There are many pet products available in the market, and there are many types of dog food. And we want to give our dog the foods which are healthy and safe for them. But one constant dilemma the pet parents have is to choose between dry or wet food.
Wet food is an appealing choice for dogs, often laden with flavor and packed with essential nutrients. Likewise, it is typically more recently produced than dry food. So, what should owners do if Fido doesn't finish the can? This is a common query among those who favor wet canned dog food. Fortunately, there are simple steps owners can take to make the food last longer and save money.
What is Wet Dog Food
In the age-old debate of dry dog food vs wet dog food, wet dog food is quite famous. It is commercial dog food that comes in canned, semi-moist, and pouch format. It contains a higher moisture content compared to dry dog food. Wet dog food is made by blending various ingredients such as meat, grains, vegetables, and vitamins.
Best Wet dog food to consider in 2024
In agreement with our specialists' recommendations, all of these top-rated dog foods—including both dry and wet types—meet or surpass AAFCO nutritional standards. The production of them involves the supervision of veterinary nutritionists, ensuring the high-quality components used. Moreover, each brand provides a feed guide on their packaging, helping you to regulate the right portion size for your pet's weight and size. Lastly, all the brands also offer high-calorie choices for puppies and easily digestible kibble sizes for various dog sizes.
Shelf Life and Storage
Before purchasing a tin of your pup's favorite goods, scrutinize the "best by" date printed on the bottom. Doing this can provide owners with a better sense of how to preserve the food.
It's essential to be aware that this date is not a term of consumption. It's an approximate timeframe for when the producer has identified that the food starts to diminish in nutritional quality. What does this imply? Principally, it implies that consuming the food a bit beyond the designated date isn't a major issue. But it still has potential drawbacks.
Owners may encounter a can of dog food with a packaging date from years ago, but this does not mean the food has gone bad. The shelf life of canned food varies, and this information is usually not printed on the can. In general, wet canned food can last for up to five years when stored in a dry, cool environment between 50 and 100 degrees Fahrenheit.
Unopened cans do not require refrigeration, as the airtight container and preservatives create a safe environment at room temperature.
When kept properly, canned food can be a great addition to a pup's food supply; however, owners should always contact the manufacturer to be sure of exact shelf life.
Leaving Food Out for Feeding
Canines tend to consume all that is given to them. But in some cases, that may not happen. For instance, dry dog food can often stay in open spaces for days or weeks; still, wet food can easily get moldy and contaminated if kept in the open for too long. Such food, with high levels of moisture, will spoil in just a few hours.
Owners must monitor their pup while they eat. If they don't finish their food right away, they should still have ample time to finish the meal. It is safe to leave the food in the open for up to 4 hours.
Dogs may take a couple of hours to finish eating, so they should be given the chance. After 4 hours, any remaining food should be thrown away and the bowl should be washed.
Additionally, wet canned food must be given in a fresh bowl each time to avoid contaminating the new meal.
Storing Wet Dog Food in the Fridge
For pet owners who don't feed their fur companion an entire can at once, refrigeration can be a great option. A temperature of 40-45F degrees will protect the food from spoilage.
The exact length of time that the food will last depends on the brand and formulation, but typically should not exceed 7 days.
To ensure optimal freshness and cleanliness, store the food in a resealed can and use a plastic cover to secure the seal. This will prevent air exposure and mold growth on the surface.
This method also helps to prevent the smell of the food from permeating to other foods in the fridge. Owners will find this tool a worthy investment to avoid that dog food smell.
Freezing Wet Dog Food
Canine owners seeking to store their opened moist dog food for an extended time may turn to the freezer as the ideal solution. If done correctly, freezing can help retain food safety for an extended duration.
Various techniques exist depending on the needs of the owner and dog. It is important to note, however, that freezing might diminish the nutritional value and flavor of the food. Therefore, owners should strive to serve the food as soon as possible to avoid making it unappealing to pets.
The best practice for freezing food is to portion it into multiple zip-lock bags placed on a tray. Doing so prevents the bags from sticking together while also providing easy portions for defrosting and preparation. Avoid putting the container directly in the freezer due to the high moisture levels of the contents, which can lead to undesired results.
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Final Words
Wet canned dog food is a quality option for pet owners looking for nutrition and variety. It can, however, be difficult to store due to a lack of information. Despite this, it still contains the necessary vitamins and minerals and offers an enrichment of flavors for any canine.
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