It’s the age-old question among pet owners: can I keep feeding my furry friend treats after their expiration date has passed? Questions about expired food especially come with extra concern for cats, since learning what is best for them takes a little more research. After all, you want to ensure that your cat is healthy and thriving when it comes to its diet.
So if you’ve ever asked yourself how long after a treat expires can I still feed your cat with it, this blog post is here to help!
How long does it take for cat food to spoil?
Knowing how long cat food stays fresh can mean the difference between a happy, healthy pet and one with an upset stomach. Typically, canned cat food has the longest shelf life, clocking in at three to five years.
Dry food lasts somewhat shorter, usually a year if it remains unopened and is stored properly. Once the bag is opened, however, you’ll need to use or throw out the kibble within four weeks. It’s important to be mindful of expiration dates when buying new cat food as well as keeping an eye on signs that your pet’s meals have gone bad – things like a rancid smell and unappealing color are definite no-nos.
Thankfully, there are some simple ways to make sure your cat always has something yummy to snack on!
Can pets eat expired treats?
Pets are truly like members of our own family, and we want to take care of them in the same way we take care of ourselves. The last thing anyone wants is for their beloved furry companion to get sick, so it’s important to make sure they have only the freshest and healthiest treats!
While it may be tempting to offer up an expired treat, especially when those puppy eyes are pleading with you, it could lead to some serious health complications. Expired treats can contain bacteria that can make pets sick, leading to diarrhea or worse. Be sure to stick with fresh snacks so your pet stays happy and healthy!
Can I feed my cat expired wet cat food?
If you’ve ever walked into a kitchen, pantry, or refrigerator and felt overwhelmed by the amount of expired food, it’s not just humans who can become victims of expiration dates. Your furry friends require fresh and nutritious food as much as any human would, which means feeding them expired wet cat food is probably not the best idea.
Not only can the flavor and texture suffer over time, but the nutrients may no longer be present in the same concentration as when they were first sealed. The safest approach is to ensure that your pet’s snacks are free from any expiration warnings and replace old cans with new ones a couple of times each month.
What happens if cats eat expired food?
Eating expired food may not always be the best idea, but it seems that cats in particular should avoid this at all costs. Expired food can harm cats just as much as humans, leading to an upset stomach, dehydration, vomiting, and diarrhea. If these symptoms appear after your cat has eaten expired food, seek veterinary advice right away!
Otherwise, expired food isn’t the only danger when it comes to what cats eat. Things like onions, grapes, mushrooms, and any type of alcohol can be very dangerous even if they haven’t expired – so while it’s important to keep tabs on dates and discard out-of-date foods quickly and safely, pay close attention to ensure that cats don’t come across any other harmful or poisonous substances either.
Can cats get food poisoning from old food?
It’s always a little scary to think about whether something we’re feeding our cats may make them sick. Of course, when it comes to old food, some cat owners can’t help but worry that their furry friends could be at risk for food poisoning. Fortunately, cats are surprisingly adaptable creatures and able to withstand eating some potentially expired foods.
That being said, the key is to not give too much old food all at once and avoid feeding them anything moldy or that has changed color or texture. When in doubt, if you notice your cat displaying any unusual behavior after a meal, it’s best to check with your vet just in case.
In Conclusion
Well, there you have it! While the smell test can give us an idea of whether or not to trust expired treats for our cats, we should never forego the warning label on the packaging.
Paying close attention to expiration dates as well as understanding where exactly cat food comes from can make all the difference when trying to make sure your kitty has a long and healthy life. It’s essential to consider several factors before making a decision that could potentially harm your fur baby.
After all, cats are always running after those balls of yarn; why shouldn’t we run after them in terms of providing better nutrition and safety? So be mindful of the expiration date and know how stored treats could still be enjoyed within a certain time frame while keeping safety in check.
