How Long Do Homemade Cat Food Last?

Making homemade cat food is one of the best ways to provide optimal nutrition to your pet feline. It is also an affordable and healthy option as it gives you more control over the ingredients you use for your recipes. But there is one question that many pet owners wonder about: How long does homemade cat food last?

This is a valid question as the shelf life of homemade cat food plays an important role in how successful it will be as it affects food safety and your budget. Knowing how long it can stay good will allow you to plan your meals better and to avoid wasting money.

In order to determine how long homemade cat food will last, you need to evaluate the ingredients used, properly store them and understand the shelf life of the food.

How Long Does Homemade Cat Food Last?

Homemade cat food will last anywhere between two days and two weeks, depending on the ingredients used and how it is stored.

Generally, the lifespan of homemade cat food is limited due to the fact that it is not pasteurized, which can drastically reduce the shelf life of the food.

But there are some steps that can be taken to extend the shelf life of the food and help keep your cat healthy.

One of the most important factors to consider when determining how long homemade cat food will last is the type of ingredients used. Whole foods that contain proteins, vegetables, fats, grains and oils will last longest as compared to processed foods.

These ingredients are all packed with nutrients and can be cooked to ensure food safety.

The second factor to consider is how the food is stored. Proper storage of the food is key to extend its shelf life.

It is important to use clean, airtight containers to store the homemade cat food in order to keep out bacteria and contaminants. Freezing the food can extend its shelf life and make it easier to thaw.

The third factor to consider is the shelf life of the individual ingredients. Different ingredients have different shelf lives, so it is important to keep this in mind when evaluating how long the food will last.

Proteins such as fish and beef will last up to five days whereas vegetables such as carrots and broccoli can last up to ten days.

The fourth factor is whether the food has been cooked or not. Uncooked food will generally last about one day whereas cooked food can last up to five days.

Any food that is not used should be thrown out after that time period as it could contain harmful bacteria that could make your cat sick.

Tips to Extend the Shelf Life of Homemade Cat Food

There are a few tips that can help to extend the shelf life of homemade cat food. First, make sure the ingredients used are fresh and of high quality. Avoid using leftovers or anything past its expiration date.

Second, make sure the food is stored in a clean and dry place. Store the food in airtight containers and make sure they are kept away from direct sunlight, heat, and moisture. Freezing the food can help to extend its shelf life as long as it is stored properly in the freezer.

Third, portion the food into smaller containers and keep in the fridge. This will help to reduce the chances of spoilage and will also help to keep the food fresh for longer. Portioning also makes it easier to know how much food to feed your cat at once.

Finally, always be aware of the smell and color of the food. If the food has an off smell or has an off color, it is best to discard it. This is especially important for raw food as it can contain harmful bacteria.

Conclusion

Knowing how long homemade cat food will last can help pet owners ensure the safety of their pets while still being able to provide them with healthy and affordable meals.

By understanding the shelf life of the food, the type of ingredients used, and how to properly store it, pet owners can be sure that their cat is getting fresh and safe food.