How to Tell if Cat Food is Spoiled?

Both canned and dry cat food are produced by manufacturers in compliance with strict regulations. From production processes to packaging, every step aims to support the health of cats.

All cat food products have an expiration date. Finishing cat food before its expiration date is essential for your cat to have a healthy feeding experience. However, the expiration date is not the only factor that determines whether cat food has spoiled.

Food can start to spoil due to many factors, from improper storage conditions to exposure to excessive heat, damage to packaging, and being kept in very humid environments. In this article, which we have prepared on the importance of awareness for those who live with cats, you can find detailed answers to the question "How to tell if cat food has spoiled?".

Indicators of Spoiled Food

It is possible to mention various situations in which cat food begins to spoil, has spoiled, and/or is no longer considered safe for cats. Factors that cat owners should pay attention to can be listed as follows:

Expired

Expired is a key indicator that cat food has lost its maximum freshness and quality. Expired cat food does not necessarily mean the food is completely spoiled, but it is also not safe to give to cats. Therefore, it is best not to give cats cat food that has passed its expiration date. It is recommended to check the expiration date when buying cat food. Considering variables such as the preferred packaging weight, the number of cats who will consume the food, and how long it will last, evaluating the expiration date written on the packaging can be key to making the right food choice.

A Bad and Unusual Odor

One of the common answers to the question "How can you tell if cat food is spoiled?" is a change in the smell of the food. An unusual, sour, and unpleasant odor is one of the main indicators that cat food has spoiled. If you encounter an unfamiliar and different smell when putting your cat's food in its bowl, it's best to consider the possibility that your cat food is spoiled. Moreover, even if the expiration date hasn't passed, you should remain vigilant against changes in smell. Cat food can spoil when exposed to temperatures, humidity, light, or temperature fluctuations that are higher than ideal. Color Change Regardless of whether your cat's diet includes wet or dry cat food, a change in the color of the food you offer is one of the indicators that the food has spoiled. The color of all foods can vary depending on the main protein source used in the food and other ingredients in the formula. If a food you are familiar with changes color and smells differently than usual, it should raise suspicion of spoiled food.

Color Change

Regardless of whether your cat's diet includes wet or dry cat food, a change in the color of the food you offer is an indication that the food has spoiled. The color of all foods can vary depending on the main protein source used in the food and other ingredients in the formula. If the color and smell of a food you are familiar with changes to a different color than usual, it should raise suspicion of spoiled food.

Damage to Packaging

One of the things you should pay attention to before starting to use cat food is the integrity of the packaging. Torn packaging and contact of the food with air can lead to spoilage and even contamination depending on the situation. For similar reasons, choosing open cat food is not considered safe. Purchasing cat food offered in sealed packaging is considered an important choice for supporting the health of cats. For details, you can check out our article "Is Buying Open Food Sensible?".

Cats Refusing to Eat Food

If cats suddenly start refusing the food they regularly consume, the possibility that the cat food has started to spoil and/or is spoiled should not be ignored. In such a case, the color and smell of the food should be evaluated, and the expiration date should be checked. If there are no changes in the food, it is possible for cats to have a loss of appetite. Loss of appetite in cats is always a symptom that should be taken into consideration. For details about loss of appetite in cats, you can read our article "My Cat Isn't Eating and Is Lethargic, What Should I Do?". It is recommended that cats experiencing symptoms such as loss of appetite, lethargy, hiding, and lack of interest in playing be taken to a veterinarian for check-ups without delay.

Beware of Food Left Outside for a Long Time

The freshness and nutritional value of food begin to decrease after it is placed in the food bowl. Therefore, food that has been left in the food bowl for a long time is consumed with much less appetite by cats, and may not be consumed at all. When it comes to cats that do not finish their meals in one go and eat small amounts, it is recommended to monitor how long the food has been left outside. Dry food generally lasts longer outside than wet food. However, if the area where the food is kept is very hot, humid, or receives direct sunlight, it is essential to be cautious. Generally, it is recommended that canned cat food be left at room temperature for a maximum of 4 hours after opening.

Spoiled Food Can Cause Symptoms of Illness in Cats

Cats that consume spoiled food may experience health problems. Spoiled food, where bacteria have multiplied, can cause digestive complaints in cats ranging from mild to severe. Depending on the degree of spoilage, poisoning may occur in cats. Cats that experience health problems after eating food should be examined by a veterinarian without delay.

It is Important to Pay Attention to the Storage Conditions of Food

It is extremely important to pay attention to the storage conditions of cat food after purchasing it. Dry food should not be left with the lid open. The place where the food is stored should not be too hot: Food that is exposed to direct sunlight can spoil much faster than normal. Like temperature, humidity can also commonly cause cat food to spoil. Areas where humidity is controlled, regularly ventilated if possible, and where laundry is not dried are ideal for storing cat food. While proper storage is crucial for maximizing the benefits of cat food, it's not sufficient. How the food is stored and kept before purchase is also closely related to the health of cats. Furthermore, expiration dates play a very important role in the healthy nutrition of cats. You can buy cat food stored under optimal conditions and with an expiration date visible upon ordering from Terralora.

While how food is stored is important for maximizing its benefits, it is not sufficient. How the food is stored and kept before purchase is also closely related to the health of cats. Furthermore, expiration dates play a very important role in the healthy nutrition of cats. You can buy cat food stored under the best conditions and with an expiration date that you can see during ordering from Terralora.