Tips for Safe Cat Food Storage: A Guide by Jackie Brown, Reviewed by Emily Oliver, CVT
Maintaining the freshness and nutritional value of your cat's food is essential for their health and wellbeing. Here are some recommended practices for storing both dry and canned cat food.
For unopened dry cat food, keep bags in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. To protect from pests, moisture, and air exposure, store them inside airtight containers such as specialized pet food storage bins or airtight plastic containers. This helps to preserve the nutrients and freshness of the food over time [1][3].
Once you've opened a bag of dry cat food, it's crucial to transfer the food immediately to an airtight container with a secure seal, such as a POP Container or a snap-tight lid storage bin. Avoid storing the food in the original bag once opened, unless it is folded well and placed inside an airtight container. Store the container in a cool, dry area for optimum preservation of nutrients and flavor [1][3].
Canned cat food should be stored in a cool, dry place at room temperature, away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures. Canned food usually has a long shelf life if unopened. Once opened, transfer leftover food to a covered airtight container and refrigerate. Do not store unused food in the can once opened because metal exposure can affect flavor and safety. Use refrigerated opened canned food within 2-3 days to ensure freshness and nutrient retention [1][3].
Avoid excess heat or humidity as they promote spoilage and nutrient loss. Use airtight containers designed for pet food; these often feature easy seals and scoops for convenience and better freshness retention [1][3]. Feeding your cat at scheduled times rather than free feeding reduces exposure time of food to air and pests, maintaining freshness [2].
Additional tips include washing your hands thoroughly after handling food or treats and wiping down kitchen counters or any surface your cat's food has come into contact with. If you use a measuring scoop to portion out your cat's dry food, wash and dry it at least a few times a week. After finishing a can of wet cat food, place plastic can lid covers in the dishwasher or hand wash with hot, soapy water.
Remember, unopened cat food does not stay fresh forever; do not feed food that is past its expiration or "best by" date. Cans of cat food should be sealed tight, and not appear swollen or bulging [1][3].
In summary, the key practice is to use airtight containers and maintain storage in a cool, dry environment for both dry and canned cat food, with special care after opening to prevent nutrient degradation and spoilage. Refrigeration is necessary for opened canned food to preserve its quality. These steps combined help maximize the food's freshness, nutritional value, and appeal to your cat [1][3].
Incorporating proper storage methods for pet health is essential, including airtight containers for both dry and canned cat food. This includes specialized pet food storage bins, POP Containers, or snap-tight lid storage bins, which help preserve the food's nutrients and freshness [1][3]. Moreover, in a pet-loving lifestyle, maintaining a clean home-and-garden environment also involves regular cleaning of storage containers and surfaces that have come into contact with pet food to prevent contamination and preserve the food's quality [2].
