Since most cats enjoy munching at any time of day, dry cat food is a practical alternative. It’s also popular with pet owners since it’s less expensive, easier to prepare, and lasts longer than its wet cousin.
Dry cat food can get rotten and stale if not kept correctly and used within six months. Once the box is opened, it should be used within 14 to three weeks.
Compared to wet cat food, dry cat food decomposes far more slowly once opened. However, this does not negate the importance of properly storing it for long-term preservation.
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Does Dry Cat Food Go Bad Sitting Out?
Yes, dry cat food can go bad sitting out.
Dry cat food is a common choice for feeding our beloved four-legged pets since it is inexpensive, easy to store, and comes in various tastes and protein sources.
Even though dry food is not usually offered in greater amounts and pet stores and grocery shelves are always stocked with a variety of dry food, some of us still buy in bulk when it’s on sale.
Does dry cat food, on the other hand, go bad? And how can we keep it without compromising its quality or altering its flavor?
Dry food has traditionally been the preferred option when it comes to accessible food for their feline family members. It not only appeals to all pet owners, but it also appears to be addictive to most cats.
Dry bags are well-known for being handy and simple to feed. Some even claim to be “comprehensive and balanced.” However, it is not a nutritious diet. Do you want your cat to have a long, healthy life? It’s past time to quit providing dry food to your pets!
Any dry cat food’s “Best By” date is usually six months after manufacturing. And antioxidants and preservatives are intended to keep it fresh.
Unfortunately, even if the original package is well sealed, the preservatives might deteriorate over time into an ineffective substance.
A “Use By” date may be seen on each dry food bag, which is approximately six months after the milling date. Within these six months, dry food should be eaten. Also, unless you store these bags in the freezer before using them, you should not keep the food past the “Best By” date.
Does Dry Cat Food Expire?
Yes, dry cat food goes bad just like any other form of food or consumable, and it is not safe for your cat to eat after the expiration date.
The dry food bag’s “best by” date is usually six months after the date of manufacture. As a result, dry cat food will last for that amount of time and should be used within that time frame.
Furthermore, the expiration date is only valid if the dry cat food bag is unopened and kept at a cold temperature. It should, however, be used within 14 to three weeks after it has been opened.
You might also like to know about can canned cat food go bad in heat
How Long Does Dry Cat Food Last?
Dry cat food is still edible six months beyond the best before date.
Some pet businesses reduce the price of dry food three months before the expiration date.
Three months before the ‘Best before Date,’ dry cat food is priced down.
Though the reduced price allows you to stock up on cat food, you should know that the expiration date is approaching.
Unless you have multiple cats at home, most of this cat food will spoil before you can consume it.
The length of time dry cat food may be left out is also determined by the date it was purchased.
Before placing the goods into the checkout basket, most pet parents glance at the expiration date.
First and foremost, dry cat food should not be left out for longer than 48 hours. The oils in cat food oxidize, causing the kibble to grow stale.
If you cannot feed your cat because you are unable to be there, consider purchasing an automated cat feeder. The cat feeder may be programmed to provide your cat’s meals at particular intervals throughout the day.
You might also like to check out how long does wet cat food last
How Long Does Dry Cat Food Last In Bowl?
Dry cat food lasts about 24 hours when served in a bowl.
Although it may seem apparent, many pet parents do not clean their cat’s food dishes before providing their meals. Dry cat food should be served in clean dishes to avoid spoilage.
Bacteria on leftover kibble can contaminate the quality of the fresh kibble you offer.
Furthermore, cleaning the dish before serving does not remove all debris. Some filth may remain in the dish, lowering the kibble’s quality. Always use a scrubber and soap to clean your cat’s eating dishes. Allow the bowls to dry before feeding your cat the next meal.
Also, check out how to warm up refrigerated cat food
How Long Is Dry Cat Food Good For Unopened?
In ideal storage circumstances, an unopened dry cat food bag will last roughly six months.
Dry cat food not only provides a more varied diet for your four-legged family members (when supplemented with wet cat food), but it is also very easy to store. However, the quality and freshness of dry cat food depending on where you keep it at home once it’s opened.
Bacteria or parasite infestations are likely to occur if we do not keep dry cat food correctly. In the worst-case scenario, these dry goods may deteriorate.
Food irradiation, which destroys vitamins and causes fatty acid oxidation, resulting in rancidity, is prevalent. However, you may avoid this by simply keeping these packs of dry cat food in a cool, dry location.
The temperature must not exceed 100 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius). Meanwhile, storing these dry meals in a dry environment with high temperatures might result in vitamin degradation in the food. Food may become rotten in various cases.
Keep dry food in a dry environment for more than two days at temperatures up to 120 degrees Fahrenheit (48 degrees Celsius). The usual degradation or food nutrient destructions will greatly increase.
Also, check out is it safe to store cat food in a plastic container
How Long Does Dry Cat Food Last Once Open?
Dry cat food, once opened, will last about six weeks.
Always store your cat’s dry food in a dry environment with low temperatures, ideally less than 80 degrees Fahrenheit, to keep it fresh.
Dry cat food will soon become rancid if exposed to high temperatures since fatty acids will oxidize and vitamins will be lost. It may also cause the creation of aflatoxins, which are deadly carcinogens produced by some molds that might damage your pet.
After each meal, make sure that dry cat food is maintained in its original bag and stored in a sealed container. This is to avoid bacterial infection and preserve the product’s quality. Nutrition and flavor are also effectively retained in dry cat food that has been properly packed.
It’s also crucial to inspect the dry cat food bag or package after purchase. To guarantee that the product is sealed, make sure there are no tears or damage.
While some pet owners shift the contents to another container, dry cat food should be kept in its original bag. Pet food producers created fat barriers to keep the freshness and taste locked in.
These bags also have the “best by” date and product information, which may be useful if you want to check it out once in a while.
You might also like to read about what to do with leftover cat food
Can Dry Cat Food Go Bad In Heat?
Dry cat food does not spoil in the heat. It will keep its nutrients as long as the heat is controlled and the food does not lose its physical integrity. The cat will easily consume dry cat food that has been stored in heat.
Dry food may be left out all day, which many cat owners do. Typically, the maximum duration of time is 48 hours. However, it is a good idea to replenish the food every day so that your cat has fresh food.
It is possible to leave food out overnight. It is, nevertheless, preferable to supply dry food than wet meals. It will, however, keep for far longer than wet food if not refrigerated in regards to putting food out overnight.
Also, read about does wet cat food go bad if left out
How To Tell If Dry Cat Food Is Bad?
You can tell whether a dry cat food is bad by judging its smell.
The scent of stale, dry cat food is sour, strong, or rotting. If the dry cat food has been exposed to moisture, you may detect mold or bugs on it. If your cat becomes ill or uncomfortable after eating the food, the food has likely gone rotten.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do you do with expired dry cat food?
If you buy food over its “Best By” date, return it to the shop right away and receive a new bag. Many experts will tell you that feeding your cat dry cat food three months over its “Best By” date is fine.
How do you keep dry cat food fresh?
To remove remaining fat and crumbs from the storage container’s surfaces, wash and dry it between completing one bag of kibble and filling it with another. Dry pet food and unopened canned food should be kept cool, and dry. The temperature should not exceed 80 degrees Fahrenheit.
Should you warm up refrigerated cat food?
Warming up chilled cat food is acceptable, especially if your kitty is a fussy eater. On the other hand, heating wet cat food might diminish its moisture content, lowering the nutritional value of the product. This problem can be avoided by slightly warming the meal.
Final Words
Most cats prefer dry cat food or kibbles because they may graze on it at any time, and it is easier to serve and store for pet owners. It should be stored in a tightly-sealed container and kept dry and cold to retain the taste and quality.
Dry cat food spoils once the expiration date has passed, and once opened, it must be consumed within 14 days to three weeks.
