Most everyone knows that fresh food is just as important for cats as it is for humans. By necessity, humans have learned how to store food. So taking similar measures when managing Fluffy’s food supply only makes good sense. How you store and handle cat food affects not only its freshness but also its nutritional value. Here are a few don’ts to remember when storing cat food so you can keep kitty healthy and well-fed.
Don’t Store Dry Cat Food on the Shelf
Even though it may seem like a non-perishable item, dry cat food will get stale if left on the shelf for weeks at a time. Instead, you can keep Fluffy’s morsels fresh for a long time if you store them in the freezer. Amazingly, dry food will stay fresh for as long as 26 weeks, which is ideal for those of you who like to buy in bulk. Just don’t forget to wrap it tightly to prevent moisture from seeping inside, and always make sure to thaw it out before feeding your cat.
Don’t Get Rid of the Original Packaging
Transferring dry cat food into an airtight, resealable container may be convenient, but that’s not actually the best way to keep your kitty’s food fresh. In fact, the bags cat food comes in are designed to maintain freshness for as long as possible. So if you do decide to use resealable containers, just keep the food in the bag before placing the bag in the container.
Also, the original packaging has the food’s batch code, expiration date, and barcode on it, which is information you’ll need to have in the event of a cat food recall.
Don’t Store Cat Food in High Temperature or High Humidity Environments
Any kind of food -cat food included- should never be left exposed in high humidity environments or hot temperatures. Humidity and heat are breeding grounds for bacteria, so always store Fluffy’s food in a dry, cool area.
Don’t Expose Kitty’s Food to Air
Leaving your kitty’s food exposed to air naturally speeds up the rate at which it spoils. Oxygen and light exposure, in general, causes food materials to break down. Any vitamin or mineral value will be depleted and any oil or fat-based ingredients will become rancid. These conditions make it that much easier for bacteria to grow.
If you have additional questions about how to keep kitty’s food fresh, don’t hesitate to call us! And have a happy holiday season!
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