How to tell if wet cat food is bad

How to Tell If Cat Food Has Gone Bad: Vet Reviewed Tips

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It would be convenient for our wallets if the food we feed our cats would last forever without spoiling, but unfortunately, this isnt the case. Your cats food, just like your own, will go bad after some time. Feeding your kitty spoiled food can cause food poisoning, so its good to familiarize yourself with the signs of food that has gone off.

Read on to learn how to tell if your cats food has gone bad and how to properly store the food to expand its shelf life.

Tips For Storing Dry Cat Food

• Store dry food in its original packaging so you can have the UPC code, lot numbers, and best by dates easily accessible.
• If storing dry food in another container, ensure the lid fits tightly to preserve freshness.
• Wash any storage containers between bags.
• Store dry food in a cool, dry place.

How to Tell If Dry Cat Food Has Gone Bad

One of the best things about feeding your cat dry food is that it has a long shelf life. Though your bag can last for months, it can still go bad and may make your cat sick if you feed the rancid food to them.

1. Visual Inspection

One of the easiest ways to determine if your cats dry food has gone bad is to evaluate its appearance. Do not feed your pet if it looks different than usual. It could be slightly off-colored or even growing mold.

2. Smell Changes

Another easy way to tell if the food is bad is by smelling it. If youve been feeding your cat the same kibble for some time, you know what it is supposed to smell like. Any deviations from this scent could mean that its gone off.

3. Expiration or Best By Dates

We also recommend looking at the expiration or best-by date on the packaging to determine if its passed its time. If its getting close to its expiration date and is also not smelling or looking as it usually does, get rid of it.

4. Texture Changes

If the food feels different in your hands than usual, it could be spoiled. For example, spoiled dry food can feel harder than usual or even soft and mushy. If its hard, it may have lost what little moisture dry food contains, becoming stale in the process. If its mushy, it may be contaminated with mold or bacteria.

5. Package Integrity

If the package is perforated or torn and you are not sure when this happened, discard it entirely. Damaged packages will allow air and bacteria to reach the dry food, exposing it to oxidation and contamination. Food in a damaged package will most likely go off well before its expiry date.

Tips For Storing Canned Cat Food

• Keep your cats canned food in a cool, dry place away from direct heat sources and sunlight.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge.
• Discard unused leftovers after five days.
• Discard opened food after two hours.
• Discard damaged cans.

How to Tell If Wet Cat Food Has Gone Bad

Wet food can spoil much faster than dry food as its high water content makes its shelf life much shorter. Canned food can go bad for many of the same reasons human food can spoil. For example, exposure to air can cause bacteria growth, and high moisture levels in the air can breed mold.

There are several ways to tell if your cats wet food has gone bad.

1. Cats Interest Level

Most cats will devour wet food without giving it a second thought. If your kitty typically eats its wet food with great enthusiasm but is now suddenly turning its nose up at it, that could be a pretty good indicator that something is up. But, of course, this can also indicate a health issue with your cat, so its not always the best determinant of food freshness.

2. Smell Changes

Theres a good chance the food has gone off if it smells different from usual or straight up smells rotten or sour. This may be more difficult to determine with wet food than dry food, as canned food typically already has a strong scent.

3. Visual Inspection

You can also determine a foods freshness by evaluating its color and appearance. For example, is the food typically dark brown, but now its noticeably lighter? Or are there streaks of other colors in it that arent usually present? This could indicate contamination, so its best to get rid of it just in case.

4. Sound of Can Opening

Every cat can hear the sound of a can opening from a mile away. If you pull the tab on your cats food and it doesnt make the tell-tale sound, its a good indicator that the seal was broken, and bacteria could be growing inside.

5. Can Condition

If the can is swollen, rusted, or dented, discard it entirely. Bulging or swollen cans may result from contamination from the gas that bacteria produce. A dented can could result from a broken seal, potentially exposing your cats food to bacteria like Clostridial, which could cause botulism.

Final Thoughts

Now that you know how to tell if your cats dry or wet food has gone bad and how to store both wet and dry food properly, you shouldnt have to worry much about feeding your beloved kitty spoiled food. Its a good idea to keep your eyes, nose, and ears open when serving your pet meals so you can pick up on any subtle hint that the food has gone off.

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Featured Image Credit: New Africa, Shutterstock

How can you tell if wet cat food is bad?

As a cat parent, we want nothing but the best for our feline friends. Wet cat food is a popular choice among pet owners as it provides essential nutrients and hydration for our furry companions. However, what happens when this seemingly wholesome meal turns bad? How can you tell if your cats wet food has gone bad, and what are the risks associated with feeding it to your beloved pet?

If youve ever opened a can of wet cat food and recoiled at the pungent aroma emanating from it, youre not alone. Its crucial to know the tell-tale signs of spoiled wet cat food to prevent any health issues that may arise from feeding it to your fur baby. Look out for mold or discoloration, an odd texture, and a foul odor these are all indicators that the food has gone bad.

Feeding your cat expired wet food can lead to dire consequences such as vomiting, diarrhea or even food poisoning. As responsible pet owners, we must be vigilant in ensuring our cats safety by checking the quality of their meals.

In this blog post, well delve into detail on how to identify spoiled wet cat food, the potential hazards of feeding it to your pet and ways to avoid such scenarios. So sit tight and read on to learn how you can keep your feline friend healthy and contented.

What Is Wet Cat Food?

Let me be your guide. Wet cat food, also known as canned cat food, is a moist type of food that comes in cans or pouches. This type of food is ideal for cats who have difficulty drinking enough water, as it contains a higher percentage of moisture than dry cat food.

Wet cat food is made from a variety of ingredients like meat, fish, vegetables, and grains. These ingredients are cooked and blended together to create a homogeneous mixture that is then packed into cans or pouches. Some wet cat foods are specifically formulated to meet specific dietary needs, such as those for cats with digestive problems or allergies.

But why choose wet cat food over dry? Aside from the higher moisture content, wet cat food can be an excellent source of nutrition for cats if it meets their nutritional requirements and is made with high-quality ingredients. It contains the right balance of protein, fat, and carbohydrates to provide your feline friend with the energy and nutrients they need to stay healthy.

When selecting wet cat food, it is essential to read the labels carefully to ensure that the formula does not contain any harmful additives or preservatives. Additionally, make sure that the wet cat food looks and smells fresh before serving it to your furry companion. Look out for signs of spoilage like unusual smells, discoloration, mold growth, and expiration dates. If you notice any of these signs or if your kitty shows any signs of gastrointestinal distress after eating the food, discontinue feeding it immediately and contact your vet.

Checking the Expiration Date

Ensuring that your cat is consuming safe and high-quality wet cat food is a top priority, and one way to achieve this is by checking the expiration date.

Wet cat food has a shorter shelf life than dry cat food, making it more susceptible to spoilage and bacterial growth. Thats why its crucial to check the expiration date regularly. You can usually find the expiration date on the bottom or side of the can or packaging.

But heres the thing: the expiration date is not merely a suggestion or recommendation. Its a hard deadline for when the food should no longer be consumed. Consuming expired wet cat food can lead to gastrointestinal issues and even food poisoning in cats.

So, when checking the expiration date, make sure to look at both the month and year. If the date has already passed, dispose of the wet cat food immediately and do not feed it to your cat. Even if it looks and smells okay, its better to err on the side of caution and not risk your cats health.

Its also worth noting that some brands may have a best by date instead of an expiration date. This means that the wet cat food may still be safe to consume after that date, but its quality may have deteriorated. In this case, its up to your discretion whether or not to feed it to your cat.

Examining the Appearance and Smell of Wet Cat Food

One aspect of your cats care that requires extra attention is the food they eat, particularly the wet cat food. Examining the appearance and smell of wet cat food is a fundamental way to ensure its freshness, and its imperative to know what signs to look out for.

Lets start with appearance. The color of the food can give you an idea of whether its still fresh or not. If you spot any darkening or discoloration, this could be a sign that the food has gone stale. Additionally, if you notice any mold or fungal growths on the surface of the food, its best to dispose of it as its a clear indication that its not suitable for your cat to consume.

Next up, lets talk about smell. The aroma of wet cat food can tell you a lot about its freshness status. If you pick up a sour or rancid odor, this is a sign that the food has gone bad and should not be fed to your cat under any circumstances. Similarly, if the food smells excessively sweet or fruity, this could be an indication that it has been contaminated with harmful substances or bacteria.

Its worth remembering that some natural variations in color and smell are normal when it comes to wet cat food. For instance, some fish-based cat foods may have a stronger odor than others, while different brands may feature slight color variations depending on their ingredients. However, if you notice any significant changes in color or smell from what youre used to, its always better to err on the side of caution and dispose of the food rather than risking your cats health.

Paying Attention to Your Cats Behavior After Eating Wet Food

One way to ensure their well-being is by paying close attention to their behavior after theyve eaten wet food. This is because cats who have consumed contaminated or spoiled food may exhibit several symptoms, including vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, and loss of appetite.

If you notice any unusual behavior or symptoms in your cat after theyve eaten their wet food, its crucial to take immediate action. You can seek advice from your veterinarian or even seek medical attention for your cat if their symptoms are severe. Ignoring these warning signs could lead to more severe health issues down the road.

To prevent such situations from happening, its essential to monitor your cats behavior after eating wet food. Watch out for any changes in the color or texture of the food, and be wary of any unusual odors. These are all red flags that the food may be contaminated or spoiled.

Moreover, always check the expiration date on the packaging and ensure that youre storing the food correctly to prevent spoilage. By being vigilant and proactive in monitoring your cats behavior after eating wet food, you can help ensure that they remain healthy and happy.

Finally, regular check-ups with your veterinarian are also crucial in identifying any potential health issues early on before they become more serious. By taking a proactive approach to your cats health, you can continue providing them with the love and care they deserve.

Common Signs of Spoiled or Contaminated Wet Cat Food

It can be difficult to tell if wet cat food has spoiled or become contaminated. Your cats health and safety depend on your ability to recognize the common signs of spoiled or contaminated wet cat food.

Firstly, trust your nose. If the wet cat food smells off or has a rancid odor, its a clear indication that it has gone bad. Your cats sense of smell is even more sensitive than yours, and they will likely refuse to eat it.

Next, inspect the texture of the wet cat food. Spoiled food may feel slimy, watery, or have an unusual grainy texture. Any changes in texture are a sign that its time to throw it away.

Mold or discoloration is another sure sign that the wet cat food is no longer safe for consumption. Even a small amount of mold can be hazardous to your cats health.

Pay attention to your cats behavior after eating wet food. If they refuse to eat or exhibit abnormal behavior such as vomiting or diarrhea, it could be an indication that the food is contaminated.

Lastly, always check the expiration date on the packaging before feeding your cat wet food. Expired wet cat food can cause illness and must be discarded immediately.

Taking Precautions When Feeding Your Cat Wet Food

Wet food can be a great way to provide a balanced diet that keeps your cat hydrated and healthy. However, its important to take precautions when feeding your cat wet food to ensure their safety and wellbeing.

The first step in taking precautions is to check the expiration date on the can or package of the wet food. Always check the date before serving the food to your cat, as expired food can cause digestive problems or other health issues.

Another important precaution is to inspect the appearance, texture, and smell of the wet food before serving it. If the wet food has a sour or rancid smell, a slimy texture, or appears discolored, do not feed it to your cat. These signs indicate that the food has gone bad and may cause health issues for your furry friend.

Proper storage is also crucial in ensuring that wet cat food stays fresh. Once you open a can or package of wet food, refrigerate any unused portions immediately and use them within two to three days. Leaving wet food out for extended periods can cause it to spoil quickly and attract harmful bacteria, which can be detrimental to your cats health.

Additionally, make sure that you are feeding your cat the appropriate amount of wet food based on their weight and age. Overfeeding your cat can lead to weight gain and other health issues, so always follow the feeding guidelines on the packaging or consult with your veterinarian for advice on how much wet food to feed your cat.

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Conclusion

As a devoted cat parent, its your top priority to ensure that your furry friend is consuming safe and high-quality wet cat food. Simply relying on the expiration date wont cut it, as there are other tell-tale signs of spoiled or contaminated wet cat food that you need to be aware of.

Mold or discoloration, an unusual texture, and a rancid odor are all red flags that the food has gone bad. Feeding your cat expired wet food can lead to dire consequences such as vomiting, diarrhea or even food poisoning not exactly the kind of bonding experience you were hoping for.

To keep your feline friend healthy and happy, make sure to stay vigilant in checking the quality of their meals and monitoring their behavior after eating wet food. Taking precautions like regularly checking expiration dates, inspecting appearance and smell before serving, storing properly in the refrigerator after opening, and feeding an appropriate amount based on weight and age can go a long way in preventing any health risks associated with spoiled or contaminated wet cat food.

By following these simple steps, you can continue providing your beloved pet with the love and care they deserve while keeping them safe from potential health hazards. Dont forget regular check-ups with your veterinarian are also crucial in identifying any potential health issues early on before they become more serious.