, it is important to keep an eye on the food to make sure it does not get too warm. The best temperature range for storing canned goods is between 50 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. You should always check the label before buying a product to see how long it lasts after opening (if at all). In fact, one study found that pasta sauce left in a hot car for just two hours contained over 10,000 times the safe limit of bacteria. This will assist keep the foods quality intact and stop any bacterial growth that can cause spoiling or illness in your pet. This is likely to mean that the can is no longer adequately sealed, which means bacteria could enter the food inside. Depending on the degree of exposure to an unstable storage environment, it may also attract pests and/or mold. Does canned cat food go bad in heat? Sometimes there either isn't enough time or owners forget to pick up the uneaten portion. Mar 23, 2023. Can't handle the heat. Its not worth taking the risk of making your cat sick. For canned cat and dog food Your pet's bowl should be emptied of moist or canned food not eaten by your cat or dog within 4 hours if the ambient temperature is above 50F. Does Canned Food Go Bad in the Heat? Simba, Snowball and Oreo: My 3 musKITTYeers! Canned cat food is a convenient and tasty way to feed your cat, but how does heat affect it? It is advised to throw away the food if it has been exposed to hot temperatures for an extended period of time rather than run the danger of contracting food poisoning. Ive had dogs, cats, rabbits, and chickens. Canned foods are designed to be shelf-stable for long periods of time, but heat can accelerate the degradation process. There are a few things to do while assessing the cans to see if they are safe for your cat. So, there you have it! It is recommended that during summer, you should leave wet cat food out for a maximum of twenty minutes. Heat can cause food to lose nutrients and change in color, flavor, and texture. If you think your cats canned food has gone bad (or if you just want to be safe), throw it out and buy new food for your pet. Any unused canned food should be immediately put in the refrigerator. Yes, canned cat food can go bad in heat. What If You Think the Cat Food Is Spoiled? Its a common question, and one that has a very clear answer: yes, canned wet food can spoil in hot weather. Food stored in cans will spoil quickly if exposed to high temperatures, especially over 95 degrees F. 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