Do Cat Treats Expire? Are Expired Cat Treats Safe
A cat’s finicky nature is well known; if it doesn’t like something, it’ll tell you the most insincere way. Whenever you give your cat treats, you want to make sure they’re those treats are something they enjoy. If so, do cat treats expire, and how long can they last?
Yes, cat treats expire after a certain time. Cat treats are no different, as all packaged pet food expires after a certain time. A cat’s food’s shelf life will depend on its ingredients and the type of treat.
It is always a good idea to check the expiration date on the food you are providing your cat before feeding it.
Read on to learn how expired cat treats affect cats and what to do with expired cat treats.
Do Cat Treats Expire?
Yes, cat treats expire. The shelf life of cat treats is usually the same as the shelf life of dry cat food. Since treats usually remain safe and fresh for some time after the expiration date, it is best to check the package for details regarding their expiration date, and if in doubt, consult your veterinarian.
Giving your cat outdated or expired treats is never a good idea since you never know how their body will respond to the food.
If there isn’t a date on the package of cat treats you purchase, you can expect that they will last up to a few months (maximum six months). Before giving your cat food, make sure you check the expiration date because you don’t want to give them old food.
Interesting Reading: My Cat Ate a Whole Bag of Treats: What Should I Do?
Can Cats Eat Expired Treats?
No cats shouldn’t eat expired treats. It is not advised to give your cats food that has gone bad. Cat food that has reached its expiration date is bad for your cat’s health and nutrition. Giving your cat uncontaminated, fresh food is preferable, exactly like you would.
You might worry about giving your cat treats that have been stored for a long time due to their expiration date. Be sure to check the packaging date if you’re unsure. If they haven’t been stored in their original packaging for quite a while, you should dispose of them and replace them with new ones.
Additionally, treats are an excellent way to relieve stress in cats, and treats are also a great way to help your cat recover from surgery or sickness.
They could encourage appropriate conduct during litter- and house training. One great reason to do this is to give your cat cookies as praise or a reward for good behavior. Additionally, it can be an excellent way to spice up their diet.
It is advisable to keep it moderate when offering cookies to cheer them up. Giving them an entire bag may be tempting, but it isn’t a good idea to overdo it.
My Cat Ate Expired Treats
Cats can become ill if they eat expired or too old treats. Several cat shelters and stray feeders purchase old cat food from stores and vets to provide food for the cats in their care. Although it may have an unpleasant or outdated flavour, it won’t be harmed.
The difference in shelf life from manufacturer to the manufacturer is substantial. While canned and packaged foods have a shelf life of one to five years, dry pet food has a storage life of three to four years. Treats often have a similar shelf life to the dry food produced by the company. This, however, might change.
Too many treats might upset the average ratio’s nutritional balance. Some of the most well-liked cat treats include 85% protein, much more than what is found in a cat food recipe. If your cat eats too many treats, it will affect her appetite for her regular food.
Too many treats may indicate that your cat isn’t getting all the vitamins, minerals, and other essential ingredients from its nutritionally balanced cat food, leading to diarrhea, vomiting, obesity and stomach problems.
Intresting Reading: Can I Leave Wet Cat Food Out Overnight?
Are Expired Cat Treats Safe? How Long Does Cat Treats Last?
It is unsafe for a cat’s health to consume expired cat treats. Generally, treats last one to five years, while dry food remains fresh for much longer. This is plenty of time to consume a bag of snacks, but if you have any extras, toss them when they spoil.
Treats may be destroyed after this time, but their benefits won’t be as significant. If you’re ever unsure whether to use cat treats because of their appearance or scent and want to be safe, it’s better to throw them away.
Also, Check Out: Should I Leave Food Out For My Cat At Night?
What Happens if a Cat Eats Expired Cat Food?
Cats may consume treats that have gone past their expiration date. However, giving cats food that has gone bad is not advised. As you can expect, cat treats start to lose their freshness after a time, especially if you don’t store them in airtight packaging or container. When it comes to digestion, the oils may be difficult for your cat to process.
Following the consumption of outdated cat food or treats, the majority of cats exhibit the following symptoms:
- Allergies or dermatitis
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Anorexia
Your cat will thus become less nourished, which can cause diarrhea, nausea, and gastrointestinal distress.
What Should I Do If My Cat Ate Treats That Were Expiration Dated?
You could ask yourself how long it has been since those treats have been out of date. Take them to the vet’s office immediately if it has been two years after the expiration date, and don’t wait to see how their body responds.
The treats are unlikely to create any issues beyond one or two days, save from slight intestinal discomfort. However, your cat needs veterinarian care if they have any vomiting or diarrhea, whether it is frequent or not.
Do Temptations Cat Treats Expire?
The tempting cat snacks do have a shelf life. Temptation treats have additional ingredients, including flavorings, salt, colorants, and other components, making them incredibly tasty and addictive for cats.
Consuming such goods might have adverse health effects, just as using anything artificial or addictive. The box for Temptation cat treats does not mention an expiration date. Therefore, your cat may normally consume it for a year without problems.
What to Do With Expired Cat Food?
It’s safer to keep their food in date and to toss expired food away if it’s gone bad because it can cause nutrient deficiencies, diarrhea, nausea, and upset stomach.
Before discarding cat food, inspect it for signs of significant decay, such as unpleasant odors or mold growth. Place the food in a tightly sealed container if it appears spoiled or decaying, and throw it away.
Also, Check Out: What To Do With Leftover Cat Food?
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does an open cat treat last?
For 5-7 days, opened packets should be kept in the refrigerator at 40–45°F temperatures. Any that are still there after that should be discarded.
What is the shelf life of Temptations cat treats?
Cat snacks from Temptation last a year. However, it frequently lasts between two and one month. On average, two cats can get by with one packet every month.
How many creamy treats can I give my cat a day?
Cats should not consume more than 10% of their daily caloric intake from treats, although there is no exact rule for how often and how many treats to give them.
How do I know if my cat treats are bad?
By going to the vet, you can determine precisely how many calories your cat requires based on weight, health, and breed. If your cat eats too many treats, they could get skin rashes, foam at the mouth, throw up, have gas, have diarrhea, or get constipated, and they might stop eating their regular diet.
Wrap Up!
Always check expiration dates as cat treats start to lose their freshness after a time. Your cat may become ill and exhibit diarrhea, nausea, and gastrointestinal pain as the nutritional quality degrades.
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Who is Isabella?
My name is Isabella, and I am a dedicated and knowledgeable cat enthusiast. With years of experience caring for cats and a deep love for felines, I made a mission to help other cat lovers navigate the challenges of cat ownership.
