Storing cat food properly keeps it safe, tasty and nutritious. Food that’s stored badly can go stale, lose vitamins, grow mold or bacteria and attract pests, and many cats will simply refuse it. Here’s how to store wet, dry and raw cat food, and how long it keeps once opened.
How to Store Wet Cat Food
Unopened Cans and Pouches
Store unopened cans, pouches and trays in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight, and use them before the “best by” date. Don’t use cans that are swollen, leaking, rusty or badly dented.
Opened Wet Food
- Once opened, wet food should be covered and refrigerated (at 40°F/4°C or below) and used within 2–3 days, or according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Cover opened cans with a pet food can lid or plastic wrap, or move the food into a clean, airtight container.
- Don’t leave wet food in your cat’s bowl for more than about 2–4 hours at room temperature, and less in hot weather. Throw away anything your cat hasn’t eaten.
- Many cats don’t like cold food straight from the fridge. Let it come to room temperature for a few minutes, or mix in a little warm water. Don’t microwave food in the can or pouch, and stir it well to avoid hot spots if you do warm it.
Can You Freeze Wet Cat Food?
Most manufacturers don’t recommend freezing canned or pouch food, as it can change the texture and some cats won’t eat it afterwards. If you do freeze leftovers, portion them, thaw them in the fridge and use them within a day of thawing. Never refreeze thawed food.
How to Store Dry Cat Food
- Keep dry food in its original bag. The bag is designed to protect the food, and it shows the batch number and “best by” date, which you’ll need if there’s ever a recall.
- Roll down and clip the bag after each use, or put the whole bag inside an airtight container. If you pour kibble directly into a container, wash and dry it thoroughly before refilling, because fats in the food leave a residue that can go rancid.
- Store it in a cool, dry place, not in a hot garage, a damp basement or next to the stove.
- Once opened, use dry food within about 4–6 weeks. If you have one cat, it’s better to buy smaller bags than large ones that will go stale.
- Don’t top up the bowl with fresh food over old food. Empty, wash and refill it regularly.
How to Store Raw and Fresh Food
Raw and fresh refrigerated foods need the most care. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions exactly: keep them frozen or refrigerated, thaw in the fridge, never on the counter, and use them within the time stated on the pack. Handle them like raw meat for people: wash your hands, bowls and surfaces thoroughly afterwards. Read more about the risks of raw food.
Throw food away if it smells unusual, looks moldy, has changed color or texture, or has bugs in it. If your cat becomes ill after eating a food, keep the packaging and contact your vet and the manufacturer. In the US, you can report problems with pet food to the FDA; in the UK, to your local Trading Standards office.
Food Bowls and Hygiene
- wash food bowls after every wet meal and dry food bowls at least daily;
- choose stainless steel, ceramic or glass bowls, which are easier to keep clean than plastic;
- keep food away from the litter box;
- wash your hands after handling pet food, especially raw food.
Read more: what to feed a cat.
