If you decide that wet food is the best option for your cat, it is very important to store the food in a safe place. Wet food that has expired, hasn't been stored properly, or has been exposed to the open air for too long can be harmful to your cat's health. To properly store wet food, put opened food cans in the refrigerator, store unopened food in a dry place, and don't make storage mistakes so that your cat gets healthy food every time.
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Method 1 of 2: Storing Opened Wet Food in the Fridge
Step 1. Store leftover wet food in an airtight container
If you didn't use all of the cat food that came in the box, put the leftovers in an airtight container after opening. Do not leave wet food exposed to room temperature for too long. A plastic container with an airtight lid can be used.
Step 2. Discard wet food that has not been stored for 4 hours
Even if there is leftover food, don't give it to the cat after it has been sitting for a long time. Discard wet food that has been exposed to the open air for 4 hours because the food may have been contaminated with bacteria.
Step 3. Store the airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days
Place an airtight container in the refrigerator. Ideally, the refrigerator temperature should be at 4°C. Discard wet food stored for more than 5 days.
Step 4. Find out if leftovers can be frozen
Alternatively, you can also store wet cat food in the freezer. First, check the packaging to see if there is a warning against freezing the food. If not, divide the food into smaller portions. This way, you can melt the cat food as needed. Even if cat food will last longer in the freezer, it's best to use up leftovers within a month.
Step 5. Store opened cat food in the refrigerator for up to 5 days
Some types of wet food are sold in cans, but you can also buy frozen cat food. These foods should be stored in the refrigerator as soon as possible after they are purchased. If you buy these foods, store them in the refrigerator after opening, up to 5 days.
If you haven't opened the food packaging yet, you can keep it until the expiration date stated
Step 6. Mix frozen food with warm water before serving
Cats usually don't like to eat cold food. Mix a little warm water into the food. This will heat the food without making it too hot for the cat to eat.
Step 7. Do not mix new and old food
Do not mix old cat food with freshly opened food. Even if both are safe for cats to eat, you could accidentally contaminate their new food. Serve opened food first and don't unpack new food until you use or throw away the previous one.
Method 2 of 2: Storing Unopened Cat Food
Step 1. Check the date “should be used before
…” on cat food packaging. If unopened, canned cat food can usually be stored for a long time. However, make sure you check the expiration date before feeding your cat any food. Throw away food that is past its expiration date even if you just bought it.
If you bought an expired can of cat food, you can try asking the seller for a refund or exchanging it
Step 2. Store cat food in a dry and cool place
Do not store cat food in a temperature higher than 38°C. Excess heat and humidity can cause food degradation. Store food in a safe place away from sunlight or water. Ideally, store the food packaging in the cupboard or on the kitchen shelf.
You can store food in a very cold place. This will not spoil the food
Step 3. Discard any damaged containers or food
Even if you store food properly, first check the condition of the storage container. If the packaging looks torn, it's best to throw the food away. You should also throw away any containers containing moldy or runny cat food.
Step 4. Keep the food in its original packaging
It is best to leave food in its original packaging until it is ready to use. After opening food packaging and transferring it to an airtight container, do not throw away the original packaging. The packaging contains the information needed if the food brand you are using is withdrawn by the manufacturer.
