Does Cat Food Expire? How Long It Lasts After Opening

Updated October 13, 2026 · 2 min read · 4 sources

Short answer

Yes, cat food expires: check the "best by" date on the bag or can. Once opened, dry food should be kept sealed in its original bag in a cool, dry place and is best used within about two weeks, opened wet food should be covered and refrigerated (40°F or below) and used within a few days, and wet food in the bowl should be thrown out after about two hours.

Cats are notoriously picky about stale food, and with good reason: once opened, both dry and wet food lose freshness quickly. The same food safety principles apply to cat food as to dog food.

How long cat food lasts

Food Unopened After opening
Dry food Until the best-by date on the bag Keep sealed; best used within about 2 weeks
Canned / pouch food Until the best-by date Refrigerate covered; use within a few days (up to about 5 per typical manufacturer guidance)
Wet food in the bowl — Discard after about 2 hours (sooner in heat)

The wet food timeframes come from veterinarian-reviewed guidance published by Dogster for pet food generally; always follow the manufacturer's label.

FDA storage tips that apply to cat food

  • Keep dry food in the original bag, which records the product name, lot number and best-by date. If you use a bin, put the bag inside it rather than pouring the food in loose.
  • Store below 80°F in a cool, dry place.
  • Refrigerate opened cans and pouches promptly at 40°F or below, or throw out leftovers.
  • Wash food bowls after each use and water bowls daily.
  • Wash scoops after use and use them only for pet food.

Why cats refuse "old" food

Cats rely heavily on smell. As the fats in dry food oxidize, the smell changes and many cats stop eating it before it's technically expired. Cold wet food straight from the fridge can also be less appealing; letting it come closer to room temperature for a short time (or adding a little warm water) helps, but don't leave it out for hours.

Signs cat food has gone bad

  • Rancid or sour smell
  • Mold, discoloration or clumping from moisture
  • Bulging or damaged cans and pouches
  • Your cat refuses it suddenly, or vomits or has diarrhea after a new bag

The ASPCA advises stopping the food, keeping the packaging and checking the FDA's recall list. See how to check for pet food recalls.

Tips to keep cat food fresh

  • Buy dry food in bag sizes your cat finishes within about two weeks.
  • Use single-serve cans or pouches if your cat eats small wet meals.
  • Don't mix fresh food on top of old food in the bowl.

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Sources

  1. FDA: Proper storage of pet food and treats
  2. Dogster: How long can wet dog food sit out? (vet-reviewed, 2026)
  3. Dogster: Can dog food go bad? (vet-reviewed, 2026)
  4. ASPCA: Should I worry if my pet's food is recalled?

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