Do You Refrigerate Wet Dog Food? The Complete Guide to Keeping Your Pup’s Food Fresh

Are you standing in your kitchen half-opened can of wet dog food in hand wondering what to do with the leftovers? You’re not alone! As a pet parent who’s gone through countless cans of wet food, I’ve asked myself this same question many times do you refrigerate wet dog food?

The short answer is yes, you absolutely should refrigerate opened wet dog food. But there’s much more to keeping your furry friend’s meals fresh than just popping them in the fridge. Let’s dig into everything you need to know about properly storing wet dog food to keep it safe, nutritious, and appetizing for your pup.

Understanding Wet Dog Food Basics

Before we jump into storage methods let’s take a quick look at what makes wet dog food different from dry kibble.

Wet dog food typically contains:

• Animal proteins (chicken, beef, lamb, etc.)
• Grains (rice, corn) in some formulas
• Vegetables (carrots, peas)
• Essential vitamins and minerals
• Water or broth (much higher moisture content than dry food)

This higher moisture content is exactly why wet food requires different storage than kibble. The moisture that makes wet food so palatable for dogs also makes it a potential breeding ground for bacteria if not stored properly.

The Big Question: Should You Refrigerate Wet Dog Food?

Here’s what you need to know about refrigerating different states of wet dog food:

For Unopened Wet Dog Food

Unopened wet dog food does not need refrigeration. In fact, you should:

• Store it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight
• Keep it in a pantry, cupboard, or other storage area
• Maintain a relatively stable temperature (avoid garages that get very hot or cold)

Properly stored, unopened wet dog food generally has a shelf life of up to two years, making it an economical option that you can stock up on during sales.

For Opened Wet Dog Food

This is where refrigeration becomes crucial! Once you’ve opened that can, pouch, or tray:

• YES, you absolutely must refrigerate any unused portion
• Transfer leftover food to an airtight container (or use a can cover)
• Refrigerate promptly after serving your dog
• Label with the date of opening to track freshness

I learned this lesson the hard way when I left an opened can of my dog Max’s favorite beef stew on the counter for a few hours. Let’s just say the smell when I returned wasn’t pleasant, and I had to throw it out!

How Long Can Opened Wet Dog Food Stay in the Fridge?

Once refrigerated, opened wet dog food will stay good for:

• 3-5 days according to most manufacturers
• Up to 7 days maximum, though quality declines over time
• Ideally, use within 2-3 days for best quality and safety

My personal recommendation? Try to use refrigerated wet food within 2 days. While it might technically be “safe” for longer, I’ve noticed my dogs are less enthusiastic about it after the 48-hour mark. The texture and aroma change slightly, making it less appealing to their sensitive noses.

Best Practices for Storing Opened Wet Dog Food

When it comes to keeping that opened food fresh in the fridge, here’s what works best:

1. Use the Right Container

Don’t just stick the open can in the fridge! Instead:

• Transfer food to a proper airtight container
• Use ziplock bags or containers specifically designed for pet food
• If keeping in the original can, use a can cover designed for pet food
• Seal tightly to prevent air exposure and odor transfer

I’ve found that glass containers with snap-lock lids work amazingly well. They don’t absorb odors like plastic sometimes can, and they’re easy to clean thoroughly.

2. Proper Labeling

Ever found a mystery container in your fridge and wondered how long it’s been there? Avoid this with your dog’s food:

• Mark the container with the date it was opened
• Use a sticky note, masking tape, or a dry-erase marker on glass containers
• Set a reminder on your phone if you tend to forget

3. Serving Refrigerated Wet Dog Food

Cold food right from the fridge isn’t always appealing to dogs:

• Remove from refrigerator 15-30 minutes before feeding to bring to room temperature
• Or warm slightly by placing the container in warm water
• Stir to ensure even temperature throughout
• Never microwave wet dog food (creates hot spots that can burn your dog’s mouth)

When I serve refrigerated food to my dogs, I find that taking it out while I make my morning coffee gives it just enough time to warm up to a more appealing temperature.

Signs Your Refrigerated Wet Dog Food Has Gone Bad

Even with proper refrigeration, wet dog food can eventually spoil. Here’s how to tell if it’s time to toss it:

Visual Inspection

Look for:

• Unusual discoloration (grayish hues)
• Mold growth
• Strange textures or separation

Smell Test

Trust your nose:

• A sour or rancid smell
• Any off-putting or unusual odor
• Loss of normal meaty aroma

Texture Assessment

The texture matters too:

• Food has become overly dry or crusty on top
• Excessive watery separation
• Clumpy or slimy consistency

If you notice any of these signs, it’s better to be safe and throw the food away. Your dog’s health isn’t worth risking for a few dollars of dog food!

What About Food Left in the Bowl?

We’ve covered storage of leftover food in the package, but what about food left in your dog’s bowl? Here’s what you need to know:

• Wet food should not sit in a dog’s bowl for more than 2 hours
• Food left out will dry up, lose flavor, and can grow bacteria
• If your dog doesn’t finish their meal, discard leftovers and wash the bowl
• Don’t put bowl leftovers back in the fridge – this introduces bacteria

I’ve found that my smaller dog sometimes can’t finish her entire portion. Instead of serving a full amount, I now give her half, keep the rest properly stored in the fridge, and offer more later if needed. This prevents waste and keeps her food fresh.

Can You Freeze Wet Dog Food?

While refrigeration is the standard storage method, freezing is another option some pet parents consider:

Pros of Freezing:

• Can extend shelf life for several months
• Good for bulk purchases or sales
• Helpful for portion control

Cons of Freezing:

• May change texture when thawed
• Some manufacturers don’t recommend it
• Requires planning ahead for thawing

If you do freeze wet dog food:

• Portion into meal-sized containers before freezing
• Label with contents and date
• Thaw in refrigerator overnight before serving
• Never refreeze previously thawed wet dog food

Many premium brands, like Pooch & Mutt, don’t actually recommend freezing their wet food products as it can alter the texture and potentially affect palatability.

Mixing Wet and Dry Food: Storage Considerations

Many of us use wet food as a topper or mix it with kibble. If this is your feeding style:

• Only mix what your dog will eat in one sitting
• Don’t store pre-mixed wet and dry food
• Keep remaining wet food refrigerated separately
• Store dry food in its own airtight container

I like to mix a spoonful of wet food with my dog’s kibble to make meals more exciting. The key is only preparing what they’ll eat immediately and storing the components separately.

Understanding Expiration Dates on Wet Dog Food

Wet dog food packaging contains important dating information:

Expiration Dates

• The last date the manufacturer guarantees safety
• Food past this date may pose health risks
• Always check cans for expiration dates before purchase and use

“Best By” Dates

• Recommendation for peak quality
• Food may still be safe after this date, but less nutritious
• Use your judgment and inspect carefully

I always check the dates when buying multiple cans or pouches. Sometimes stores place newer products at the back, so I reach to the back of the shelf to get the freshest options with the longest shelf life.

Special Storage Considerations for Different Packaging Types

Wet dog food comes in various containers, each with slightly different storage needs:

Cans

• Store unopened in cool, dry place
• Check for dents, rust, or bulges before opening
• Use can covers for opened cans or transfer to containers
• Refrigerate opened cans

Pouches and Trays

• Store unopened in cool, dry place
• Once opened, transfer remaining food to airtight container
• Some pouches can be folded over and clipped, but airtight containers are better
• Refrigerate opened pouches/trays

Tetra Paks

• Store unopened in cool, dry place
• Can be folded and refrigerated after opening
• Use within 2 days for best quality

My Personal Experience with Wet Dog Food Storage

I’ve learned a few tricks over the years that have made wet dog food storage much easier:

1. Invest in quality storage containers – I bought a set of various sized glass containers with snap-lock lids specifically for dog food.

2. Portion control is key – If your dog never finishes a full can, consider buying smaller cans or portioning larger ones into 2-3 meals immediately upon opening.

3. Rotation system – In my fridge, the oldest opened wet food always goes at the front so it gets used first.

4. Dedicated area – I keep a specific shelf in my fridge just for pet food to avoid cross-contamination with human food.

5. Regular cleaning – I wash all pet food containers thoroughly between uses to prevent bacteria buildup.

Common Questions About Refrigerating Wet Dog Food

How long can wet dog food sit out?

Wet dog food should not be left at room temperature for more than 2 hours. After this time, bacteria growth increases significantly.

Can I warm refrigerated wet dog food?

Yes, you can warm refrigerated food to room temperature by setting it out for 15-30 minutes or placing the container in warm water. Never microwave wet dog food.

What happens if I don’t refrigerate opened wet dog food?

Unrefrigerated wet dog food will spoil quickly, developing harmful bacteria that can cause digestive upset or more serious illness in your dog.

Can I mix wet food with dry and refrigerate the mixture?

It’s not recommended to store pre-mixed wet and dry food. The moisture from the wet food can make the kibble soggy and more prone to bacterial growth.

Final Thoughts: Keep It Cool, Keep It Fresh

So, do you refrigerate wet dog food? Absolutely yes for opened containers, absolutely no for unopened ones. Proper storage ensures your dog gets safe, nutritious, and tasty meals every time.

Remember these key points:

• Refrigerate opened wet dog food immediately
• Use airtight containers
• Consume within 3-5 days, ideally within 2
• Watch for signs of spoilage
• Don’t leave wet food in your dog’s bowl for more than 2 hours

I’ve found that taking a few extra minutes to properly store my dogs’ wet food has saved money by preventing waste and given me peace of mind knowing I’m serving them food that’s fresh and safe.

What storage methods have worked best for you and your furry friends? I’d love to hear your experiences in the comments below!