How to properly store your cat's kibble and pâtés

Kibble and/or wet food, it is important to store your cat's food properly. Otherwise, it may lose quality and above all be refused by your little companion. Here are all our tips to properly preserve your cat's food.

For several weeks now, you have been offering your cat Ziggy kibble and wet food (or maybe soon? 😺). He is delighted, purring with pleasure at every bite and every meal. But for a few days, your cat has decided to snub them. He no longer wants them, refuses his food, sulks when seeing his bowl's contents. Several reasons can explain his aversion, starting with poor storage of his food!

You should know that cats are very sensitive to the physico-chemical characteristics of their food. Smell, taste, texture, and temperature all matter. And a cat that "doubts" its food will not eat it. He would rather starve than eat kibble that doesn't suit him.

Proper food storage is therefore essential, both for your cat's health and your budget. Throwing away good-quality kibble and wet food is quite annoying. So how to store your cat’s kibble and wet food properly? Here are our tips.

How to properly store your cat’s kibble

Your cat's kibble is like little biscuits. They must be stored in a dry place, away from heat (below 30°C) and humidity. You can keep the kibble in a kitchen cupboard, but it should be away from the oven and stove.

We also advise keeping them in their original bag, specially designed to preserve dry food. After each opening, remember to close the bag tightly with a clothespin or sealing clip. Otherwise, the kibble risks oxidizing and some vitamins may degrade. Bacteria can also develop when exposed to air.

For maximum protection, don't hesitate to place your kibble bag in a large airtight container. It’s a bit like a Russian doll, but better safe than sorry. Your cat’s food will be well protected.

However, if you don't like the bag design (it happens 😿), you can transfer the kibble to an airtight container or a glass jar (keep it away from sunlight). We advise against metal containers because metal can alter the kibble. And especially do not put kibble in plastic containers like Tupperware, as the plastic smell often permeates the kibble. And your kitty won’t appreciate that! He will surely snub his food.

How long can you keep your cat’s kibble?

If the bag is unopened, just rely on the expiration date indicated on the packaging. If the date is only a few days past, we advise not to feed it to your cat. It won’t poison or make him sick, but the kibble will have lost nutritional quality.

If the bag is opened, kibble should ideally be consumed within 4 to 6 weeks after opening.

How to properly store your cat’s wet food

Like kibble, wet food cans should be stored in a cool, dry place away from heat and humidity; in a cupboard or drawer far from any heat source. A little extra from Ziggy: the storage box. No need to take them all out. Our box fits nicely in a drawer 😺

However, if you don’t like the cans, you can store the food in an airtight container or simply stack them in a cupboard.

How long to keep them?

If unopened, also rely on the expiration date. Avoid giving expired wet food as it will be of lower quality. And of course, never feed your cat wet food that has been expired for months. The smell is a good indicator: expired wet food that has gone bad smells very bad!

After opening, wet food can be kept for 48 hours in the fridge. Be careful where you place it; store it in the coldest part of your fridge, where the most delicate products like meat, cooked and uncooked deli meats, creams, opened fresh products, or fresh cheeses are kept. This area is usually at the top or bottom of your fridge depending on the brand and model.

Don’t hesitate to take it out of the fridge a few minutes before serving. With delicate taste buds, our little companions like to eat their food at room temperature. Except for a few cats who prefer it cold. At Ziggy, we know a little cat named Ineka who only appreciates her meals straight from the fridge. We’ve looked for explanations but found none. Another mystery unsolved among our whiskered friends 😹

Note: Do not leave your cat’s wet food in the bowl for several hours. It may dry out and, in some cases, flies may lay their eggs on it.

Can you freeze your cat’s kibble and wet food?

Many pet parents ask this question. And the answer is yes! It is possible to freeze your cat’s food. However, it is recommended to place the food in another airtight container.

For example, kibble in a Ziploc bag, and wet food in a freezer-safe box. Never freeze wet food in its aluminum tray as is. The cold can make it explode. Another option: put them in ice cube trays. Be careful not to freeze fresh food that has already been served to your cat!

To thaw, just put it in the fridge. Once thawed, you can feed it to your cat. Again, remember to take it out of the fridge a few minutes before serving your little companion. If the food is still too cold, add a spoonful of warm water to the portion.

Properly storing your cat’s kibble and wet food is essential. Our little companions are delicate beings who want only the best in their bowl: fresh, high-quality kibble and wet food.

And that’s exactly what we offer at Ziggy: tasty, healthy, and quality food 😻 If your cat hasn’t tried our delicious kibble and wet food yet, know that we offer discovery boxes for sterilized adult cats and kittens. Guaranteed purrs!