How to Store Cat Food: Keep Wet, Dry and Raw Food Fresh and Safe
Food safety is not only for people. Cats can get sick from spoiled or contaminated food, and good storage also keeps nutrients and flavor intact. These practical habits protect your cat and save money.
Canned and pouched wet food
Unopened: Store in a cool, dry cupboard, away from heat and sunlight. Check the best-before date, and discard dented, bulging or leaking cans.
Opened: Cover with a pet food can lid or plastic wrap, or transfer to a glass container. Refrigerate right away, and use within two to three days. Do not store opened food in the can, since metal can taint the food, and the can may have sharp edges. Cold food can be less appealing, so warm it slightly, or mix with a spoonful of hot water. Do not microwave in the can, and stir well to avoid hot spots.
Out in the bowl: Wet food spoils quickly. At room temperature, throw away uneaten wet food after about thirty minutes to an hour, or within a few hours if the home is cool. In hot weather, remove it sooner. Wash the bowl before refilling. See how to clean cat food bowls.
Freezing: Divide leftovers into small portions, freeze, and thaw in the fridge overnight. Texture may become softer.
Dry food
Keep it in the original bag. The bag has a fat-resistant liner, and carries the batch code, expiry date and contact details, which matter in a recall. Place the whole bag inside an airtight, food-grade container, and keep it in a cool, dry place, away from heat, humidity and sunlight. Do not pour kibble directly into plastic bins, since the oils from kibble can leave rancid residue that taints later batches.
Buy sizes you can finish. Once opened, dry food slowly oxidizes, which damages fats and vitamins. Aim to finish a bag within about six weeks.
Free feeding. Leaving dry food out all day is convenient, but it can attract pests and spoil. Refresh daily, and do not top up old with new. Free feeding also encourages weight gain. See how much should I feed my cat.
Signs of spoilage. Rancid or sour smell, mold, clumping, insects, or a change in texture. Throw out suspect food.
Freeze-dried food
Keep sealed, in a cool, dry place. Once opened, reseal tightly, and use within the time on the label, often about a month or two. Rehydrated food should be treated like wet food. See freeze-dried cat food.
Raw and fresh food
- Keep frozen until needed. Thaw in the fridge, on a plate or in a covered container, and not on the counter.
- Use thawed raw food within a day or two, and do not refreeze.
- Prepare on a surface that is easy to disinfect, and wash hands, tools and bowls with hot soapy water afterward.
- Keep raw food away from other foods in the fridge, on the lowest shelf.
- Discard uneaten raw food after about thirty minutes.
See raw food diets for cats and can cats eat raw meat.
Treats
Store treats in airtight containers, in a cool place. Check dates. Fish-based and soft treats may need refrigeration after opening.
Pests and contamination
Keep food off the floor. Store it in rodent-proof containers. Clean up spills. Wash scoops regularly. Never use the same scoop for food and litter.
Bowls and feeding areas
Wash bowls daily with hot soapy water, or run through the dishwasher. Choose stainless steel, glass or ceramic. Replace scratched plastic. Clean mats. See feline acne for why clean bowls matter.
Recalls
Keep the batch code, date and barcode, in case a recall is announced. See cat food recalls: how to stay informed.
A simple weekly routine
Once a week, empty and wash the dry food container if you use one, and let it dry completely before refilling. Check the dates on cans and pouches in the cupboard, and move older ones to the front. Wipe the shelf where food is kept, and inspect treat bags for stale smells. Wash the feeding mat, and the scoop. Rotating stock this way means food is used while fresh, and spoiled food is caught before it reaches the bowl. Keep a small note of purchase dates if you buy in bulk, so you do not forget what is oldest.
Travel and short trips
When traveling, pack food in sealed, labeled containers, with the best-before date. Carry a small cooler for opened wet food, and bring bottled water if your cat is sensitive to changes. Keep food away from heat in the car, since a hot vehicle spoils fats quickly. Never leave a bowl of wet food in a parked car.
When to see a vet
See a vet if your cat has vomiting or diarrhea after a food change, or after eating spoiled food. Use the US vet directory to find a clinic.
Frequently asked questions
How long can opened wet cat food stay in the fridge?
Typically two to three days, covered.
Should kibble be poured into a container?
Keep it in the original bag, then place the bag in an airtight container.
How long can wet food sit out?
Generally no more than thirty minutes to a few hours, less in hot weather.
Can I freeze wet food?
Yes, in small portions, though texture may change.
Sources and further reading
Pet food rules and nutrient standards come from regulators and professional bodies. Start here when you want the primary source.
- WSAVA Global Nutrition GuidelinesHow to judge a pet food and the company that makes it.
- AAFCO: pet foodThe body behind U.S. pet food nutrient profiles and labeling standards.
- FDA Center for Veterinary MedicineU.S. regulator for animal food, drugs and recalls.
Tailwisp is independent and written under our editorial policy. Learn who we are, or browse all cat guides.
This article is general educational information, not veterinary advice. Every cat is different. If your cat is unwell, or you are unsure about a symptom, diet change or medication, contact your veterinarian.