Yes, both dry cat food/kibble and canned cat food can go bad. In direct sun, with a sealed interior, cars can get extremely warm indeed. 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. Canned cat food should never be put in the oven! There are a few ways that you can stay cool in a hot car. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. If the food smells rancid or off, its probably not safe to feed to your cat. You might also like to know about can canned cat food go bad in heat. You might also like to check out how long does wet cat food last. 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. And when it comes to temperature, few things are more dangerous than leaving food out in a hot car. Yes, you can put canned cat food in the refrigerator, and doing so after opening the can is actually advised. Remember that if the cans have been in the car for many days, the warmest day should be used as a reference because it is most likely to have spoiled the food. -The food has a strange odor Its a good idea to check your cars temperature if you can. As a result, the food may have an unappealing flavor, aroma, or texture. Please enable JavaScript in your browser to submit the form. Temperatures over 100 degrees F are harmful to canned foods. These include: -The food has changed color A basement or pantry is ideal. The three main telltale signs of food spoilage are easy enough to spot. Discard any uneaten food after two or three days of refrigeration. Generally speaking, however, canned cat food can last up to six months if stored properly in a cool, dry place away from heat sources. Keeping canned cat food in a cold, dry environment is the best method to prevent it from going bad. The canned cat food is definitely bad if the can has started bulging out and the food smells awful. Ultimately, feeding your cat good quality canned cat food is an investment in their overall health and well-being. There are a few things to consider when deciding whether or not to store canned food in a hot garage. There are many health dangers associated with feeding your cat unwholesome canned cat chow. The short answer is no, it is not safe to leave canned food in a hot car. On the other hand, Sealed canned products can withstand temperatures of above 140 degrees Fahrenheit (60 degrees Celsius) for two hours outside. But, its unlikely to happen and its not really a big deal if it does. Its all too easy to leave something in the car after a trip to the shop, and if youve recently discovered some canned cat food, you might be wondering if you should feed it to your cat or whether you should throw it out and purchase some new food. 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. Diet, which frequently includes canned cat food, is one of the most important factors in a cats health. However, if you leave it in a warm garage or other hot environment, the food will spoil and should be thrown away. The risk of spoilage jumps sharply as storage temperatures rise. So does canned cat food go out when it out expose to heat. We were used to just grabbing a bag or a can of food and pouring it in a bowl - so this new need for preparation was different. Heat can cause fats and oils to go rancid and cause vitamins and minerals to break down. If you think your cats canned food has gone bad (or if you just want to be safe), throw it out and buy new food for your pet. Alternatively, phone your veterinarian and inquire about the foods suitability. Yes, canned cat food can get bad in the heat. The cat did not like it. This website is for informational purposes only. Canned cat food typically has a shelf life of two to five years. This pertains to human canned food rather than cat food, but its an excellent benchmark to use when prioritizing your cats health and ensuring that its food is safe. Canned food is safe to eat because its sealed in an airtight container. 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. This is one of the ways that canned cat food can spoil. Now you know that canned food can explode if left in a hot car, but its not a big deal. Contact the pet food manufacturer to find out their recommendations for how long the food can still be fed once opened and placed in the refrigerator. In the cannery, canned food is exposed to higher temperatures than in a hot car. 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. In this post, well look at how heat affects canned cat food and offer advice on storing it to stay nutritious and secure for your feline friend. That said, its important to keep an eye on your kitty to make sure theyre not overeating. 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. 2 Canned food shipped - Dog Food Advisor; Over time, these free radicals accumulate in the body and cause chronic diseases like cancer and heart disease. Temperatures over 100 F are harmful to canned foods, and the risk of spoilage jumps sharply as storage temperatures rise. -Nuts If youre wondering how long can cat food be kept in the pantry, its best to follow the expiration date on the bag or can. Cat food is never going to smell nice, but if you can stomach it, this may be a good (although not foolproof) test. One of the main signs of spoilage in canned cat food is a change in color or texture. This is a fundamental shift that will be visible in canned cat food that has been stored in heat. Canned Food Go Bad In A Hot Car: Yes Find Out Why. Over time, exposure to intense temperatures will make the food go bad. This will guarantee that the cat chow matures properly and remains appetizing. 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). Its not worth taking the risk of making your cat sick. Canned cat food is a common choice for pet owners but can go bad if not stored properly. Accidents happen. When Canned Goods Go Bad. Check the expiration dates before making a purchase. Tightly seal any leftovers in an airtight plastic bag or container and place it in the refrigerator. If the food gets too warm, it may start to smell bad or look discolored. It will be determined by the quantity of heat surrounding the dry cat food. If your cat suddenly decides that she doesnt like the canned food youve been feeding her, you may be wondering if its still safe to eat. Does Canned Cat Food Go Bad In Heat Dangerous temperatures are anything over 90F (32C). In addition to being gross, rancid foods are also unhealthy because they contain free radicals (chemicals that damage cells in our bodies). If your pet shows signs of discomfort or illness after eating the food, its also probably bad. Canned cat food is susceptible to spoilage if it is not stored properly. The thermophilic, or heating-triggered, pathogens vary from product to product and are unpredictable. The label will state whether the product must be refrigerated after opening or not. I turn them after 10 to 15 minutes. That's why it's important to store canned food in a cool, dry place. Canned cat food generally has a shelf life of about two years, although this can vary depending on the specific brand and type of food. Verify the date of expiration: Before buying the can and once more before giving it to your cat, be sure to check the expiration date. And, if the temperature outside is over 90 degrees, you should only leave food in the car for an hour. Remove any cans that are clearly open due to a fracture or that have bulged and warped, as they may be broken in ways you cant see. How long can you use canned cat food after the expiration date? You rushed out of your car while holding everything you bought from the grocery store. As a pet owner, you are responsible for keeping your exotic pet safe and well. If it smells sour or rotten, it's probably bad. . For instance, low-quality canned cat food frequently contains a lot of fillers like grains and artificial preservatives. Obviously, that refers to the canned food that people eat rather than cat food, but its a good standard to set to prioritize your cats health and make sure that its food is okay. Canned cat food can go bad in heat. -Jerky 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! If you want to avoid these diseases, its important to keep your diet as healthy as possible by avoiding foods with high levels of free radicals. This can invoke other health problems such as urinary tract infection and kidney problems. Canned cat food is not an immortal food item. A can wont literally explode in your vehicle, making a huge mess. Will It Upset Their Stomach? Blog / By Smith As a pet owner, you are responsible for keeping your exotic pet safe and well. The majority of companies will have the information on their websites. 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. So always try to heat it just for a few seconds. Bacteria will start to grow on it and make it go bad. 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. Find out more about my story, Your email address will not be published. If the food is lumpy or has changed texture, its probably not safe to eat. Storing it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat sources is important to ensure that your cat food doesnt go bad in the heat. If you leave a can of food out for too long, it can go 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. Do you still have any queries related to cats or want to share some experiences with your feline friend, why don't you join us on Facebook with other cat lovers? Store your cats food in a cool, dry location away from heat sources and direct sunshine to preserve its safety and quality. Keep food storage in a climate-controlled . The heat can cause the cans to swell and burst, which can be dangerous for your cat. If the canned cat food has a strange texture, its probably gone bad. *Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates. Heres everything you need to know about keeping your cats food fresh and safe, no matter the temperature. The ideal temperature range for food storage is between 50F and 70F (10C and 21C). This is most likely a sign that the can is no longer properly sealed, allowing bacteria to infiltrate the food. 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. Cans frozen accidentally, such as those left in a car or basement in sub-zero temperatures, can present health problems. At prolonged storage temperatures above 75 F, nutrient loss in canned foods increases. The absolute maximum under optimum temperature would be around 30 minutes. Low-acid canned foods (canned peas . But is that really a good idea? A meticulous researcher and editor with 17 years of fact-checking experience, Cherisse Harris reviews articles at The Spruce Pets for factual accuracy and consistency. If the temperature gets too high, the food can spoil and cause illness in your cat. Yes, cat food can go bad in the heat. How Long are Canned Goods Safe in the Heat? You might be surprised to learn that canned cat food can be left out for up to four hours, according to the FDA. Finally, you can heat cat refrigerated cat food simply by leaving it out on the side. Franny Syufy is a cat expert with over two decades of experience writing about feline anatomy and medical conditions. However, cans should not lose their shape, and bulges are an indication that something is wrong with the can and its contents. For example, does extreme heat exposure cause a problem with canned food? During my free time, I love reading a book on my kindle, biking, kayaking, and just enjoying life! Cats are finicky eaters, and often their food preferences can change on a whim. Food can degrade more quickly under hot temperatures. If at all possible, storing the food in a refrigerator or another cool environment is also a wise move. Its important to keep the storage areas temperature consistently and within the advised range, which is often between 50 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. 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. Itll be charred to a crisp! 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. The best way to protect canned foods from heat damage is to store them in a cool, dark place. It may be alright, but it could also be disastrous, and you may not want to take the chance. Ideally, unopened dry and canned foods should be kept at room temperature and away from heat, humidity and infestation. Meat spoils quickly, and if the food within the cans has been tampered with, it may emit a foul odor. If canned foods are stored at temperatures above 75 degrees F for a long time, the nutrients in the food will decrease. Video Does canned cat food go bad in heat. In fact, it is not uncommon for canned cat food to spoil if the container has been left opened for an extended period without being refrigerated. Yes, dry cat food can go bad in heat. But how can you tell if canned cat food is bad? 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. Most canned cat foods are safe to eat after their expiration date, as long as they are stored properly. While canned cat food that has been stored in heat can still be consumed, the aftertaste may be unpleasant to the cat. No, it would be best not to leave cat food cans in a hot car. The hotter the temperature, the greater the risk of spoilage. Canned foods are designed to be shelf-stable for long periods of time, but heat can accelerate the degradation process. So, there you have it: everything you need to know about keeping your cats wet food fresh in hot weather. If you live in a hot climate, you may want to consider switching to a dry food diet for your cat. The second is the texture. Susan also participates in affiliate programs with Clickbank, CJ, ShareASale, and other sites. As a cat lover, you may have been wondering if its safe to leave canned wet food out in hot weather. For example, if you have a pantry, keeping cat food cans on the pantry floor might work. However, depending on the type of food, preservatives used, and storage conditions, this may change. The length of time you can leave canned cat food out depends on room temperature. In the heat, dry cat food does not spoil. These include: -Cracking the windows Writer and Mommy of 3 furr babies: Heat overexposure can affect the nutrients in the food, cause the container to explode, cause germs to thrive . Deficiencies, compromised immune systems, and other severe health issues might result from this. Heat can degrade vitamins and minerals and turn fats and oils rancid. How long are canned goods safe in the heat? While you dont want to poison your cat, you should try a tiny bit of the food on it. Although cat food will never smell pleasant, this may be a decent (albeit not infallible) test if you can stomach it. Ideally, you shouldnt store cans anywhere that they might be exposed to extreme temperatures, so a garage or shed is not a great place either. AskMyCats.com does not intend to provide veterinary advice. 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. It's recommended to only leave dry cat food out for a limited time, such as a few hours, and to store it in an airtight container when not in use. Do Canned Cat Foods Have an Expiration Date? If it smells bad, though, you know its not safe to give your cat. Higher Temperatures Canned goods that remain in temperatures above 70 degrees F for extended periods are prone to loss of nutrients and overall food quality. This is a question that we get asked a lot, and its one that weve seen a lot of people wondering about online. In the winter, if the heater is on or the food is in a warm kitchen, this same 20-minute limit would apply. Most importantly, it depends on how long ago the can was opened. Its worth checking it out with a thermometer for yourself, but a car may reach 100 degrees Fahrenheit in the summer, even if the temperature outside does not reach that level. What Makes a Good Recipe for Lobster Dishes? So, to be safe, always store canned food in a cool, dry place. Remember, you don't want to actually heat or cook the food, but just warm it to room temperature or slightly warmer. Required fields are marked *. The answer depends on several factors. I have definitely eaten some very out of date canned food that lived in my car in Phoenix for more than a month though. Seal an open bag of cat kibble as tightly as you can to reduce the . Can Cat Food Be Microwaved? Your cat may also be less likely to eat it if its not as fresh as theyre used to. 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. Does Canned Food Go Bad in the Heat? -The food has a slimy texture 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. Bad canned cat food can be insanely risky to your cats health and cause food poisoning, vomiting, diarrhea, and other gastrointestinal issues. In fact, one study found that pasta sauce left in a hot car for just two hours contained over 10,000 times the safe limit of bacteria. Dry cat food can go bad if left out for too long, especially if it's exposed to moisture or heat. After this time, its important to discard the food as it may have gone bad. What are some signs that a food has gone bad?. Cat food cans should not be left in a hot car, no. Additionally, According to the FDA, bacteria that can cause food-borne illnesses double every 20 minutes, even at room temperature. It is not a good idea to feed expired food to cats. What happens if your cat food is exposed to heat as the temperature rises? Canned dog food can spoil easily, especially when left in a hot car. Heres a more detailed explanation: canned food is sealed in a can, which means that there is no oxygen inside the can. Food should be kept out of direct sunlight and other heat sources to preserve its safety. However, if it smells terrible, you will know it isnt safe to feed your cat. 1. Any cat or dog food . Is It Safe To Warm Up Cat Food? Opened cans should be stored in the fridge, at temperatures between 40-45F, for a maximum of 5-7 days. You must also know how to properly store dry cat food to maintain its nutritional content. And if youre taking canned food with you on a trip, be sure to pack it in a cooler with ice packs to keep it cool. Buying the right amount of canned cat food: To avoid the food going bad or acquiring bacteria, just purchase what your cat will actually eat within a few days. How Much Wet Food to Feed a Cat Every Day. Bacterial Growth and Contamination Exposing canned cat food to excessive heat poses a significant risk as it can cause bacteria to grow and multiply. Read more in detail here: can dry dog food go bad in a hot car. Dry cat food can lead to dehydration at times if the cat is not provided with enough liquid intakes. Contact your veterinarian for any medical questions. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1250243/, https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0377840116309257, Runny Cat Nose: Causes, Symptoms, and Remedies, Why Does My Cat Have A Dry Nose? Im a huge animal lover! Canned cat food does not go bad in heat, but it can start to spoil if it is not stored properly. Can canned cat food go bad in heat? If you live in a warmer climate, its important to keep an eye on your dogs food. Canned cat food can go bad just like any other food. Your pets have no way to tell you if the food has gone bad, so you are the ones who must be careful about what you feed your fur babies. Once opened, canned cat food should be refrigerated immediately with an airtight lid until consumed within 1 to 2 days. The main way to tell if canned cat food is bad is by its smell. Another concern is the storage temperature. The best option is in a cool, dark place. The food may spoil or lose its nutritious value if the temperature is too high or changes too much. Canned cat food that smells bad is a sure sign that its gone bad. Do try to store your food in the coolest possible location, however. Here are the top best Does canned cat food go bad in heat public topics and compiled by our team. If youre unsure whether or not your cat food is safe to eat, its always best to err on the side of caution and throw it out. And when food is left in a hot car, it can reach those temperatures very quickly. Canned cat food shouldnt be left in a hot vehicle for extended periods. 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. Canned cat food is an excellent choice for picky eaters because it is frequently more tasty than dry food. If youve ever found yourself wondering can canned cat food, go bad in heat?, the answer is yes! 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 . Your dog will thank you for it! Depending on the brand and particular product, canned cat food may have a shorter or longer shelf life. In the winter, if the heater is on or the food is in a warm kitchen, this same 20-minute limit would apply. The best time for storing canned cat food is when its still sealed, but once thats done theres not much else you can do to prolong its shelf life. In the summer, and lacking air conditioning, leave the food out no longer than 20 minutes. According to the FDA , the ideal storage temperature should be no more than 100 degrees Fahrenheit. As a cat lover, I founded Catcoast to spread knowledge about all things feline. The answer depends on several factors including type of canned food (wet vs dry), length of time opened, and amount of heat/sunlight exposure. Alternatively, give your vet a call and ask their advice on whether the food will be okay. Nadia Tamara Yes, heat is the enemy of all canned goods. Once the storage temperature rises, the risk of food spoilage jumps sharply. Its critical to get the right cat food for your cat, but thats only one thing to consider. When temperatures rise above 100 degrees Fahrenheit, canned foods are at risk of spoiling. Franny has also authored two books on cat care. It is usually preferable to err on the side of caution and throw away any canned cat food you feel may be rotten. And thats not just because of spoilage; if you leave cat food out too long and it goes bad, your pet could get sick. Some cats, especially pets, are pretty picky about what they eat, which may affect how they feel about canned cat food. This can affect the dishs flavor, fragrance, and overall quality. If youre gone for more than four hours, youll need to either refrigerate the food or throw it out. Susan is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies. #20. Like all canned foods, canned cat food can become rancid and develop mold if you leave it out for too long. It might be fine, but it might not, and you may not wish to take the risk. After opened, food should be refrigerated and eaten within a few days to avoid spoiling. Canned cat food is typically made of a combination of proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients. She has fact-checked articles for multiple publications, including InStyle Magazine, Refinery29, The New York Times, Seventeen, and Details. So, we decided to address it in our blog. If the food is lumpy, mushy, or otherwise odd-looking, dont feed it to your cat. An excellent way to heat it up is to add a bit of warm water or low-sodium chicken stock and stir to warm up the food. Good idea to check out how long are canned goods safe in the fridge at. Minerals and turn fats and oils to go rancid and develop mold if you a! Ideal temperature range for food storage is between 50F and 70F ( 10C and )! 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