Introduction
We all know already all the great benefits that raw cat food offers cats and their owners. From silky smooth fur to a better mood, the positives go on. However, it's the nutrients in the raw food that are the most important for cats. Properly storing your raw cat food is crucial to retaining those nutrients to ensure your cat reaps all the benefits.
In this guide, we will explore how to store raw cat food effectively, including how long it can be left out, and how cats' remarkable sense of smell plays a crucial role in detecting spoiled food.
Raw meat is perishable
Raw cat food is made up of meat, organs, and bones and lacks any type of preservatives. As a result, it is highly perishable and requires proper storage. Proper storage not only preserves the freshness and nutritional integrity of raw cat food but also minimizes the risk of foodborne illness in cats.
How Long Can Raw Cat Food Be Left Out?
The golden rule for leaving raw cat food out at room temperature is about 6 hours. Bacterial growth accelerates rapidly in moist and warm environments, making it crucial to limit the time raw food spends unrefrigerated. After 6 hours, the risk of spoilage and bacterial proliferation increases significantly, potentially compromising the safety of the food for your cat.
To minimize the risk of bacterial growth, any uneaten portions of raw cat food should be promptly refrigerated or discarded. Refrigeration slows down the growth of bacteria, extending the shelf life of raw food and ensuring its safety for consumption. Additionally, frozen storage is recommended for long-term preservation, with raw cat food remaining fresh and safe for several months when stored properly in the freezer.
Proper Storage Techniques
-
Refrigeration: Keep your Little Lions pouches refrigerated after opening. It's advised to put the pouch inside a Ziploc bag or a Tupperware container to prevent cross-contamination and preserve freshness. Have your cat eat the raw food within 3-4 days to maintain quality.
-
Freezing: For long-term storage, our food can be safely stored in the freezer. Our packs are all vacuum-sealed to maintain freshness and will last for many months in the freezer. Simply remove the pack and leave it under running lukewarm water to thaw. Never thaw with warm or hot water.
-
Hygiene: It's highly important to properly handle the raw cat food after opening a pack. Make sure your hands, any utensils, and the feeding dish are all clean before serving the food. This will prevent cross-contamination and keep you and your kitty safe.
Cats' Sense of Smell in Detecting Bad Food
Cats possess an extraordinary sense of smell, with olfactory receptors far more sensitive than those of humans. Their keen sense of smell serves as a vital tool for survival in the wild, enabling them to detect prey, navigate their environment, and identify potential dangers. When it comes to food, cats rely on their sense of smell to assess the freshness and palatability of their meals.
Cats can detect even subtle changes in the odor of food, allowing them to discern whether it is safe for consumption. Spoiled or contaminated food emits distinct odors that cats can readily detect, prompting them to reject it to avoid potential illness. So rest assured that your cat will not eat the raw food once it's gone past its prime time.
Conclusion
Ensuring the freshness and safety of raw cat food is paramount to providing your feline friend with optimal nutrition. Your cat's nose is finely tuned to detect if the raw food has gone bad. However, it's still critical to practice proper storage and handling techniques to ensure your cat receives the most balanced meal.