I have a question about canned wet food

[MIButterfly]

It's concerning cat food but I suppose it could apply to dog food too.

I gave my cat a teaspoon of wet food and put the rest of the can in the refrigerator with a lid on it. How long will it stay good in the refrigerator?

Thank you in advance.

[hlthe2b]

1. Depends a bit on the composition.. sugars in some wet food can invite mold...

But with an airtight lid, 24 hours should be okay.

[MIButterfly]

3. Really? Only 24 hours?

It's a big can (5.5 oz.) and I only have her a teaspoonful full.

[hlthe2b]

4. 3-5 days for most... But, again, some have a lot of sugars in them.

Still, if you have a tight-fitting lid, you should be able to keep it for the 3-5 days recommended. Just don't leave it out on the counter for any length of time--this time of year.

[MIButterfly]

5. How long should I leave it out just to take the chill off?

I can't give it to my cats straight from the fridge. It would be too cold for them.

[3catwoman3]

6. Do they not like it if it's cold? Ours eat theirs straight from the fridge all the time.

You could either leave out just the portions you've dished up, or maybe nuke it in the microwave at 10% power for 10 seconds or so.

Or add a bit of warm water?

[biophile]

7. The small amount you give them would warm up pretty quickly

5 minutes should do it. I wouldn’t microwave it, but a tiny bit of warm water couldn’t hurt. Many cats do not drink enough and if the bulk of their meal is dry kibble, then it would be helpful.

[MIButterfly]

8. My cats are on veterinary food and it makes them very thirsty

They drink water like it's going out of style. I'm constantly buying litter!

[hlthe2b]

9. I'd take out the amount you are going to feed and add it to the bowl and then place the rest

of the food back in the refrigerator while you let the bowl you intend to feed reach room temp for a little bit--that small amount should take more than 10 minutes or so.

[JoeOtterbein]

2. Any time-temperature controlled food for safety, including opened canned food is safe for....

...seven days at 41 degrees or below.

[niyad]

10. I would transfer the contents to a small glass container with a tight-

fitting lid. Should be good for about a week.

[Polly Hennessey]

11. This is what I do for my Millie, Niyad. She is on Royal

Canin Renal diet food. One 6 oz can lasts about four days. She is twenty years old and doing well, so far. 🤞

[niyad]

12. Please give your sweet girl a hug from me.