Does Wet Dog Food Need to Be Refrigerated: The Surprising Answer

Does wet dog food need to be refrigerated? Wet dog food should be refrigerated at 41°F or cooler to maintain product quality.

For example, Avengers All Meat canned food should ideally be refrigerated and consumed within 12 months of the production date on the bottom of each can.

If unopened, pet parents may not need to refrigerate wet dog food for up to 3 years until opened, but it is highly recommended that wet dog food is always kept out of direct sunlight and in a cool area when not in use.

Does wet dog food need to be refrigerated?

Wet dog food should be refrigerated before opening. Once opened, wet dog food should remain in the refrigerator and be used within 3 to 4 days.

It is important to note, wet dog food should never be left out of the refrigerator for more than 4 hours.

If wet dog food has been left out of the refrigerator for more than 4 hours and you notice an off odor or suspect the food has become contaminated, discard the product and rinse containers before using it again.

Shelf Life and Storage

Science Diet canned dog food should be refrigerated at 41°F or cooler to maintain product quality. Once opened, it is best practice to refrigerate wet dog food and consume it within 3-4 days.

It is important to note, wet dog food should never be left out of the refrigerator for more than 4 hours.

As with all dry pet foods, the best way to protect the nutrients and quality of Science Diet dry dog and cat food is to store it in a tightly sealed container. That way, air won’t come in contact with the food.

What is the shelf life of wet dog food?

The shelf life of wet dog food depends on many factors, including the brand and quantity being held and the conditions in which it was stored.

Dogs are social animals and thrive in familiar surroundings, which means that they will often become uncomfortable or even sick if suddenly moved to a new environment. Therefore, it is important to keep wet dog food in a familiar-looking location.

Leaving Food Out for Feeding

Wet dog food should not be left out in the open for longer than four hours. When wet dog food is left out, it becomes a breeding ground for bacteria, which can cause illness in your dog.

If wet dog food has been left out of the refrigerator for more than four hours and you notice an off odor or suspect the food has become contaminated, discard the product and rinse containers before using it again.

Storing Wet Dog Food in the Fridge

Canned dog food should be stored in the fridge. It is best practice to store wet dog food in the fridge within 3-4 days of opening.

In addition to keeping it fresh, a sealed container can help prevent potential stomach upset. Stomach upsets are not only uncomfortable but can lead to serious illness.

Keeping Wet Dog Food at a Constant Temperature

Once wet dog food is frozen, it should be kept in a cool place and never re-frozen once it has been thawed. If wet dog food has been frozen, it should be refrozen once it has been thawed.

Wet dog food should never be used immediately after thawing. It is important to let the wet dog food thaw at room temperature under running water before serving.

It can take several hours to thaw wet dog food completely and even longer if you are desiring a product with a soft texture.

How do you store wet dog food?

For optimal quality and freshness, the wet dog food should be stored in a cool area between 35° F and 80° F.

To store wet dog food at a constant temperature, place it in a place that does not get direct sunlight and does not have temperature extremes.

Is it safe to leave wet dog food out for my pet during the day?

No, it is never safe to leave wet dog food out in the open for longer than four hours. Even if you are home or nearby during the day, dogs have been known to sneak eats from their owner’s plate or countertops.

Why does my wet dog food smell bad?

If you notice an off odor or suspect that the food has become contaminated, discard the product and rinse containers before using them again.

Fridge temperatures are generally lower than ideal for storing wet dog food. If your fridge is too warm, consider transferring the cans to a freezer to keep them as fresh as possible.

Conclusion

It is never safe to leave wet dog food out in the open for longer than four hours. Even if you are home or nearby during the day, dogs have been known to sneak eats from their owner’s plate or countertops.