HOW TO TELL IF CAT FOOD HAS GONE BAD

It would be great if our cats’ food could last indefinitely without spoiling, but that’s not the reality.

Just like our own food, cat food has an expiration date, and it will go bad over time.

Feeding your cat spoiled food can lead to food poisoning, so it’s important to be aware of the signs that indicate food has gone off.

Familiarize yourself with these signs to ensure you always provide fresh and safe food for your furry friend.

HOW TO TELL IF CAT FOOD HAS GONE BAD

Evaluating the appearance of your cat’s dry food is one of the simplest ways to determine if it has gone bad.

If the food looks different than usual, such as being off-colored or showing signs of mold growth, it is important not to feed it to your pet.

Trust your instincts and prioritize your cat’s health by discarding any dry food that appears visually abnormal or spoiled.

Using your sense of smell is another straightforward method to determine if cat food has gone bad.

If you notice any unusual or off-putting odors coming from the food, it could indicate that it has gone off and should not be given to your cat.

When you come across a cat food package that is perforated or torn, it’s best to err on the side of caution and discard it entirely.

Damaged packages can compromise the integrity of the dry food, allowing air and bacteria to reach it.

This exposure to oxidation and contamination can accelerate the spoilage process, meaning the food may go bad well before its stated expiry date.

Pay attention to the texture of your cat’s dry food when handling it.

If the food feels different in your hands compared to its usual texture, it could be an indication that it has gone bad.

Spoiled dry food might feel harder than usual, as it may have lost its moisture and become stale over time.

TIPS FOR KEEPING CAT FOOD

• Keep dry cat food in its original packaging, as it provides easy access to important information like the UPC code, lot numbers, and “best by” dates.
• If you choose to store dry food in a different container, make sure the lid fits tightly to maintain freshness.
• Remember to wash storage containers thoroughly when transitioning between bags of food to prevent contamination.
• Find a cool and dry location to store the dry food, as this helps preserve its quality over time.