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How Long Can You Leave Wet Cat Food Out Before It Spoils?

As any cat owner knows, the portion of wet cat food is almost never just right. Sometimes, the can or pouch is not enough for the hungry hungry kitty, but more often than not, you’re left with some of the wet cat food.

Throwing it away seems wasteful, so the next logical question is “How long can you leave the wet cat food out before it spoils”?

How long can wet cat food sit out? The 2-Hour Window

According to the FDA, perishable food left at room temperature for more than 2 hours should be thrown away.  

Some cat food brands advise keeping wet food out for a maximum of 1 hour, while other brands instruct that it is safe to keep their wet food products out for as long as 4 hours. 

What Happens When Food Goes Bad?

Feeding your cat wet food that has been out for too long is dangerous because it is a very good medium for the development of bacteria and fungi. 

As the food begins to spoil, the chemical composition of the ingredients changes, and it becomes a good breeding ground for these pathogens. 

When you leave food out for a day or more, you will find it riddled with mildew. This is the massive development of fungi in the spoiled food medium. When you see it on the food, you know that it’s no longer good to eat. 

Is it Worth Leaving Wet Cat Food Out?

While that’s ultimately up for you to decide, when you leave wet cat food out, even in the 1-4 hour window, the food starts to go bad. After about one hour, the meat begins to dry out, which means that there is little chance that your cat will eat it. 

What You Can Do to Prevent Spoilage and Food Waste

1. Refrigerate It 2. Buy the Smallest Cans/Pouche 3. Use Can Covers or Ziploc Bags for the Fridge

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