Can You Put Cat Food in the Fridge? How to Store and Keep Cat Food

As a cat owner, one of the most important decisions you make is can you put cat food in the fridge?

Wet cat food is a popular choice due to its high moisture content, which helps keep your cat hydrated.

However, storing wet cat food properly is crucial to maintain its freshness and prevent it from spoiling.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the best practices for storing wet cat food, ensuring your cat gets the most out of every meal.

The Importance of Proper Food Storage

Proper storage of your cat’s food is not just about maintaining its taste and freshness. It’s also about ensuring the food remains safe for your cat to eat.

Improper storage can lead to bacterial growth, which can cause food poisoning in cats. Moreover, exposure to air, moisture, and high temperatures can degrade the nutritional value of the food.

Storing Opened Wet Cat Food

Once you’ve opened a can or pouch of wet cat food, it’s essential to store it correctly to prevent it from spoiling. Here are some tips:

1. Use an Airtight Container: If you didn’t use all of the food in the packaging, transfer it into an airtight container immediately after opening it. This prevents the food from being exposed to room temperature air, which can lead to bacterial growth.

2. Refrigerate the Leftovers: Store the airtight container in the refrigerator. Ideally, it should be kept at 40°F (4°C). The food will remain safe for your cat to eat for up to 5 days.

3. Don’t Mix Old and New Food: Avoid mixing older, stored cat food with a newly opened container of wet cat food. This could potentially contaminate the new food.

4. Warm Up the Food Before Serving: Cats typically do not like to eat cold food. Before serving, add some warm water to the food. This will heat up the food but not make it too hot for your cat to eat.

Remember, if the food has been left out at room temperature for more than 4 hours, it’s best to discard it to avoid any risk of bacterial contamination.

Storing Unopened Wet Cat Food

Unopened wet cat food can last quite a while if stored correctly. Here are some tips for storing unopened cat food:

1. Check the Best By Date: Always check the best by date on the can or pouch before feeding the food to your cat. Discard any food that has passed its best by date.

2. Store in a Cool, Dry Location: Avoid storing the food in a location that exceeds 100°F (38°C). Excessive heat and humidity can degrade the food. A cupboard or pantry is an ideal storage location.

3. Keep the Original Packaging: It’s best to keep the food in its original packaging until you open it. The packaging contains important information that you might need later.

Remember, if the packaging is damaged or shows signs of mold or dampness, it’s best to discard the food.

The Difference Between Wet and Dry Food Storage

While both wet and dry cat foods need to be stored properly, they each have their own specific storage requirements.

Dry food, for instance, can be safely left out for several days without spoiling, but it’s best to throw out leftovers and wash the dish daily to keep the food at its freshest.

Wet food, on the other hand, cannot be left out unrefrigerated for more than 4 hours. If your cat doesn’t finish their wet food within this time, it’s best to discard the leftovers.

Other Important Tips

Here are some additional tips to ensure your cat’s food stays fresh and safe:

1. Avoid StoringFood in the Garage: Storing cat food in an uncontrolled environment, such as a garage or outdoors, is not recommended.

2. Use Within a Few Days of Opening: Once opened, canned cat food should be used within 5-7 days. Any food remaining after this time should be discarded.

3. Don’t Leave Food Out for Too Long: If your cat doesn’t finish their food, don’t leave it out for more than 4 hours. After this time, the food can become a breeding ground for bacteria.

4. Keep Dry Food Fresh: If you also feed your cat dry food, remember to store it in a cool, dry place. It’s best to keep the food in its original bag, which provides a fat barrier.

5. Don’t Store Food in Plastic Containers: Storing cat food in plastic containers can impart an odor and taste to the food that cats may find unappealing.

Remember, the way you store your cat’s food can significantly impact its quality and safety. By following these tips, you can ensure your cat enjoys fresh and nutritious meals every time.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cat Food Storage

Q: Can I freeze wet cat food?

A: While freezing won’t harm the nutritional content of the food, it can change the texture and taste, which your cat might not like. It’s best to store wet cat food in the refrigerator.

Q: How long does dry cat food last after opening?

A: Dry cat food can last anywhere from 4 weeks to 6 months after opening, depending on the brand and storage conditions. Always check the best by date on the packaging and store the food in a cool, dry place.

Q: Can I mix wet and dry cat food?

A: Yes, many cat owners choose to mix wet and dry food to provide their cats with a varied diet. Just make sure to adjust the portions accordingly to prevent overfeeding.

Final Thoughts

Proper storage of your cat’s food is crucial for maintaining its quality, freshness, and safety.

Whether you’re feeding your cat wet or dry food, always remember to store it in a cool, dry place and use it before the best by date.

Your cat’s health and well-being depend on the quality of the food they eat, so it’s worth taking the time to store it properly.