Is Canned Cat Food Cooked Or Raw?

Have you ever wondered how your cat's food is produced? What goes on from the preparation to the canning of wet cat food? Is it cooked or raw? We will satisfy your curiosity today. We have done the research regarding wet cat food production and we've probed the top manufacturers to provide you the answer to your questions.

Canned cat food is cooked and has undergone a rigorous process to ensure its nutritional quality and safety. Different ingredients are selected and mixed together before they are sealed, cooked, and sterilized inside the can. Once cooled, the canned wet food will be labeled and prepared for distribution to customers.

Continue reading to find out how canned cat food is produced and know the different ingredients and procedures involved in the whole manufacturing process.

A woman scooping a freshly opened cat food, Is Canned Cat Food Cooked Or Raw?

How is canned or wet cat food produced?

There are different stages in the production of canned cat food. It begins with ingredient selection, food preparation, sealing and cooking, cooling and labeling, and storage and distribution.

1. Ingredient selection

The main ingredients for cat food are animal meat and their by-products as they contain proteins that felines need for their optimum growth. Sources of carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals are also added to make it a complete and balanced meal. Preservatives are also added to the mix to ensure the nutritional value and safety of the food are not compromised.

2. Food preparation

There are different types of wet cat food depending on the products being offered by the manufacturers. There are canned foods that are chunky, flaked, grilled, pate, or with gravy. The manner of food preparation would depend on its type and recipe that producers follow. After getting the right mix, they transfer the wet food into cans.

3. Sealing and cooking

The cans are sealed properly and then the cooking process begins. Manufacturers are very careful regarding the temperature and cooking time so as to maximize the nutritional value of the food and ensure its safety.

4. Cooling and labeling

Once the cans are cooled, they attach the labels that contain the list of ingredients and other important information required by the FDA.

5. Storage and distribution

The canned cat foods are packed and stored in warehouses until they are ready for distribution to customers and pet parents in different parts of the world.

Every step is crucial in ensuring the canned cat food's nutritional value and compliance with pet food safety regulations.

Should cats eat dry or canned food?

Proper diet and nutrition are very important considerations for pet parents. Of course, we want what's best for our furry pals. Having proper diet and nutrition will pave the way for their optimum development.

Wet Canned food

Wet food is said to resemble a cat's prey that's why they find it more appetizing. This diet has more moisture content. It is beneficial to cats especially those who do not make it a habit to drink water from their bowl. This helps reduce the risk of certain illnesses such as urinary tract infections, kidney disease, and diabetes.

Wet cat food in general also has a longer shelf life because of the preservation techniques and preservatives used. It is sterilized properly by cooking it at a high temperature. This will kill the germs and bacteria. But its extended shelf life is only applicable while the can is unopened. Once you open it, you must keep it refrigerated and have your cat consume it within 7 days or else it'll go bad and go to waste.

Dry Cat Food

This diet is rich in calories so it is preferred by pet parents who want to improve the weight gain of their felines. Its energy density is higher compared to wet food. Each kibble contains concentrated nutrients so you can be assured that the nutritional value is maximized with every bite.

It is also more affordable than wet cat food, so that's a big plus. Dry cat food also has a stable shelf life and is easier to store. It can also be conveniently placed in food toy dispensers and food puzzles to keep your pets busy and mentally stimulated.

Wet VS Dry Cat Food

There are some pet parents who prefer to give their cats only dry food or only wet food. There are also some who give a combination of both. Any of these diets are okay according to vets as long as your cats are getting a complete and balanced diet which will result in a healthy, active, and happy pet.

Can cats eat canned food every day?

A new opened cat food on a white background

Canned cat food has been specially formulated to meet the nutritional requirements of your beloved pet. You can feed your feline with meals from the can everyday. The amount of cat food that you give to your pet would depend on her age, activity level, and health condition. If you have concerns regarding your cat's diet, it's best that you consult your vet to get professional advice.

Wet food is actually very good for cats because of its high moisture and nutritious content. They provide your pet with more water aside from what they drink from their bowl. This diet also helps reduce the probability of obesity, diabetes, and urinary tract infection.

Is canned tuna good for cats?

Canned tuna, whether they're made for humans or cats, can be addictive for your pet. They like its smell and flavor. While most of us may think that it's okay to give this to our pets because cats like fish, here's a reminder from our trusted vets. Too much tuna can actually be bad for felines.

First, it can cause mercury poisoning. Tuna has high mercury content which is toxic for humans and our pets. Second, it could lead to malnutrition. Canned tuna that's packed for human consumption will not meet your cat's nutritional needs. It has too many calories and unsaturated fat which are above the recommended amount for cats. Consequently, this could lead to other health problems such as urinary disease, inflammation, and arthritis.

With that said, you can feed your cat some tuna occasionally. That's your choice. You can think of it as a treat for your pet. But it shouldn't be a part of your pet's regular diet. At most, it should just make up 10% of your cat's sustenance. Better yet, look for cat food with tuna in it so that you know that it has been formulated to provide the nutrients that your cat needs.

What is the shelf-life of canned cat food?

A canned cat food photographed above placed on a wooden floor

Canned cat food has a relatively long shelf life because manufacturers use preservatives and preservation techniques to make sure that these products stay fresh while inside the can. However, it would vary from one product to another and from one manufacturer to another. Their shelf-life usually ranges from 1 to 5 years. Expect those made with natural preservatives to have a shorter shelf life than those foods that used artificial additives.

Pet parents should be mindful of the food's "Best by" date. It would tell you until when the cat food would be able to provide the best quality and nutrients to your pet. But it doesn't mean that it isn't safe to eat anymore. Rather, some nutritional value that was originally packed into the meal has been lost over time.

How do you store opened wet cat food?

Once the wet cat food has been opened, it is recommended that you refrigerate it immediately. Transfer it to an airtight container and place it inside the fridge with a temperature of 40 to 45 degrees Fahrenheit. This will help preserve the quality and nutrients in your pet's meal. However, it should be used within 5 to 7 days. Beyond this period, any unconsumed food needs to be thrown away for safety reasons.

Final Thoughts

Canned cat food is cooked and sterilized to ensure its safety and capability to provide the nutritional requirements of your pet. Wet food has a very high moisture content, which is its main advantage over dry food. On the other hand, it is an expensive diet and easily perishable once taken out of the can. At the end of the day, your main concern when feeding your pet should be how it best meets your cat's specific health needs to support their growth and development.

One comment

  1. You noted that canned cat food is cooked at a high temperature to sterilize the contents. Still, you neglected to talk about the kibble processing, cooking temperature, and shelf life and compare the recall ratio between the two types of process. Which is better for your cat, and can you accurately decide without all the facts?

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