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MIButterfly

(3,567 posts)
Fri Jul 3, 2026, 08:13 PM 14 hrs ago

I have a question about canned wet food

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.

11 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
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hlthe2b

(115,325 posts)
1. Depends a bit on the composition.. sugars in some wet food can invite mold...
Fri Jul 3, 2026, 08:16 PM
14 hrs ago

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

MIButterfly

(3,567 posts)
3. Really? Only 24 hours?
Fri Jul 3, 2026, 08:18 PM
14 hrs ago

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

hlthe2b

(115,325 posts)
4. 3-5 days for most... But, again, some have a lot of sugars in them.
Fri Jul 3, 2026, 08:20 PM
14 hrs ago

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

(3,567 posts)
5. How long should I leave it out just to take the chill off?
Fri Jul 3, 2026, 08:32 PM
14 hrs ago

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

3catwoman3

(30,292 posts)
6. Do they not like it if it's cold? Ours eat theirs straight from the fridge all the time.
Fri Jul 3, 2026, 08:39 PM
14 hrs ago

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

(1,722 posts)
7. The small amount you give them would warm up pretty quickly
Fri Jul 3, 2026, 09:05 PM
13 hrs ago

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

(3,567 posts)
8. My cats are on veterinary food and it makes them very thirsty
Fri Jul 3, 2026, 09:13 PM
13 hrs ago

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

hlthe2b

(115,325 posts)
9. I'd take out the amount you are going to feed and add it to the bowl and then place the rest
Fri Jul 3, 2026, 10:00 PM
13 hrs ago

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

(7,881 posts)
2. Any time-temperature controlled food for safety, including opened canned food is safe for....
Fri Jul 3, 2026, 08:17 PM
14 hrs ago

...seven days at 41 degrees or below.

niyad

(135,562 posts)
10. I would transfer the contents to a small glass container with a tight-
Sat Jul 4, 2026, 09:04 AM
1 hr ago

fitting lid. Should be good for about a week.

Polly Hennessey

(9,074 posts)
11. This is what I do for my Millie, Niyad. She is on Royal
Sat Jul 4, 2026, 10:41 AM
20 min ago

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

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