Learn how to properly store and preserve cat food and treats! [Freshness is key]

Have you ever heard that cat food is prone to oxidation?

If dry cat food is not stored correctly, its taste and smell can degrade, and your cat might refuse to eat it. This could even be the cause of your cat's picky eating habits.

Properly storing cat food is extremely important.

This time, we will focus on cat food oxidation and explain in detail how to store cat food to prevent oxidation, as well as suitable storage containers.

What is Cat Food Oxidation?

"Oxidation" refers to a chemical change that occurs when a substance comes into contact with oxygen. Apples turning brown and nails rusting are also examples of oxidation.

Cat food will not oxidize as long as it remains unopened, but once the bag is opened, oxidation will begin.

Dry food contains a lot of fat, and when this fat oxidizes, it can change the taste and smell of the food. Amino acids and vitamins also degrade due to oxidation, which lowers the nutritional value.

Antioxidants protect cat food from such oxidation, but their effectiveness diminishes if the food is exposed to air for too long after opening.

What happens if a cat eats oxidized cat food?

If a cat eats oxidized cat food, it may experience symptoms such as diarrhea or vomiting, so caution is advised.

Oxidized cat food changes in taste and smell, making it unappetizing for cats. It's possible they might just sniff it and refuse to eat it.

How to identify oxidized cat food

You certainly don't want to feed your cat oxidized cat food. However, unlike wet food, dry food shows almost no visible change even when it oxidizes.

If it feels greasy to the touch, becomes sticky and oily, or has been left out, it is highly likely that it has oxidized.

Also beware of moisture

Cat food is not only susceptible to oxidation, but also to moisture. When you look at cat food packaging, you'll almost always see the phrase, "Store away from direct sunlight, high temperatures, and high humidity."

Dry food has a moisture content of 10% or less, so humidity is a major enemy. If it gets damp, it not only becomes unappetizing but can also cause mold, so be careful.

Check the expiration date

The expiration date listed on cat food packaging refers to the food when it is stored in its new, unopened state. To maintain taste, smell, ingredients, and quality, it's best to consume the food as soon as possible after opening. Also, attention must be paid to storage methods.

Correct storage methods for dry food

Dry food is easier to store than wet food, but oxidation begins immediately after opening. It is also susceptible to moisture, so it is important to store it in an airtight container.

Even just squeezing the air out of the cat food bag and clipping it shut is fine, but ideally, prepare an airtight storage container and store it so that it is exposed to as little air as possible. It is safest to consume it within one month of opening.

• Divide into small portions and put into resealable bags.
  
• Divide into small portions and freeze.
  
• Store in airtight containers such as plastic tubs.
  
• Store in a vacuum container.
  
• Store in a specialized cat food storage container. 

Try a storage method that suits the number of cats you have and their eating habits.

Storing treats

To protect cat treats from oxidation, store them in zip-lock bags or airtight containers.

Treats like Churu, which cats eat directly from the pouch, should always be finished completely. If you store something your cat has put its mouth on, bacteria can grow from saliva, leading to health problems.

Recommended storage containers

You can purchase specialized cat food storage containers at pet stores or home centers. They are convenient as they often include a pocket for desiccant and a measuring spoon. Any airtight container will work, even if it's not specifically for cats.

Dry food storage location

Even if unopened, do not store it under the kitchen sink, where it's hot and humid, or near a window exposed to direct sunlight. Storing it in the refrigerator, where condensation can easily form, is also not recommended.Store it in a cupboard or pantry where your cat cannot tamper with it.

Correct storage methods for wet food

Wet food spoils easily, so let your cat eat it immediately after opening. Discard any leftovers; do not store them. Leaving them out is also not advisable.

If your cat can't finish it in one go, store it in the refrigerator. Seal the cat can tightly with plastic wrap, or transfer retort pouches to another airtight container, paying attention to oxidation just like with dry food.

Even when stored in the refrigerator, it cannot be kept for a long time. Although there should be a warning on the wet food packaging, it is recommended to consume it within 48 hours at the latest after opening.

Wet food storage location

Opened wet food must always be stored in the refrigerator. Even before opening, storage in hot, humid places or direct sunlight is not recommended. Cats might chew on retort pouches, so store them out of their reach.

Summary

Cat food is prone to oxidation, and when it oxidizes, its taste, smell, and nutritional value decrease, so caution is needed. Depending on the storage method, it can lead to pickiness or cause diarrhea and vomiting.

For dry food, after opening, store it in an airtight container and consume it within about a month. For wet food, feed it immediately or store it in the refrigerator and consume it within 48 hours at the latest. These two points are extremely important.

Also, when purchasing cat food, try to choose smaller bags or items that are individually portioned. For dry food, aim for an amount that can be consumed within one month, and for wet food, a size equivalent to one meal.

Cats are creatures with discerning tastes. To ensure your cat stays healthy, review your cat food storage methods.

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