There’s been a lot of discussion about how canned cat food left in hot car can affect an animal. There are some food items that we wouldn’t think to leave in a hot car.
We’re not talking about leftovers or fast food, but things that would never harm you if eaten. Canned cat food is one of those items.
Let’s look at what would happen if you left canned cat food in a hot car and then consider whether it might be safe for the animal.
Canned cat food is fine if left in a hot car for a few hours. But it should not be kept for too long and should be kept out of sunlight.
Table of Contents
Is canned cat food left in hot car-Is it good or bad?
Canned cat food is fine if left in a hot car for a few hours.
Cats are not choosy eaters, and they will eat just about anything. Canned cat foods are convenient and can be easily transported and stored.
How long can canned cat food stay outside before it’s spoiled?
Let’s take a look at some facts about canned cat food left in a hot car:
1) Canned cat food does not have an expiration date like dried foods do. Even if there is a “use by” date on the can, this does not mean the food is fresh.
2) Canned cat food is light and will float. It will eventually sink, even if it’s above the waterline. That’s why it’s important to ensure that canned cat food doesn’t roll around in the back of your car.
3) Sunlight and heat will destroy the nutritional value of canned cat food.
4) A can of cat food will create a lot of pressure if it’s left in the sun. This pressure can cause a faulty lid to pop open, or it can cause the entire can to explode.
5) The best place for canned cat food is in a cool spot out of sunlight and away from your animal’s food bowl.
Canned cat food in a hot car is not as safe as you think. Once you open a can of cat food, you want to get all of it eaten within 24 hours.
Canned cat food left in a hot car is not a good idea. You may think that if the canned cat food is left in your garage or basement, it should be safe for your pet when you get home.
However, any extreme temperature change will spoil canned cat food. If the can has been sitting in the sun and it’s warm outside, that’s not good for the food inside.
When you take the can inside, it will cool down. If it’s still warm inside, this will push air into the food and create pressure.
Can canned cat food be left in hot car?
No, the can will not explode. But canned cat food must be kept in a cool, dry place. If you don’t want your pet eating spoiled canned cat food, moving it into the house after you’ve opened the can is best.
Canned cat foods will stay good for a few hours in a hot car. However, once they are opened, they must be refrigerated or moved somewhere where they will stay cool until all of the food is eaten.
If you leave canned cat food out in the sun, even if it’s a small amount of time, it will spoil, which could harm your animal.
Canned Cat Food Storage Temperature
If you want to store and transport your canned cat food safely, do so at temperatures between 40-45 degrees Fahrenheit. This is safe for just about any type of food, including canned cat food.
In temperatures of 90 degrees or more, canned cat food will spoil in less than 12 hours.
It can be stored for about a year or more if fresh and sealed. But it must be stored in a cool, dry place with temperatures between 40-45 degrees Fahrenheit.
Can Canned Food Explode In A Hot Car?
It’s not likely that canned cat food will explode in a hot car. Heat causes the pressure inside the cat food can to increase.
Sometimes, if you have old cans that have a faulty seal, they will explode when left in your car. But this is very rare.
Does canned cat food go bad in a hot car?
Yes, Canned cat food shouldn’t be left in a hot vehicle for long periods. A can of cat food stored at room temperature may have a shelf life of only a few weeks.
Some cans will work if stored in a cool, dry place with temperatures between 40-45 degrees Fahrenheit.
Always look for the dates on the cans and store them accordingly. Don’t keep old cans in a hot car for long periods or overnight.
Will canned food go bad in a hot car?
Yes. Canned cat food left in the sun or a car can go bad.
It may take a while for the food to spoil, but eventually, it will become spoiled. For example, leaving old food out in a hot car will decompose and make your pet sick.
How long can canned food stay in a hot car?
Some canned cat food can be left in your car for several hours without problems. However, if you have left food in your car for more than a few hours, throw it out anyway.
How long can canned wet cat food sit out?
Most canned cat foods can be left in the sun for several hours without harming the cat. However, if you have old cans that aren’t good, they can explode when they get hot.
If your canned food is just a few months or so old, you may be able to keep it out in the sun for a couple of hours before anything happens.
Canned cat food will go bad in a hot car. It’s not likely to make any big explosions, but it can go bad quickly.
Can you leave canned cat food in a hot car?
No, you shouldn’t leave a can of cat food in a car for more than a couple of hours. If you want to store canned cat food in your car, place it inside your vehicle’s trunk.
Never leave a wet can of cat food in the sun for too long. This is because it will start to heat up; if old, it may explode when the pressure builds up inside.
Conclusion
Canned cat food should not be left in a hot car. Heat will degrade the nutritional value and spoil the food too quickly.
If you have leftover canned cat food, store it in a cool, dry place where it won’t be exposed to heat or sunlight.
It’s okay to leave the can on its side if there is a lid on it. When storing your canned cat food, check the expiration date. If canned cat food has been stored properly, it can last a year or more.
I hope this article has helped you to understand more about the safety of canned cat food. Be sure to tell us what you think in the comment section below.
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.
