How long does canned cat food last after expiration date? Cat food, like any other food product, has an expiration date. In order to remain safe for consumption, canned cat food should not be consumed past the expiration date shown on the can.
It is important to note that all commercially-sold cat foods are required to have an expiration date. Some cans may also have a “best by” or “use by” label instead of an expiration one.
But what happens to your cat’s canned cat food after the expiration date? Is it safe to feed, or should you throw it out? And what is the shelf life of a can of wet cat food before it becomes unusable?
This article will answer all those questions and more.
Table of Contents
How Long Does Canned Cat Food Last After Expiration Date?
Canned cat food can last up to a year after the date of manufacture. A tasty, crunchy treat for your cat!
To keep canned cat food as fresh as possible, it should also be stored in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight.
Whether or not you should throw out your cat’s canned cat food after the expiration date depends on when you bought it.
The earlier the can be opened or, the closer to the date of manufacture, the more likely it is to be unsafe to feed.
Canned cat food is shelf-stable and, as such, lasts a long time after the date on the can. However, this food source should be avoided if you are concerned about your pet’s health or you want to ensure that it is fresh and safe to feed.
A can of wet cat food, when opened, has a shelf life of about 6 months before it becomes inedible. This depends on the particular food type and brand you feed your cat.
What Happens To Your Cat’s Canned Cat Food After The Expiration Date?
After the expiration date, using your canned cat food should not present any health risks and will not harm your pet. If it becomes unsafe to feed, you can discard the food without consequences.
Is Canned Cat Food Safe For My Pets?
Although fed in moderation, there is no reason to be concerned about feeding canned cat foods of all types to your pet.
As long as these foods were opened and eaten within 12 months of their manufacture, they are considered safe for consumption.
Is Canned Cat Food After The Expiration Date Safe To Feed Or Should You Throw It Out?
If you have a picky eater, it may be best to throw out your pet’s canned cat food after the expiration date. Cats with special dietary needs should also be avoided if purchased more than 12 months before their current use.
If you feed canned cat food of all types (dry, wet, semi-moist, and the like), even if it has an expiration date, you should not have any concerns about feeding it to your cat.
Some pet owners may choose to freeze the food rather than throw it out. This is not necessary and will not keep the food fresh.
What Is The Shelf Life Of A Can Of Wet Cat Food Before It Becomes Unusable?
The shelf life of canned cat food depends on whether it is opened or unopened.
If canned cat food is unopened, it can last anywhere from 12 to 48 months before you need to throw it out. But if you feed your pet canned cat foods that are more than a year old, he may not like the taste and may refuse to eat the food.
Canned cat foods with an expiration date (or “best by” or “use by” date) can be used as soon as the package is opened.
What Are The Risks Of Feeding A Canned Cat Food After The Expiration Date?
Although not a problem, there are some risks. Below are a few:
1. Since canned cat food is shelf-stable, it is likely to contain some moisture, which can cause a build-up of bacterial growth in the meat and affect its flavor.
2. Vitamin content can also decrease with canned cat food, especially if it was opened before its expiration date. As with dry foods that have been stored for more than a year, your pet may not like the taste and refuse to eat it.
3. A wet pet food’s fat content can deteriorate over time. This may lead to fatty stool or diarrhea, which can be detrimental to your pet.
4. The food’s appearance, textures, and even flavors may change over time due to exposure to light and the elements, leading to an undesirable eating experience for your pet.
5. If you feed your cat food past its expiration date, he could experience gastrointestinal upset because of bacteria present in the food.
Purina Fancy Feast Classic Pate Collection Feast Adult Canned Wet Cat Food Variety Packs
Is Canned Cat Food Ok After Its Expiration Date?
A can of wet cat food, when opened, has a shelf life of about 6 months before it becomes inedible. This depends on the particular food type and brand you feed your cat.
How Long Does Canned Cat Food Last Unopened?
Canned cat food can last up to a year after the date of manufacture. A can of wet cat food, when unopened, has an expiration date that is usually 12 to 48 months.
After this date, you should throw away the food if it has not been opened and the can is not leaking.
How Long Does Canned Cat Food Last Open?
Canned cat foods that have been opened have a shelf life of only 6 months after they are opened because they can start to go bad at this point. At this time, you should discard any unused portions that have already been opened.
Final Thoughts
If the can is leak-proof and the food is still in good condition, you can use it up to 12 months after opening.
If canned cat food is unopened and has not been opened, it stays fresh for 6 to 12 months. At that time, you should discard unused portions already been opened.
If canned cat food has already been opened and the can not have leaked, you should discard the entire can 12 months from manufacture.
I hope this article has been helpful and that you are now aware of how to tell if canned cat food is still good after the expiration date.
Have something to add or ask? Feel free to comment! I read every comment and try to answer as many as possible!
Hi there! My name is Koushik; I am a cat lover. I specialize in writing about pet care & food. I have a wealth of knowledge on cat food niches and related subjects. I have worked in the pet industry for over 5 years and am passionate about helping cat owners provide the best care for their furry friends. With knowledge of cat food and nutrition, I aim to share their insights and help cat owners navigate the world of cat food niches. I enjoy playing with my two cats, reading, and exploring new cat food brands in my free time.
