Yes, cat food can get stale over time. Proper storage is important for maintaining the freshness and nutritional value of both wet and dry cat food. Following some simple guidelines can help prevent cat food from expiring quickly.
Does Cat Food Expire? How to Keep it Fresh
Cat food comes with expiration dates just like human food products. However, there are also signs that cat food has gone bad prior to the expiration date. Being aware of these and storing cat food properly helps keep it fresh longer.
Expiration Dates for Cat Food
Dry and canned cat foods have best by dates stamped on the packaging. This informs consumers of the date up until which the manufacturer guarantees optimal quality. For unopened dry cat food, this is usually around 6-12 months from the production date. Canned cat food typically lasts around 1-2 years unopened.
Once opened, the food will go stale much quicker – within 2-4 weeks for cans and 2-3 months for bags. So check expiration dates when buying cat food and write the opening date on packages once opened.
Signs that Cat Food Has Gone Bad
If your cat food is past its best by date, check for these signs before feeding it to your cat:
- Changes in smell, texture, or appearance
- Mold on wet food or bits in dry food
- Rancid odor indicating spoilage
Discard any cat food that shows these changes instead of risking your cat’s health.
Proper Storage for Both Wet and Dry Cat Food
To maximize freshness, store unopened and opened cat food as follows:
- Keep cans and pouches of wet food in a cool, dry place below room temperature. Refrigerate after opening.
- Store dry food in a cool, dry place in its original bag tightly sealed. Transfer to an airtight container after opening.
Proper storage helps lock in nutrients and prevent early spoilage.
How Long Does Cat Food Last?
Cat food can develop stale or rancid flavors as it ages. Here is how long different types of cat food typically stay fresh and palatable:
Shelf Life of Unopened Cat Food
- Canned/pouched wet food lasts 1-2 years past its best by date if unopened
- Dry kibble lasts around 6-12 months past its best by date if unopened
Time Frame for Consuming Opened Cat Food
- Opened cans should be used within 2-4 weeks
- Bags of dry food stay fresh for 2-3 months after opening
Storing Wet Cat Food After Opening
- Transfer wet cat food from the can/pouch to an airtight container
- Refrigerate for up to 2-3 days
- Freeze individual portions for longer storage
Keeping opened wet food chilled prevents bacterial growth leading to faster spoilage.
Tips for Safely Storing Dry Cat Food
Dry kibble has a longer shelf life than canned wet foods. Follow these tips to safely store it after opening:
Proper Storage Conditions for Dry Cat Food
- Store in a cool, dry pantry away from sunlight
- Keep bag rolled down or in an airtight container
- Avoid humidity which can cause early staleness
Importance of Keeping It in the Original Packaging
The bag helps block moisture, light, and air exposure. Transferring to a plastic container increases contact with air which accelerates staling.
Avoiding Exposure to Air, Sunlight, and Moisture
Air and light degrade vitamins like A, C, E, and K. Moisture causes dry food to get stale faster. Keeping kibble in its original packaging helps maintain nutritional content.
By checking expiration dates, following opening times, and proper storage, cat owners can keep dry and wet cat food fresh for optimal nutrition. Discard any cat food that smells bad or shows signs of spoilage. Following these simple tips helps avoid feeding stale cat food to pets.
