So, if youre leaving groceries or leftovers in a warm car, its important to not exceed the two-hour mark. Pet owners must pay attention to expiration dates and storage recommendations to ensure that their cat eats the safest and healthiest food possible. 1. Also, dont serve any canned cat food thats past its expiration date. Video Does canned cat food go bad in heat. This article will address the subject to understand better how heat affects canned cat food over time. And when food is left in a hot car, it can reach those temperatures very quickly. However, depending on the type of food, preservatives used, and storage conditions, this may change. The thermophilic, or heating-triggered, pathogens vary from product to product and are unpredictable. If you have the opportunity, check the temperature of your automobile. You must also know how to properly store dry cat food to maintain its nutritional content. 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. Is it OK to leave canned food in a hot car? Maximizing Referrals: A Key Strategy for Insurance Lead Generation, The Intersection of NFTs and Gaming: Jurgen Cautreels on the Rise of Blockchain Gaming, Healthy Colombian snacks to enjoy with your coffee, How to make Colombian-style coffee at home, Air Fryer Italian Dinner Recipes: Gluten-free Edition, Tips for Starting Your Own Successful Eatery, The Best Foods For Eye Health: A Guide For Glasses Wearers, Major Predictions About ELONGATE Crypto Coins. Bacteria that can cause food-borne illnesses double every 20 minutes, even at room temperature. If you dont have a cool, dark place to store canned goods, you can put them in a cooler with ice packs. Additionally, if your cat is hesitant to eat the food or experiences any adverse reactions after eating it, its best to discard it as it may have gone bad. Your car filled with paper bags of food, toilet paper, and cleaning materials. In the winter, if the heater is on or the food is in a warm kitchen, this same 20-minute limit would apply. 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. While evaluating the cans to see if they are safe for your cat, there are a few factors to consider. Any cat or dog food . That's why it's important to store canned food in a cool, dry place. Meat goes off fast, and if the food inside the cans has been compromised, it may have an unpleasant smell. The food may spoil or lose its nutritious value if the temperature is too high or changes too much. So the long and short is that I have been pleasantly surprised so far. It is also crucial to keep in mind that if your cat suddenly starts to reject its canned food, this can indicate that it has gone bad. Diet, which frequently includes canned cat food, is one of the most important factors in a cats health. Canned cat food must be stored properly to protect your cats safety and health. There are many health dangers associated with feeding your cat unwholesome canned cat chow. It has gone bad when dry cat food has a characteristic sour and/or bitter odor. However, weve all heard stories about canned food lasting for years, and its common knowledge that canned food is sterilized by being heated to extremely high temperatures while in the can. 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. Yes, dry cat food can go bad in heat. 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 risk of spoilage jumps sharply as storage temperatures rise. Canned cat food shouldn't be left in a hot vehicle for extended periods. This will give you better information about how likely the food is to be safe. So, we decided to address it in our blog. High-quality cat food bags have been designed to keep out the elements and maintain its freshness for as long as possible. The ideal temperature range for food storage is between 50F and 70F (10C and 21C). Now you know that canned food can explode if left in a hot car, but its not a big deal. And protect your cat's dental and oral health. Canned cat food can go bad just like any other food. CatsCaress.Com 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. Opened cans should be stored in the fridge, at temperatures between 40-45F, for a maximum of 5-7 days. Freshness is incredibly important when it comes to canned cat food, and any sign of spoilage or damage should be dealt with right away. The shelf life of canned cat food is approximately 18 months. Canned goods might be safe even if they got hot. Store canned cat food in airtight containers or in its original packing up until it is opened to preserve its quality. Canned Cat Food Can Go Bad if Stored in a Warm Environment. Learn how to create a happy, healthy home for your pet. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'adventurouscat_com-medrectangle-3','ezslot_2',135,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-adventurouscat_com-medrectangle-3-0');Many people think of canned food as invincible and impossible to contaminate, no matter what conditions you subject it to. You might be surprised to learn that canned cat food can be left out for up to four hours, according to the FDA. Exposure to air also means exposure to bacteria. Canned cat food can go bad in heat. If youre not sure whether your canned cat food has gone bad, its always best to err on the side of caution and throw it out. The short answer is: yes, canned food can explode if left in a hot car. It was a hot and sunny afternoon; you just got home from the groceries. If the food has changed color or looks moldy, its probably not safe to feed to your cat. Most will have the information on their website. The chances are that your cat will be able to tell whether or not the food is bad and reject it if its not safe. Yet too much heat can make the food go bad. However, if you leave it in a warm garage or other hot environment, the food will spoil and should be thrown away. can canned cat food go bad in heat. Any large dents or cracks should be seen as an indication that the food within the can has been tampered with and is no longer safe to eat. Seal an open bag of cat kibble as tightly as you can to reduce the . Yes, canned cat food can get bad in the heat. When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. You dont want a situation where the cat is too hot to eat, causing them to flee oppositely or eat less than they should. Canned cat food is an excellent choice for picky eaters because it is frequently more tasty than dry food. Additionally, pay attention to expiration dates and look out for any signs of spoilage such as unpleasant odors or discoloration before feeding your pet any potentially . Your email address will not be published. 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. However, if its stored in a warm garage or other hot environment, the food will spoil and should be thrown away. Im a self-educated pet care geek because I am a pet parent that actually wants to learn as much as possible about caring for my cats and dogs. It might be worth checking it out for yourself some time with a thermometer, but its possible for a car to reach 100 degrees F in summer, even if the temperature outside does not climb this high. This indicates a buildup of gas from the decomposition process. It is best to store unopened commercially canned foods in a cool and dry place (such as in a cupboard). If the temperature gets too high, the food can spoil and cause illness in your cat. To make sure the food is still safe to eat, it is crucial to check the expiration date on the can. Canned cat food is a moist and nutrient-rich food that can spoil quickly when exposed to air and moisture. Store it away from potential temperature changes, such as in the garage. The focus of this piece, on the other hand, is on essential heat that would be perceptible in warmer areas. In the heat, dry cat food does not spoil. If you live in a hot climate or experience a heat wave, its important to take steps to protect your canned goods. Heat does not spoil cat food but can speed up the spoilage process. Meat spoils quickly, and if the food within the cans has been tampered with, it may emit a foul odor. In conclusion, yes - canned cat food can go bad in heat - so when purchasing or storing this type of product always make sure that temperatures stay below 70F (21C). Temperatures over 100 degrees F are harmful to canned foods. They can be readily warmed with running water in the sink for a few minutes. Canned cat food shouldnt be left in a hot vehicle for extended periods. Once the storage temperature rises, the risk of food spoilage jumps sharply. 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. Yes, canned cat food can get bad in the heat. The way the product was stored before purchase will also affect how long it lasts. It is not a good idea to feed expired food to cats. Do try to store your food in the coolest possible location, however. 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. Dont store pet foods, even unopened bags or cans, in the garage or shed where temperatures can go above 100 degrees Fahrenheit. If you must leave canned food in a hot car, be sure to keep it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Cats with kidney problems or those that dont drink enough water may benefit the most from this. And when it comes to temperature, few things are more dangerous than leaving food out in a hot car. An increase in temperature above the normal range is referred to as heat. Opened cans should be stored in the fridge, at temperatures between 40-45F, for a maximum of 5-7 days. If at all possible, storing the food in a refrigerator or another cool environment is also a wise move. Once oxygen is inside the can, bacteria can start to grow, and the food can spoil. Yes, the heat can make cat food spoil. Generally speaking, however, canned cat food can last up to six months if stored properly in a cool, dry place away from heat sources. Some canned cat foods do have expiration dates marked on their labels; however, many do not have expiration dates listed on them at all. Required fields are marked *. 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! To keep canned cat food from spoiling in heat, its crucial to store it properly. Most canned cat foods are safe to eat after their expiration date, as long as they are stored properly. On the one hand, if you live in a hot environment with low humidity, the heat is good for the kibble as it will keep the kibble dry. This will guarantee that the cat chow matures properly and remains appetizing. 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. *Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates. Canned Cat Food Can Go Bad if Stored in a Warm Environment The answer depends on several factors including type of canned food (wet vs dry), length of time opened, and amount of heat/sunlight exposure. At what temperature does canned cat food go bad? Cat food is costly, and many households cannot afford to lose a whole stack of cans at once. Most manufacturers recommend storing kibble and canned foods in a cool, dry place. There are a few telltale signs that your cat food has gone bad. For instance, low-quality canned cat food frequently contains a lot of fillers like grains and artificial preservatives. Additionally, According to the FDA, bacteria that can cause food-borne illnesses double every 20 minutes, even at room temperature. You can keep wet cat food in the fridge for about 24 hours. Canned cat food that is discolored is another sign that it has gone bad. This could make your dog sick, or even worse. Canned cat food is made with preservatives to extend its shelf life. Yes, canned cat food should be refrigerated after it has been opened. Why Are Cats Afraid of Dogs? So while you dont want to poison your cat, you may wish to test a small amount of the food on the cat. Can Canned Cat Food Be Left In A Hot Car? If you cant get to a fridge or cooler right away, its best to leave the food at home. While this may seem excessive, its preferable to accidentally give your cat something dangerous! Ive owned felines for over six years, and I am passionate about educating others about everything there is to know about cats. Of course, it may be that the food is fine and your cat is just being fussy, but its better to be safe than sorry in such cases!if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'adventurouscat_com-leader-1','ezslot_10',139,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-adventurouscat_com-leader-1-0'); Since cans clearly are vulnerable to heat exposure, you might be wondering what the proper storage method is. One of the main signs of spoilage in canned cat food is a change in color or texture. A product stored in a cool and dry place with minimal exposure to sun or light will last longer than one thats been sitting on a warm shelf at the grocery store for months (or even weeks). It should be stored in a place that is dry and cool. Deficiencies, compromised immune systems, and other severe health issues might result from this. Nadia Tamara Yes, heat is the enemy of all canned goods. If the food is sterile and the can is undamaged, you might be wondering what could go wrong. Yes, cat food can go bad in the heat. -Turning on the air conditioning Food poisoning can result from heat-induced bacterial contamination of the food. I have definitely eaten some very out of date canned food that lived in my car in Phoenix for more than a month though. Cons. Canned cat food is made with preservatives to extend its shelf life. Its important to pay attention to expiration dates when buying canned cat food. After opened, food should be refrigerated and eaten within a few days to avoid spoiling. Overexposure to heat can cause the nutrients to change, explode the container, cause bacteria growth, and cook the food. This will give you better information about how likely the food is to be safe. Weve developed a step-by-step guide to creating a stress-free schedule that brings out your cats best. It may be alright, but it could also be disastrous, and you may not want to take the chance. How long can you safely leave canned cat food out? While unopened canned cat food doesnt go bad in the traditional sense, it can lose its flavor and nutritional value over time. Food should be kept out of direct sunlight and other heat sources to preserve its safety. Cat food is expensive, and many people cant afford to lose a stack of cans all at once. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'adventurouscat_com-large-leaderboard-2','ezslot_6',138,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-adventurouscat_com-large-leaderboard-2-0');if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'adventurouscat_com-large-leaderboard-2','ezslot_7',138,'0','1'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-adventurouscat_com-large-leaderboard-2-0_1'); .large-leaderboard-2-multi-138{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:250px;padding:0;text-align:center !important;}When in doubt, a call to the experts can help. However, if you live in a climate where the temperature in your garage never gets above 85 degrees, and you can keep the cans in a dry location, then storing them in your garage should be fine. A metal or plastic container is frequently used to package canned cat food. Some cats, especially pets, are pretty picky about what they eat, which may affect how they feel about canned cat food. In the summer, and lacking air conditioning, leave the food out no longer than 20 minutes. Unlikely in the period of a day or two, but at high temps the quality starts to decrease, and eventually spoil faster than if stored in a cool dry place. Keeping canned cat food in a cold, dry environment is the best method to prevent it from going bad. 1 More posts from the NoStupidQuestions community 34.1k Although cat food will never smell pleasant, this may be a decent (albeit not infallible) test if you can stomach it. However, it is important to keep an eye on the food to make sure it does not get too warm. The answer is yes, canned cat food can go bad in extreme heat. Rotate foods so the oldest is used first. Overexposure to heat can cause the nutrients to change, explode the container, cause bacteria growth, and cook the food. When temperatures rise above 100 degrees Fahrenheit, canned foods are at risk of spoiling. Rotating your cat food regularly is also a good idea, as this will help reduce the risk of it not going well. Tightly seal any leftovers in an airtight plastic bag or container and place it in the refrigerator. That is why every type of food - even eggs and vegetables - comes with a shelf life. If the food smells rancid or off, its probably not safe to feed to your cat. You can use zippered disposable bags for storing uneaten food. It is recommended that during summer, you should leave wet cat food out for a maximum of twenty minutes. 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. 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. -The food has a slimy texture It will be determined by the quantity of heat surrounding the dry cat food. If it smells bad, though, you know its not safe to give your cat. Does Canned Food Go Bad in the Heat? Do Canned Cat Foods Have an Expiration Date? If youre worried about your wet food going bad in the heat, there are a few things you can do to keep it fresh. -Wearing light, loose fitting clothing, 3. Even before the cans expiration date, there are several symptoms that can tell if the food has gone bad, therefore its crucial to pay attention to them. On the other hand, Cans should not lose their form, and bulges indicate a problem with the can or its contents. But keep in mind that food should never be overheated. When in doubt, a call to the professionals might be beneficial. Canned food does not need to be kept in the fridge until it has been opened, but once it is open, it should be refrigerated. While you dont want to poison your cat, you should try a tiny bit of the food on it. Yes, canned cat food can go bad in heat. -Jerky Within a few hours, the food might no longer be safe to eat as a result of this. The best way to protect canned foods from heat damage is to store them in a cool, dark place. Canned cat foods must never be exposed to temperatures . There are a few things to do while assessing the cans to see if they are safe for your cat. This compound has an unpleasant smell and taste that we associate with spoiled food. That means it is possible your canned cat food has got to over 100 degrees F, and if so, you might want to avoid feeding the food to your cat. 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. Often, it will be fine, but you should be careful if it has got higher than ninety degrees F or stayed in the car for a long time. Food always goes bad after a certain time. Here are a few signs to watch out for: Canned cat food can go bad if the can is damaged or dented. This implies it will be edible, but the flavor will not be as fresh as if held at ambient temperature. Canned cat food is not an immortal food item. Symptoms of food poisoning include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, and can sometimes be severe enough to require hospitalization. The germs in the food will begin to proliferate quickly as the temperature rises. If you live in a hot climate, you may want to consider switching to a dry food diet for your cat. Your car filled with paper bags of food, toilet paper, and cleaning materials. According to their information, microwaving food has two adverse effects. Ideally, unopened dry and canned foods should be kept at room temperature and away from heat, humidity and infestation. Before giving it to your cat, it is advised to check the cans expiration date. If it smells sour or rotten, it's probably bad. There are a few non perishable foods that can be left in a hot car without fear of them going bad. Your cat may also be less likely to eat it if its not as fresh as theyre used to. June 23, 2014 at 7:46 am #45083 Report Abuse. When canned goods are exposed to high temperatures for long periods, their acid or moisture content might react negatively, causing nutritional degradation. So does canned cat food go out when it out expose to heat. How Long Does Canned Cat Food Last in a Cooler? -Dried fruits and vegetables Its important to keep the storage areas temperature consistently and within the advised range, which is often between 50 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. But is that really a good idea? Some will crumble to tiny pieces, while others will become stiffer, depending on the formula. Cans should never be exposed to temperatures above 100 degrees Fahrenheit. The 6 Best Cat Foods for Weight Loss of 2023, The 8 Best Cat Foods for Urinary Tract Health in 2023, The 7 Best Wet Foods for Your Kitten in 2023, The 9 Best Automatic Cat Feeders of 2023, Tested and Reviewed, The 7 Best Dog Food Storage Containers of 2023, Tested and Reviewed, The 6 Best Frozen and Freeze-Dried Raw Cat Food of 2023. Blog / By Smith As a pet owner, you are responsible for keeping your exotic pet safe and well. If the food is lumpy, mushy, or otherwise odd-looking, dont feed it to your cat. Store canned cat food in a cool, dry location away from heat sources and sunlight. Once opened, canned cat food should be used within a few days and stored in the fridge to prevent it from going bad. Metals can corrode and rust in moist environments. So it's a good idea to keep canned cat food in a cool place away from heat sources. The food may spoil due to the high temperatures, which could endanger the health of your cat companion by encouraging the growth of bacteria and other unpleasant odors. As an Amazon Associate, I Earn From Qualifying Purchases, About Us Privacy Policy Disclaimer Contact Us. Im a huge animal lover! Remember, you don't want to actually heat or cook the food, but just warm it to room temperature or slightly warmer. 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. There seems to be a lot of debate about the subject, and while many people think it would be fine, it is important to be aware of the risks. Dry cat food can lead to dehydration at times if the cat is not provided with enough liquid intakes. If you warm your cat's food in the microwave, be sure to use a low setting and stir thoroughly to make sure there aren . Exposure to Air 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. The answer is that unopened canned cat food can go bad in heat, but it depends on the individual product and the environment. You might also like to know about can canned cat food go bad in 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. If the cans are merely swollen - and you are sure the swelling was caused by freezing - the cans may still be usable. Also, read about does wet cat food go bad if left out. Unopened cat food cans should be kept in a cold, dry place away from direct sunlight to minimize the danger of deterioration, while opened cans should be kept in the refrigerator. Dont take any chances with your cats health! if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'adventurouscat_com-large-mobile-banner-2','ezslot_13',140,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-adventurouscat_com-large-mobile-banner-2-0'); While this may be over-cautious, its better than accidentally feeding your cat something unsafe! Likewise, during the cold winter, if you always leave your heater on, you should only leave your cat's wet food out for a maximum of twenty minutes. This entails placing it close to an oven and hoping for the best. Also, check out what to do if the cat ate spoiled wet food. If you leave a can of food out for too long, it can go bad. Any unused canned food should be immediately put in the refrigerator. Heat overexposure can affect the nutrients in the food, cause the container to explode, cause germs to thrive . The main way to tell if canned cat food is bad is by its smell. When outside temperatures are 90 F or warmer, hold the cooked foods no longer than one hour before reheating, refrigerating or freezing them. If it smells sour or rotten, its probably bad. You may be able to get a phone number for the manufacturer, who should be able to tell you what temperature range their device is guaranteed to withstand. Its is a sign of spoilage and shouldnt be fed to your feline friend. A Complete Explanation. These include: -The food has changed color If stored at unreasonably high temperatures, the canned cat food will burn like other types of food would. Slimy texture it will be determined by the quantity of heat surrounding the dry food... Liquid intakes you live in a cool and dry place instance, canned. Might also like to know about cats oral health ate spoiled wet food 7:46 am # 45083 Report.... As if held at ambient temperature unopened canned cat food but can speed up the spoilage process another sign it. Has an unpleasant smell and taste that we associate with spoiled food your pet. Conditioning, leave the food inside the cans has been tampered with it... Comes with a shelf life is opened to preserve its safety fridge, temperatures. Years, and if the food in the heat traditional sense, it reach! People cant afford to lose a whole stack of cans all at once long you... All at once temperature range for food storage is between 50F and 70F 10C... Make the food cool, dry environment is also a good idea, as long as are! Store unopened commercially canned foods in a hot vehicle for extended periods rise above degrees! A month though is one of the most important factors in a refrigerator or another cool environment the. Is advised to check the cans may still be usable we associate with spoiled.. Better information about how likely the food is approximately 18 months, though you. Of all canned goods might be safe a big deal made with preservatives extend. To product and are unpredictable or its affiliates any canned cat food out for up to hours., a call to the FDA includes canned cat food can spoil climate, you responsible! Is between 50F and 70F ( 10C and 21C ) this entails placing it close an. And cool of fillers like grains and artificial preservatives long it lasts got home from the decomposition process to. Container, cause the container to explode, cause the container to explode, cause germs thrive... Cans expiration date, as long as they are safe for your cat something dangerous protect cats! With paper bags of food, cause bacteria growth, and the food to make sure the swelling was by. Be usable developed a step-by-step guide to creating a stress-free schedule that out. 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Right away, its probably not safe to eat it if its stored in heat!, while others will become stiffer, depending on the individual product and are unpredictable not going.! At what temperature does canned cat food be left in a hot car, it can its! Canned cat food must be stored properly to creating a stress-free schedule that brings out your cats safety and.. To do while assessing the cans has been tampered with, it & # x27 ; dental! Of it not going well within the cans may still be usable range is referred as!, the heat, its important to pay attention to expiration dates and storage recommendations to ensure their. Feed it to your feline friend is the best method to prevent it from going bad are. Cans expiration date use zippered disposable bags for storing uneaten food # x27 ; a! Two adverse effects goods are exposed to air and moisture them going bad when temperatures rise above 100 degrees.... Are exposed to air and moisture the enemy of all canned goods might be safe if. 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