Dry cat food is a popular option for pet owners because it is affordable and easy to store. However, whether you have one cat or multiple cats, you have to buy dry food for them at some point. Most pet owners probably have a few bags of dry cat food sitting in their pantry; how long does dry cat food last?
The dry cat food life depends on how it is preserved, packed, and stored; in proper storing conditions, the optimum span of time that a bag of dried cat food will last is 6 months from the production date.
You can do things well to extend this time, like storing it in the original bag and making sure it’s tightly sealed. Manufacturers add preservatives and antioxidants to keep the kibble fresh, and until it’s stored in the original bag it remian protected.
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How Long Opened Bag of Dry Cat Food Last?
Your cat is unlikely to finish an entire bag of kibble in one sitting. Therefore, you will most likely need to store the food properly.
Proper storage will extend the dry cat food life, but you’ll need to factor in how long it takes your cat to eat one serving of food.
If you open a bag of kibble and leave it out on the counter, or store it in an unsealed plastic bag or container, it won’t last 6 months. Even if you put it in the original bag, your kibble will go bad if you leave it out on the counter for more than a few days.
This is not usually a problem if you have one cat because an opened bag can last up to four weeks if properly stored. You should also store your opened bag of dry food in the airtight food storage container.
The canned cat food must be kept in a cool, dark location for long-term storage. It should also be stored in a sealed container or plastic wrap to preserve its flavor and texture. Likewise, an open can should be wrapped within a plastic container or plastic wrap and used within 5-7 days. It’s preferable not to leave it out on the counter to reduce the chances of bacteria growth.
Buying in Bulk is Recommended or Not
Although purchasing a larger bag may be more cost-effective than buying a smaller one, you should know that the nutritional value, scent, and flavor begin to diminish after six weeks.
Even though the food is safe to eat, your cat will find it less interesting and there will be fewer nutrients – aren’t cats picky enough already?
A 20-pound bag contains around 100 cups of kibble. It will last several months if used as directed. However, because cats typically weigh about 10 pounds, you may end up discarding some of it. If that’s the case, buying smaller bags or breaking down the big one into two or three lesser ones be a better option.
Guidelines to Keep the Cat Food Fresh
To keep the kibble dry and prevent bacteria from multiplying, the kibble goes through an intense heating process during manufacturing. But it still needs to be properly stored. Here are some ideas to store it:
- Keep the opening of the kibble bag closed and store it in a dry, cool, and darkroom.
- Transfer and keep small amounts of food in airtight containers to avoid using plastic containers.
- Store the open bags of cat food in an airtight container for extra protection against bugs or moisture. Ensure that there is no standing moisture in the container.
- Store kibble away from any household chemicals like insecticides, herbicides, and other toxic materials to avoid contaminating it with harsh chemical fumes.
- Keep the food sealed until you open it, and don’t switch between different forms of dry cat food, such as mixtures of wet and dry. Doing so may contaminate it with bacteria.
- The best place to store dry cat food is in the pantry or other cool, dark places. However, if you have a pest problem, keep your pet’s food away from these areas as much as possible because bugs may start eating kibble too.
- Storing the bag of cat food in the freezer will keep it fresh for a more extended period. However, it would help if you made sure that the food is sealed properly and doesn’t contain moisture inside. If the bag has been opened, re-seal it tightly using plastic or waterproof tape before storing it in the freezer.
- Keep the cat food away from heat sources such as stoves, dishwashers, microwaves, and ovens.
- If you have more than one cat, consider storing the food in multiple smaller bags instead of several opened ones together.
- For long-term storage, keep it cool or cold to avoid spoilage. Do not store the bag in damp locations where moisture could seep through the packaging.
Fequently Asked Questions
You might also like to read about how to store dry cat food, that helps you prevent your cat food from turning rancid.
Lastly – Buy That Your Cat Consumes in a Month!
Thus, if you are interested in buying a large amount of dry cat food to save some money then consider splitting up the bag with someone else. Buy small packs that your cat may consume in not more than 30 days. This way you will be sure that the product is of good quality when your cat eats it.