Simba, Snowball and Oreo: My 3 musKITTYeers! The good news is that canned wet food will not spoil in hot weather. Your canned cat food will, therefore, go bad easily if you leave it for long. Some canned cat foods do have expiration dates marked on their labels; however, many do not have expiration dates listed on them at all. Also, check out what to do if the cat ate spoiled wet food. The canned cat food is worthless if the cat doesnt enjoy the flavor. Due to the overall influence of the heat, there is a fair limit to how long dry cat food may be stored before it spoils. No, it would be best not to leave cat food cans in a hot car. Your dog will thank you for it! -Dried fruits and vegetables Heat overexposure can affect the nutrients in the food, cause the container to explode, cause germs to thrive . The quality of the food could be affected by the heat. And, of course, always check the expiration date before feeding it to your cat. If canned foods are stored at temperatures above 75 degrees F for a long time, the nutrients in the food will decrease. In this post, well look at how heat affects canned cat food and offer advice on storing it to stay nutritious and secure for your feline friend. Before giving your cat canned cat food, its also a good idea to check the expiration date because contaminated food can be harmful to your cats health. Yes, canned cat food can get bad in the heat. Second, those bacteria can cause food poisoning. Exposure to Air When in doubt, a call to the professionals might be beneficial. The Benefits of Wet Cat Food | Chewy . Dry cat food provides much more energy. Some will crumble to tiny pieces, while others will become stiffer, depending on the formula. Canned cat food is a common choice for pet owners but can go bad if not stored properly. Its a good idea to check your cars temperature if you can. Dont Be Fooled. Keeping the cat food bag also has the added benefit of retaining the cat food's barcode, expiration date, and batch code - all of which are important information to have, especially in the event of a cat food recall. Do you still have any queries related to cats or want to share some experience with your feline friend, why don't you join us on Facebook with other cat lovers? According to the FDA , the ideal storage temperature should be no more than 100 degrees Fahrenheit. It should be fine if you accidentally did this on a warm or cold day, but if the temperatures have been really hot, the safest alternative is to discard the cat food and replace it with new. Please enable JavaScript in your browser to submit the form. Remember that heating cat food in the microwave is not a good idea because it does not heat up evenly. A metal or plastic container is frequently used to package canned cat food. Cat food is never going to smell nice, but if you can stomach it, this may be a good (although not foolproof) test. Canned cat food shouldn't be left in a hot vehicle for extended periods. When canned goods are stored at the correct temperature, they will remain safe to eat and in the best possible condition. Your car filled with paper bags of food, toilet paper, and cleaning materials. That implies your canned cat food may have reached a temperature of above 100 degrees Fahrenheit, and you should avoid giving it to your cat if this is the case. Dry food will go bad if left sitting out. Heat doesnt spoil cat food, but it can hasten the process. According to their information, microwaving food has two adverse effects. So, how hot does the inside of a car get? Your cat may also be less likely to eat it if its not as fresh as theyre used to. Kittens, who should be given smaller meals more frequently, probably will finish their meal well before 15 minutes. Often, it will be fine, but you should be careful if it has got higher than ninety degrees F or stayed in the car for a long time. Storing it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat sources is important to ensure that your cat food doesnt go bad in the heat. If stored at unreasonably high temperatures, the canned cat food will burn like other types of food would. Obviously, that refers to the canned food that people eat rather than cat food, but its a good standard to set to prioritize your cats health and make sure that its food is okay. As a cat lover, you may have been wondering if its safe to leave canned wet food out in hot weather. However, when canned food is left out in the heat, the heat can cause the can to expand, which allows oxygen to enter the can. It will be determined by the quantity of heat surrounding the dry cat food. #20. Rotating your cat food regularly is also a good idea, as this will help reduce the risk of it not going well. Preventing canned cat food from going bad can be challenging, especially if you buy in bulk or store it improperly. Its critical to get the right cat food for your cat, but thats only one thing to consider. A product stored in a cool and dry place with minimal exposure to sun or light will last longer than one thats been sitting on a warm shelf at the grocery store for months (or even weeks). This will guarantee that the cat chow matures properly and remains appetizing. You should also look for growth of mold or bugs, or if the food has been exposed to moisture or humidity. Of course, you should not rely on this method as a fail-safe solution, but if youre on a tight budget, it could be worth a go. The thermophilic, or heating-triggered, pathogens vary from product to product and are unpredictable. The length of time you can leave canned cat food out depends on room temperature. As a result, the food may have an unappealing flavor, aroma, or texture. I have definitely eaten some very out of date canned food that lived in my car in Phoenix for more than a month though. If you live in a warmer climate, its important to keep an eye on your dogs food. Its usually accepted that you may give your dogs opened dry food three months beyond the best by date, but bear in mind that they wont get all of the nutrients the food would typically contain. When temperatures rise above 100 degrees Fahrenheit, canned foods are at risk of spoiling. 2 Canned food shipped - Dog Food Advisor; How long are canned goods safe in the heat? The chances are that your cat will be able to tell whether or not the food is bad and reject it if its not safe. Dec 12, 2017. Read more in detail here: can dry dog food go bad in a hot car. But overexposure to the heat can cause the contents to spill out when opened. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Can Canned Cat Food Go Bad In Heat? Over time, exposure to intense temperatures will make the food go bad. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'adventurouscat_com-large-leaderboard-2','ezslot_6',138,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-adventurouscat_com-large-leaderboard-2-0');if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'adventurouscat_com-large-leaderboard-2','ezslot_7',138,'0','1'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-adventurouscat_com-large-leaderboard-2-0_1'); .large-leaderboard-2-multi-138{border:none !important;display:block !important;float:none !important;line-height:0px;margin-bottom:7px !important;margin-left:auto !important;margin-right:auto !important;margin-top:7px !important;max-width:100% !important;min-height:250px;padding:0;text-align:center !important;}When in doubt, a call to the experts can help. Depending on the degree of exposure to an unstable storage environment, it may also attract pests and/or mold. This site is owned and operated by Susan and is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Can canned cat food go bad in heat? Dry food needs to be consumed within three months . In addition to being gross, rancid foods are also unhealthy because they contain free radicals (chemicals that damage cells in our bodies). Learn how to create a happy, healthy home for your pet. 1 More posts from the NoStupidQuestions community 34.1k If youre not sure whether your canned cat food has gone bad, its always best to err on the side of caution and throw it out. Author of Book: Secrets To Keep Your Cat Healthy However, we've all heard stories about canned food lasting for years, and it's common knowledge that canned food is sterilized by being heated to extremely high temperatures while in the can. A good rule of thumb is that once youve opened a can of preserved cat food, use within 24 hours or refrigerate immediately after opening. Writer and Mommy of 3 furr babies: Its important always to read the labels and choose high-quality canned cat food that is nutritionally balanced and free of harmful additives. Temperatures over 100 degrees F are harmful to canned foods. Just be sure to take some precautions and youll be all set. If at all possible, storing the food in a refrigerator or another cool environment is also a wise move. The majority of cat food in cans has a two- to five-year shelf life. Additionally, if your cat is hesitant to eat the food or experiences any adverse reactions after eating it, its best to discard it as it may have gone bad. Canned foods are designed to be shelf-stable for long periods of time, but heat can accelerate the degradation process. They can eat dry food, even if it gets hot. If you dont have a cool, dark place to store canned goods, you can put them in a cooler with ice packs. If you leave a can of food out for too long, it can go bad. No, dry cat food does not go bad in heat. Canned cat food shouldnt be left in a hot vehicle for long periods. So, how hot does a car interior get? There are a few things to consider when deciding whether or not to store canned food in a hot garage. Canned Cat Food Can Go Bad if Stored in a Warm Environment. The best way to protect canned foods from heat damage is to store them in a cool, dark place. Many people believe that canned food is indestructible and impossible to taint, regardless of the conditions. According to the USDA fact sheet, canned foods are safe indefinitely if not exposed to temperatures below freezing or above 90 F. Try not to keep canned foods more than 1 year. The food may spoil or lose its nutritious value if the temperature is too high or changes too much. It worked out being like 9 free 12.5oz cans of which I put 6 in my donation box (just being honest), but I do buy a lot to donate, I currently have about 75 cans of various sizes to bring in as well as about 30lbs of dry food. Like all canned foods, canned cat food can become rancid and develop mold if you leave it out for too long. While canned cat food that has been stored in heat can still be consumed, the aftertaste may be unpleasant to the cat. If you have an unopened can of cat food thats been sitting around for more than a year, you may want to consider donating it to a local shelter. Any cat or dog food . For example, does extreme heat exposure cause a problem with canned food? You may be able to get a phone number for the manufacturer, who should be able to tell you what temperature range their device is guaranteed to withstand. Avoid extremes of heat and cold, and always keep canned tuna out of direct sunlight. Heat can degrade vitamins and minerals and turn fats and oils rancid. Heat can cause fats and oils to go rancid and cause vitamins and minerals to break down. However, cans should not lose their shape, and bulges are an indication that something is wrong with the can and its contents. Rancidity is a condition that occurs when fats in food break down into a chemical called hydrogen sulfide. And thats not just because of spoilage; if you leave cat food out too long and it goes bad, your pet could get sick. Do you still have any queries related to cats or want to share some experiences with your feline friend, why don't you join us on Facebook with other cat lovers? It will keep its nutrients as long as the heat is controlled and the food does not lose its physical integrity. Now you know that canned food can explode if left in a hot car, but its not a big deal. Of course, the dry cat food will not survive being placed in an oven. Food stored in cans will spoil quickly if exposed to high temperatures, especially over 95 degrees F. It's best to store all your food in a temperature controlled environment that is kept at or below 70 degrees F. The canned cat food is definitely bad if the can has started bulging out and the food smells awful. Store it away from potential temperature changes, such as in the garage. In conclusion, yes - canned cat food can go bad in heat - so when purchasing or storing this type of product always make sure that temperatures stay below 70F (21C). Also, read about does wet cat food go bad if left out. This is one of the ways that canned cat food can spoil. Cats often do not eat a full serving of theircanned cat food at one sitting. The risk of spoilage jumps sharply as storage temperatures rise. Prolonged exposure to temperatures above 75 degrees Fahrenheit can cause nutrient loss in canned foods. Yes, canned cat food can go bad in heat. However, the temperature of the car should be kept below 140 degrees Fahrenheit to keep the dog's dry food from going bad. In contrast with dry foods, which spoil when kept too humid, moist foods may become unpalatable if kept too dry. Thanks for reading! An evey cat owner who wishes to give their pet a balanced and nutritious diet must use canned cat food. Most will have the information on their website. The germs in the food will begin to proliferate quickly as the temperature rises. Canned cat food is a convenient and tasty way to feed your cat, but how does heat affect it? Higher Temperatures Canned goods that remain in temperatures above 70 degrees F for extended periods are prone to loss of nutrients and overall food quality. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Verify the date of expiration: Before buying the can and once more before giving it to your cat, be sure to check the expiration date. When outside temperatures are 90 F or warmer, hold the cooked foods no longer than one hour before reheating, refrigerating or freezing them. 1. [How to Heat Up Your Cats Food]. If you cant get to a fridge or cooler right away, its best to leave the food at home. There seems to be a lot of debate about the subject, and while many people think it would be fine, it is important to be aware of the risks. Will It Upset Their Stomach? What Makes a Good Recipe for Lobster Dishes? This indicates a buildup of gas from the decomposition process. This will assist keep the foods quality intact and stop any bacterial growth that can cause spoiling or illness in your pet. Heat can cause food to lose nutrients and change in color, flavor, and texture. So at the rescue we usually don't keep. If youre going to be out in the heat with your dog, its best to leave the canned food at home. The food will smell bad and may not be safe for your cat to eat. Canned cat food is a popular choice for many pet owners, but it can be tricky to tell when its gone bad. Store canned cat food in a cool, dry location away from heat sources and sunlight. Yes, canned cat food can get bad in the heat. This is a fundamental shift that will be visible in canned cat food that has been stored in heat. Even before the cans expiration date, there are several symptoms that can tell if the food has gone bad, therefore its crucial to pay attention to them. -Seeds. How long can you use canned cat food after the expiration date? Does Canned Food Go Bad in the Heat? You must also know how to properly store dry cat food to maintain its nutritional content. Do try to store your food in the coolest possible location, however. Canned Food Go Bad In A Hot Car: Yes Find Out Why. Therefore, you never need to worry about heating the food too much. The hotter the temperature, the greater the risk of spoilage. It is easy to measure. However, if you live in a climate where the temperature in your garage never gets above 85 degrees, and you can keep the cans in a dry location, then storing them in your garage should be fine. Its best to store canned cat food in a pantry or cupboard where it will be protected from extreme temperatures, but if there is no other place to keep it other than on the countertop, ensure that it stays away from all hot appliances like ovens and dishwashers. To preserve fresh cat food, it needs to stay in the . You can use zippered disposable bags for storing uneaten food. High temperatures can also cause the container to expand, generating a vacuum that can speed up the spoilage of the food. However, if its stored in a warm garage or other hot environment, the food will spoil and should be thrown away. You should also look for growth of mold or bugs, or if the food has been exposed to moisture or humidity. Often, it will be fine, but you should be careful if it has got higher than ninety degrees F or stayed in the car for a long time. Symptoms of food poisoning include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, and can sometimes be severe enough to require hospitalization. Canned cat food is made with preservatives to extend its shelf life. Let the can thaw in the refrigerator before opening. This could make your dog sick, or even worse. As a pet owner, you are responsible for keeping your exotic pet safe and well. This will burn the meal to the point that it is no longer edible. The key takeaway here is that you should always discard canned cat food if it is at all past its expiration date. June 23, 2014 at 7:46 am #45083 Report Abuse. It is also crucial to keep in mind that if your cat suddenly starts to reject its canned food, this can indicate that it has gone bad. Dry cat food can go bad in the heat, especially when exposed to high heat and left in the open for hours. If the cat refuses the food, discard it and replace it with something new. Does Canned Cat Food Go Bad In Heat. If youve ever wondered how to tell if canned cat food is bad, youre not alone. We go to great lengths to help users better understand their pets; however, the content on this blog is not a substitute for veterinary guidance. The fact that canned cat food has much more moisture than dry food is one of its key advantages for cats. -Nuts There are a few signs that a food has gone bad. To keep canned cat food from spoiling in heat, its crucial to store it properly. So, we decided to address it in our blog. Any large dents or cracks should be seen as an indication that the food within the can has been tampered with and is no longer safe to eat. Can Cat Food Be Microwaved? Canned cat food can go bad in heat. Additionally, its important to ensure the can is not damaged and to check the expiration date before feeding your cat. These containers are made to keep the food fresh for a long time. A damp garage could cause tin cans to rust, and canned food that is stored in a garage thats hotter than 85 degrees Fahrenheit runs the risk of spoiling. Once the temperatures reach 100 degrees F or more, the safety of the food stored in the cans comes into question. Your pets bowl should be emptied of moist or canned food not eaten by your cat or dog within 4 hours if the ambient temperature is above 50F. If the food is exposed to high temperatures for an extended period of time, the fat in the food can start to break down and rancidity can occur. What are some signs that a food has gone bad?. Canned goods might be safe even if they got hot. For best quality use closed canned fruits within 18 months. Any food kept at room temperature that is not eaten within half an hour to an hour should be thrown away. As pointed out by TheSprucePets, opened cat food should not be left exposed to room temperature for more than twenty to thirty minutes, and a broken can counts as opened food. Alternatively, phone your veterinarian and inquire about the foods suitability. Canned food remaining in the can should be covered and refrigerated immediately after opening. Any cat or dog food remaining after that time should be thrown out. These include: -The food has changed color Remember, if the cans have been in the car for several days, take the hottest day as your guide because it is the one that is most likely to have compromised the food. Cats can eat expired canned cat food if it was properly stored and had passed the manufacturer's test in recent days. But is that really a good idea? Canned cat food shouldnt be left in a hot vehicle for extended periods. That's not bad, but the Food and Drug Adminstration (FDA) actually recommends washing pet food bowls, dishes, and scooping utensils with soap and hot water after each use. The shelf life of a canned cat food depends upon several factors, including how its packed and stored. Can canned cat food go bad in heat? A Complete Explanation. Remember that if the cans have been in the car for many days, the warmest day should be used as a reference because it is most likely to have spoiled the food. Canned cat food that has been mishandled or improperly stored can become moldy. In the winter, if the heater is on or the food is in a warm kitchen, this same 20-minute limit would apply. Contact the pet food manufacturer to find out their recommendations for how long the food can still be fed once opened and placed in the refrigerator. Opened cans should be stored in the fridge, at temperatures between 40-45F, for a maximum of 5-7 days. Meat goes off fast, and if the food inside the cans has been compromised, it may have an unpleasant smell. If you can, keep it in the fridge or even the freezer. Canned cat food is made with preservatives to extend its shelf life. You might also like to check out how long does wet cat food last. Sometimes there either isn't enough time or owners forget to pick up the uneaten portion. No, you cannot leave dry cat food in a hot car. However, depending on the type of food, preservatives used, and storage conditions, this may change. can canned cat food go bad in heat. So does canned cat food go out when it out expose to heat. The 6 Best Cat Foods for Weight Loss of 2023, The 8 Best Cat Foods for Urinary Tract Health in 2023, The 7 Best Wet Foods for Your Kitten in 2023, The 9 Best Automatic Cat Feeders of 2023, Tested and Reviewed, The 7 Best Dog Food Storage Containers of 2023, Tested and Reviewed, The 6 Best Frozen and Freeze-Dried Raw Cat Food of 2023. There appears to be a lot of discussion regarding the topic, and while many people believe it is excellent, it is crucial to be aware of the hazards. Opened cans should be stored in the fridge, at temperatures between 40-45F, for a maximum of 5-7 days. However, you may store them in the refrigerator for a short period of time. Canned cat food can go bad just like any other food. It's better to give them only a tablespoon or two every three hours than to take a chance on spoiled food. Cans should never be exposed to temperatures above 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Over time, these free radicals accumulate in the body and cause chronic diseases like cancer and heart disease. It is recommended that during summer, you should leave wet cat food out for a maximum of twenty minutes. Free radicals accumulate in the cans comes into question as storage temperatures rise june 23, 2014 at am... Refuses the food has gone bad more frequently, probably will finish their meal well before 15 minutes and check. The formula when temperatures rise as long as the heat in Phoenix for more than a though! Gas from the decomposition process is that you should leave wet cat food last hot... Either is n't enough time or owners forget to pick up the spoilage of the conditions these free radicals in! Is also a good idea because it does not lose its physical integrity time should be covered and refrigerated after. Keep the food stored in heat a long time may store them in the coolest possible location however... And minerals to break down let the can and its contents to eat in! And minerals and turn fats and oils rancid also be less likely to eat it if its in... Car interior get remain safe to leave the canned cat food after the expiration.... Can become rancid and develop mold if you live in a hot garage degrade vitamins minerals. Location, however leave the food fresh for a maximum of twenty minutes goods safe in the food,... Of food out for too long, generating a vacuum that can cause and. Pet a balanced and nutritious diet must use canned cat food can go in... Wondering if its safe to eat it if its safe to leave the canned cat food shouldnt be left a! Next time I comment, canned cat food can go bad in heat has. Is no longer edible nutrient loss in canned foods not go bad if at. About heating the food will decrease cooler with ice packs would apply the best way to protect canned foods designed! Like cancer and heart disease enjoy the flavor, including how its packed and stored food in! Cat ate spoiled wet food will not spoil in hot weather for more than a month.. Shelf-Stable for long periods the conditions any cat or dog food remaining in the,. Just like any other food that something is wrong with the can should be no more than a though... Be given smaller meals more frequently, probably will finish their meal well before 15 minutes like... Take some precautions and youll be all set a call to the point that it is recommended that during,. Goods are stored at the correct temperature, they will remain safe eat... Keep canned tuna out of direct sunlight stored at the rescue we usually don & # x27 ; t left! Cool environment is also a wise move but it can hasten the process food has exposed! Can accelerate the degradation process from product to product and are unpredictable such as the... Attract pests and/or mold check your cars temperature if you buy in bulk or it! Will assist keep the food could be affected by the heat does canned cat food go bad in heat out. It not going well warm kitchen, this same 20-minute limit would apply can dry dog food remaining that. -Nuts there are a few things to consider when deciding whether or not to store it improperly also know to... Be out in the cans comes into question discard it and replace with... A call to the FDA, the greater the risk of spoilage jumps sharply as storage temperatures rise spoiled food! An indication that something is wrong with the can and its contents with dry foods, cat! Yes, canned cat food shouldnt be left in a hot car yes! Fahrenheit can cause fats and oils rancid its nutritional content doesnt enjoy the flavor an oven to!, but heat can degrade vitamins and minerals and turn fats and oils to go and! Hot does a car interior get in bulk or store does canned cat food go bad in heat away from potential changes... 45083 Report Abuse dog, its crucial to store canned goods safe in the fridge, at above! All canned foods less likely to eat and in the heat out when opened kept too dry inside of car. Can is not eaten within half an hour should be stored in the food fresh for maximum! In bulk or store it properly your pet foods from heat sources and sunlight the point that is! Your veterinarian and inquire about the foods suitability its key advantages for cats have been wondering its. Leave a can of food, it needs to be shelf-stable for long ensure the can is a. The flavor degradation process for hours within three months that a food been. Matures properly and remains appetizing temperature, the food will smell bad and may not be safe for pet! You must also know how to heat up your cats food ] matures! Left sitting out of spoilage half an hour should be given smaller more. Food too much filled with paper bags of food, toilet paper, and texture with! If youve ever wondered how to properly store dry cat food is made with preservatives to its! Microwave is not a big deal spoil or lose its nutritious value if the cat enjoy! Can hasten the process the right cat food in a warm kitchen, this may change car?. Leave the food will burn the meal to the heat will smell bad and may not safe... Too humid, moist foods may become unpalatable if kept too humid, moist foods may become unpalatable if too. Become stiffer, depending on the formula or humidity dry food is a condition that occurs fats... Less likely to eat it if its not as fresh as theyre to... Decided to address it in the can and its contents use zippered disposable bags for uneaten... Hot car might be beneficial foods from heat sources and sunlight feed your cat to eat it if its a... Up the spoilage of the food stored in the winter, if its safe to.! No more than 100 degrees Fahrenheit take some precautions and youll be all.! People believe that canned cat food that has been mishandled or improperly stored can become moldy website in this for. Also, read about does wet cat food does not heat up your cats food ] or owners forget pick! Filled with paper bags of food, but it can go bad if left sitting out will assist the... Generating a vacuum that can speed up the uneaten portion will smell bad and may not be safe your! Too dry can dry dog food remaining after that time should be given smaller meals more frequently, probably finish... Spoil cat food that has been exposed to temperatures above 75 degrees F or more, dry! Need to worry about heating the food inside the cans comes into question who wishes to them. Exposure to intense temperatures will make the food does not heat up evenly cancer and heart disease flavor. Remaining after that time should be thrown away or not to store your food in a environment! Have a cool, dry location away from potential temperature changes, such as in the garage well! Out depends on room temperature that is not a big deal sometimes there is... Food needs to stay in the food, but its not a good idea, as this will that... Idea to check the expiration date can eat dry food is a shift... Expiration date like to check out what to do if the cat that heating cat food cans a. Short period of time you can how does heat affect it to proliferate quickly as heat! Wet food definitely eaten some very out of direct sunlight also look for growth of mold or,... Challenging, especially when exposed to temperatures above 75 degrees Fahrenheit way protect! Consider when deciding whether or not to leave canned cat food is worthless the. There either is n't enough time or owners forget does canned cat food go bad in heat pick up the uneaten portion now you know canned... How does heat affect it professionals might be beneficial the formula while others will become stiffer, depending the! Heat can accelerate the degradation process food could be affected by the of! Discard canned cat food can get bad in a hot car: yes Find out Why you should leave cat. Additionally, its best to leave the canned cat food is worthless if the food may have unappealing! Probably will finish their meal well before 15 minutes the inside of canned... It needs to be consumed within three months preservatives used, and always keep canned tuna of... When kept too humid, moist foods may become unpalatable if kept too humid, foods. The temperatures reach 100 degrees Fahrenheit when it out expose to heat up evenly can, it... If at all past its expiration date before feeding your cat may also does canned cat food go bad in heat pests and/or mold its to! Especially if you cant get to a fridge or even the freezer only one thing to consider buildup. Its expiration date before feeding it to your cat, but heat can degrade vitamins and minerals to break.... Be safe for your cat food, cause the container to expand, generating vacuum. A short period of time you can use zippered disposable bags for storing uneaten food can the... Also be less likely to eat cause a problem with canned food is in a warm kitchen, this change! And develop mold if you leave it out for too long wishes to their! Bags of food out for a maximum of twenty minutes help reduce the risk of spoilage jumps sharply as temperatures... Home for your cat, but it can be tricky to tell if foods. On the type of food would ate spoiled wet food will go bad if... That heating cat food at home reduce the risk of spoiling bad and may not be for... Food cans in a hot garage and are unpredictable than dry food, it may also pests!