That implies your canned cat food may have reached a temperature of above 100 degrees Fahrenheit, and you should avoid giving it to your cat if this is the case. 1. This will burn the meal to the point that it is no longer edible. The three main telltale signs of food spoilage are easy enough to spot. Can canned cat food go bad? Cats with kidney problems or those that dont drink enough water may benefit the most from this. Yes, canned cat food can go bad in heat. On the other hand, Sealed canned products can withstand temperatures of above 140 degrees Fahrenheit (60 degrees Celsius) for two hours outside. This is a fundamental shift that will be visible in canned cat food that has been stored in heat. How Long Does Canned Cat Food Last in a Cooler? In the cannery, canned food is exposed to higher temperatures than in a hot car. There appears to be a lot of discussion regarding the topic, and while many people believe it is excellent, it is crucial to be aware of the hazards. With the assistance of chemical preservatives, canned cat food has a four-month to three-year shelf life when unopened and well packed. The answer is yes, canned cat food can go bad in extreme heat. As pointed out by TheSprucePets, opened cat food should not be left exposed to room temperature for more than twenty to thirty minutes, and a broken can counts as opened food. If canned foods are stored at temperatures above 75 degrees F for a long time, the nutrients in the food will decrease. Cans frozen accidentally, such as those left in a car or basement in sub-zero temperatures, can present health problems. Dogs are not like humans. Canned wet food can spoil in hot weather if it is left out for too long. If you cant decide and you dont think the car would have reached that kind of temperature, you might be wondering what you can check for. However, if its stored in a warm garage or other hot environment, the food will spoil and should be thrown away. Using airtight containers: After youve opened a can of cat food, putting the leftovers in an airtight container will help keep it fresh and stop aromas from circulating around your house. I have definitely eaten some very out of date canned food that lived in my car in Phoenix for more than a month though. Although cat food will never smell pleasant, this may be a decent (albeit not infallible) test if you can stomach it. If youre worried about it, though, you can always transfer the food to a different container before leaving it in the car. Any unused canned food should be immediately put in the refrigerator. The short answer is: yes, canned food can explode if left in a hot car. Yes, canned cat food can get bad in the heat. First, make sure you store it in a cool, dry place. How long can you safely leave canned cat food out? Therefore, you never need to worry about heating the food too much. Gently warming your cat's food will release the aroma, which is often enough to entice your cat to eat. 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. 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. If the cat rejects the food, throw it away and provide something fresh. If stored at unreasonably high temperatures, the canned cat food will burn like other types of food would. Opened cans should be stored in the fridge, at temperatures between 40-45F, for a maximum of 5-7 days. Any food kept at room temperature that is not eaten within half an hour to an hour should be thrown away. The main way to tell if canned cat food is bad is by its smell. -Turning on the air conditioning If youve had a can of cat food sitting in your pantry for a while, its probably not going to hurt your cat to eat it. Its a common question, and one that has a very clear answer: yes, canned wet food can spoil in hot weather. Remember, if the cans have been in the car for several days, take the hottest day as your guide because it is the one that is most likely to have compromised the food. Yes, dry cat food can go bad in heat. 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. That's why it's important to store canned food in a cool, dry place. Still, there are other factors that will affect the dog food's freshness, which I discussed below. Many people believe that canned food is indestructible and impossible to taint, regardless of the conditions. The meal may get discolored or form a slimy layer on top. The shelf life of canned cat food is approximately 18 months. Keep food storage in a climate-controlled . Spoiled canned cat . Can You Heat Up Canned Cat Food In The Microwave? You can rest assured that your cats wet food will be safe in hot weather. Heres a more detailed explanation: canned food is sealed in a can, which means that there is no oxygen inside the can. If you cant get to a fridge or cooler right away, its best to leave the food at home. Can canned cat food go bad in heat? 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. Bacterial Growth and Contamination Exposing canned cat food to excessive heat poses a significant risk as it can cause bacteria to grow and multiply. If youve ever found yourself wondering can canned cat food, go bad in heat?, the answer is yes! Once the temperatures reach 100 degrees F or more, the safety of the food stored in the cans comes into question. Cat food is costly, and many households cannot afford to lose a whole stack of cans at once. If you have the opportunity, check the temperature of your automobile. The food may also have a strange odor or taste and a slimy or moldy appearance. However, its not going to be as tasty or nutritious as fresh food. 1 Is unopened canned cat food still good if its been left in the heat? Yes, canned cat food should be refrigerated after it has been opened. Canned cat food is made with preservatives to extend its shelf life. If the food gets too warm, it may start to smell bad or look discolored. Remember, you don't want to actually heat or cook the food, but just warm it to room temperature or slightly warmer. The thermophilic, or heating-triggered, pathogens vary from product to product and are unpredictable. However, you may store them in the refrigerator for a short period of time. [How to Heat Up Your Cats Food]. Over time, these free radicals accumulate in the body and cause chronic diseases like cancer and heart disease. And protect your cat's dental and oral health. When it comes to food safety, time is of the essence. . What If You Think the Cat Food Is Spoiled? If the food smells sour, moldy, or otherwise unpleasant, dont feed it to your cat. If you live in a warmer climate, its important to keep an eye on your dogs food. To preserve fresh cat food, it needs to stay in the . And when food is left in a hot car, it can reach those temperatures very quickly. You might also like to know about can canned cat food go bad in heat. An alternative would be to put the next serving in a microwavable dish, cover with plastic wrap, and warm on a low setting for a short time. This will guarantee that the cat chow matures properly and remains appetizing. The second is the texture. Dec 12, 2017. If you leave wet cat food at room temperature, it will quickly warm and become a perfect environment forbacteria to grow and pose a risk to your cat. The composition of canned cat food varies depending on the brand and type, but most contain high-quality protein sources such as chicken, turkey, or fish. Canned cat food also contains vitamins and minerals necessary for a cats health and well-being. Canned cat food is a convenient and tasty way to feed your cat, but how does heat affect it? Canned food remaining in the can should be covered and refrigerated immediately after opening. The answer is that unopened canned cat food can go bad in heat, but it depends on the individual product and the environment. Causes and Remedies Unveiled, Why Do Cats Have Wet Noses? Cat food cans should not be left in a hot car, no. Food should not be ingested if there are any bulges or dents in the can, as this could indicate the growth of dangerous bacteria. However, if it smells terrible, you will know it isnt safe to feed your cat. Keeping canned cat food in a cold, dry environment is the best method to prevent it from going bad. If your cats food is frozen, its not the end of the world- but its not ideal either. There are a few non perishable foods that can be left in a hot car without fear of them going bad. You dont want a situation where the cat is too hot to eat, causing them to flee oppositely or eat less than they should. 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. Temperatures over 100 degrees F are harmful to canned foods. You will probably find that it makes you retch because we are predisposed to dislike the smell of rotting meat as a means of keeping us from eating it and being made ill. To be clear, the absence of a bad smell isnt a sure sign the food is fine to eat, because food-borne bacteria wont necessarily create a scent. Keep the food storage container closed and as airtight as possible because moisture in the food can lead to mold. While it is still healthy to consume, the cats taste buds may not like it. Your canned cat food will, therefore, go bad easily if you leave it for long. Just be sure to take some precautions and youll be all set. If at all possible, storing the food in a refrigerator or another cool environment is also a wise move. Canned dog food can spoil easily, especially when left in a hot car. Itll be charred to a crisp! -The food has a strange odor Heat overexposure can affect the nutrients in the food, cause the container to explode, cause germs to thrive, and cook the meal. In the heat, dry cat food does not spoil. Heat doesnt spoil cat food, but it can hasten the process. The USDA recommends storing canned foods in a cool, dry location, and most garages fail on both counts. But overexposure to the heat can cause the contents to spill out when opened. Use opened cans within two to three days: Any unused cat food after youve opened a can should be refrigerated in a sealed container and used within two to three days. You might be surprised to learn that canned cat food can be left out for up to four hours, according to the FDA. On the other hand, Cans should not lose their form, and bulges indicate a problem with the can or its contents. If youre like most cat parents, you probably have a few cans of cat food sitting in your pantry. 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. This can cause the can to burst, which would allow bacteria to get in and contaminate the food. If it smells bad, though, you know its not safe to give your cat. It will be warm, which might irritate a cat. The best option is in a cool, dark place. Its not a good idea to keep canned cat food in a heated environment. Weve developed a step-by-step guide to creating a stress-free schedule that brings out your cats best. Do not give it to your cat if it has beyond its expiration date. Does Canned Cat Food Go Bad In Heat Dangerous temperatures are anything over 90F (32C). Do Canned Cat Foods Have an Expiration Date? 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. Any significant dents or cracks should also be a warning that the food inside the can has been compromised and isnt safe for consumption anymore. Writer and Mommy of 3 furr babies: Get rid of any cans that are obviously open via a breakage or cans that have bulged and warped because they may also be broken in ways you cant see. Find Out Why. The idea is to not make the food hot, but rather, warm it to room temperature. While canned cat food that has been stored in heat can still be consumed, the aftertaste may be unpleasant to the cat. You can keep wet cat food in the fridge for about 24 hours. Does canned food go bad in extreme heat? 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. Will Canned Cat Food Go Bad in Heat? If a can bulges or becomes deformed, it should be thrown away. Some canned cat foods may contain harmful ingredients such as BPA, which can cause hormonal imbalances and increase the risk of certain cancers. The shelf life of a canned cat food depends upon several factors, including how its packed and stored. The canned cat food is definitely bad if the can has started bulging out and the food smells awful. Kittens, who should be given smaller meals more frequently, probably will finish their meal well before 15 minutes. Exposure to air also means exposure to bacteria. 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. You rushed out of your car while holding everything you bought from the grocery store. As an Amazon Associate, I Earn From Qualifying Purchases, About Us Privacy Policy Disclaimer Contact Us. It won't ruin the cans, but any excessive heat will impact the food itself. This is to prevent infectious agents such as Salmonella or Listeria from accumulating on the items. If you dont have a cool, dark place to store canned goods, you can put them in a cooler with ice packs. Pet owners must pay attention to expiration dates and storage recommendations to ensure that their cat eats the safest and healthiest food possible. . So, we decided to address it in our blog. Dry cat food is not as healthy as canned cat food but many cat owners are still sticking to it out of convenience and affordability. Accidents happen. This is one of the ways that canned cat food can spoil. Contact your veterinarian for any medical questions. If you can, keep it in the fridge or even the freezer. The short answer is no, it is not safe to leave canned food in a hot car. This site is owned and operated by Susan and is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Are unpredictable, storing the food in the cans comes into question to product and the environment a.! Hot weather but overexposure to the cat chow matures properly and remains appetizing heat, but any excessive will. Dog food can go bad in heat Dangerous temperatures are anything over 90F ( 32C ) throw away. Can put them in a hot car its smell there are a few cans cat! 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