Cat owners aim to ensure optimal nutrition for their feline companions. However, the manner in which cat food is stored impacts its quality and safety significantly. Inadequate storage can result in diminished freshness, compromised nutritional value, and potential contamination or spoilage.
This article elucidates the significance of proper cat food storage and provides practical tips for its implementation.
Importance of Proper Cat Food Storage
Storing your cat food properly is necessary for many reasons, the most important being:
- Maintaining Freshness and Nutritional Value: Cats require nutrition from cat food. Heat, light, air, and moisture may destroy these nutrients. Keeping cat food cold, dry, dark, and sealed helps maintain its freshness and nutritional content.
- Preventing Contamination and Spoilage: Incorrect storage may contaminate cat food with hazardous bacteria, mold, or poisons. Foodborne infections or poisoning may cause vomiting, diarrhea, or more severe disorders in your cat. Clean, sealed cat food containers avoid contamination and spoiling.
- Avoiding Pests and Rodents: Pests and rodents may eat through cat food packaging or contaminate it with saliva or droppings. This may make a mess and harm your cat. Cat food should be stored in a pest-proof container.
Best Practices for Storing Cat Food
Depending on the type of cat food you use, there are different ways to store it properly. Here are some general guidelines:
1. Use the Original Container
Keep cat food in its package. Food is packaged to preserve nutrients and quality. To protect the bag, put it in a clean, dry, airtight container. Pouring the kibble straight into another container will speed up food spoilage. In case of a food recall, maintain the original package so you can check the expiry date, lot number, brand name, and manufacturer.
2. Store in a Cool, Dry, and Dark Place
Store cat food below 80°F (27°C). Heat may oxidize food fat. Store cat food at less than 15% humidity. Moisture may induce mold and rotting. Cat food should be stored in dim light. Excess light degrades or discolors nutrients. Thus, keep your cat’s food in a cold, dry, dark pantry or closet.
3. Avoid Storing in the Garage or Porch
Temperature, humidity, sunshine, and parasites make these areas unsuitable for cat food storage. These variables may impact cat food quality, safety, and spoilage.
4. Use a Sealable Container or Bag
After using dry or wet cat food, seal it. This protects food from air, moisture, smells, and bugs. Clips or rubber bands may seal dry cat food bags. Cover wet cat food cans or pouches with plastic wrap or lids.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid these cat food storage blunders. These are:
- Leaving the Bag Unsealed: Unsealing the bag lets air, moisture, scents, and bugs in, compromising food quality and safety. Seal the bag firmly after use.
- Storing in Plastic Containers: Plastic containers leak chemicals into cat food and absorb scents. Use clean, dry, airtight plastic containers if necessary. Avoid reusing containers.
- Freezing Dry Cat Food: Freezing dry cat food may cause condensation, mold development, and deterioration. Freezing affects food texture and taste.
- Refrigerating Opened Cans: Wet cat food must be refrigerated to avoid spoiling, but only for a few days. Stored longer, they lose freshness and nutritional value. Refrigerating food might change its flavor and scent, making your cat reject it.
- Covering Unused Portions: Do not cover leftover wet cat food with a plate or dish and keep it out at room temperature. The food may deteriorate or breed germs, harming your cat. Instead, move the unused parts to a sealable container or bag and refrigerate or freeze immediately.
Conclusion
Keeping cat food fresh, nutritious, and secure requires proper storage. Follow these guidelines to provide your cat with the finest nutrition and prevent health issues from rotten or tainted food. Check the expiry date, lot number, brand name, and manufacturer of your cat food and report any recalls to FDA. Your pet will appreciate you!
