The majority of cat food in cans has a two- to five-year shelf life. If you dont have a cool, dark place to store canned goods, you can put them in a cooler with ice packs. So, there you have it: everything you need to know about keeping your cats wet food fresh in hot weather. This means that bacteria cant get in and cause the food to spoil. Yes, canned cat food can go bad. The food may spoil or lose its nutritious value if the temperature is too high or changes too much. It is best to store unopened commercially canned foods in a cool and dry place (such as in a cupboard). Keeping canned cat food in a cold, dry environment is the best method to prevent it from going bad. Canned cat food limits how much it can tolerate before it starts to burn. The ideal temperature range for food storage is between 50F and 70F (10C and 21C). That means it is possible your canned cat food has got to over 100 degrees F, and if so, you might want to avoid feeding the food to your cat. Contact the pet food manufacturer to find out their recommendations for how long the food can still be fed once opened and placed in the refrigerator. Kittens, who should be given smaller meals more frequently, probably will finish their meal well before 15 minutes. The best way to protect canned foods from heat damage is to store them in a cool, dark place. If you live in a hot climate, you may want to consider switching to a dry food diet for your cat. Your email address will not be published. It was a hot and sunny afternoon; you just got home from the groceries. When canned goods are stored at the correct temperature, they will remain safe to eat and in the best possible condition. Accidents happen. Canned cat food is not an immortal food item. Food can degrade more quickly under hot temperatures. If the food smells sour, moldy, or otherwise unpleasant, dont feed it to your cat. If youve ever wondered how to tell if canned cat food is bad, youre not alone. The kitchen pantry or an inside closet works great. If the food is sterile and the can is undamaged, you might be wondering what could go wrong. Unlikely in the period of a day or two, but at high temps the quality starts to decrease, and eventually spoil faster than if stored in a cool dry place. Its important to keep the storage areas temperature consistently and within the advised range, which is often between 50 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. But is that really a good idea? This will give you better information about how likely the food is to be safe. Dont Be Fooled. If your cats food is frozen, its not the end of the world- but its not ideal either. Cats often do not eat a full serving of theircanned cat food at one sitting. If you live in a warmer climate, its important to keep an eye on your dogs food. Once the storage temperature rises, the risk of food spoilage jumps sharply. Its worth checking it out with a thermometer for yourself, but a car may reach 100 degrees Fahrenheit in the summer, even if the temperature outside does not reach that level. So, if youre leaving groceries or leftovers in a warm car, its important to not exceed the two-hour mark. Opened cans should be stored in the fridge, at temperatures between 40-45F, for a maximum of 5-7 days. This will burn the meal to the point that it is no longer edible. Meat goes off fast, and if the food inside the cans has been compromised, it may have an unpleasant smell. You might be surprised to learn that canned cat food can be left out for up to four hours, according to the FDA. So while you dont want to poison your cat, you may wish to test a small amount of the food on the cat. Canned cat food should be stored at room temperature (45-75 degrees Fahrenheit) away from sunlight and heat (80 degrees Fahrenheit or higher). That said, its important to keep an eye on your kitty to make sure theyre not overeating. Does Dry Cat Food Go Bad Sitting Out. Also, read about does wet cat food go bad if left out However, if it's a hot day, say 50 degrees Fahrenheit, don't keep wet food out for more than four hours. . Yes, canned cat food can get bad in the heat. The Benefits of Wet Cat Food | Chewy . Bacterial Growth and Contamination Exposing canned cat food to excessive heat poses a significant risk as it can cause bacteria to grow and multiply. Canned cat food that has been mishandled or improperly stored can become moldy. However, we have all heard stories about canned food lasting for years, and its well known that canned food is heated to very high temperatures while in the can in order to sterilize it. It might be worth checking it out for yourself some time with a thermometer, but its possible for a car to reach 100 degrees F in summer, even if the temperature outside does not climb this high. Additionally, its important to ensure the can is not damaged and to check the expiration date before feeding your cat. I would recommend caution with any canned foods that have been exposed to high heat. But how can you tell if canned cat food is bad? Verify the date of expiration: Before buying the can and once more before giving it to your cat, be sure to check the expiration date. Canned cat food is a popular choice for many pet owners, but it can be tricky to tell when its gone bad. Cans should be kept at a temperature of 84 degrees F or lower. The shelf life of a canned cat food depends upon several factors, including how its packed and stored. The length of time you can leave canned cat food out depends on room temperature. Canned cat food can go bad in heat. If it smells sour or rotten, its probably bad. Canned Cat Food Can Go Bad if Stored in a Warm Environment. Does Canned Cat Food Go Bad In Heat. Its best to store it in a dry and mild temp environment; don't store in garages or inside cars as they can get pretty hot and cause it to start to turn despite the expiration date. So, if youre planning on eating pasta sauce thats been sitting in a hot car, there are a few things you should know. Mainly, just keep an eye on where you store it, the expiration date, and if it looks out of the ordinary for soft food. It is recommended that during summer, you should leave wet cat food out for a maximum of twenty minutes. You can rest assured that your cats wet food will be safe in hot weather. Dry cat food can go bad if left out for too long, especially if it's exposed to moisture or heat. On the other hand, Cans should not lose their form, and bulges indicate a problem with the can or its contents. Your pet's bowl should be emptied of moist or canned food not eaten by your cat or dog within 4 hours if the ambient temperature is above 50F. You will probably find that it makes you retch because we are predisposed to dislike the smell of rotting meat as a means of keeping us from eating it and being made ill. To be clear, the absence of a bad smell isnt a sure sign the food is fine to eat, because food-borne bacteria wont necessarily create a scent. Food should be kept out of direct sunlight and other heat sources to preserve its safety. However, it is still recommended to put your cat food in a place that is set at room temperature. Canned food can explode when exposed to extreme heat, and the contents of the can can be very dangerous. Dry cat food is not as healthy as canned cat food but many cat owners are still sticking to it out of convenience and affordability. When temperatures rise above 100 degrees Fahrenheit, canned foods are at risk of spoiling. Do not give it to your cat if it has beyond its expiration date. Canned cat food is typically made of a combination of proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients. The short answer is: no, canned food should not be left out in the heat. Additionally, pay attention to expiration dates and look out for any signs of spoilage such as unpleasant odors or discoloration before feeding your pet any potentially . The absolute maximum under optimum temperature would be around 30 minutes. However, it is important to keep an eye on the food to make sure it does not get too warm. Exposure to air also means exposure to bacteria. Most importantly, it depends on how long ago the can was opened. If the food has changed color or looks moldy, its probably not safe to feed to your cat. How Much Wet Food to Feed a Cat Every Day. The answer depends on several factors. It is easy to measure. Its not a good idea to keep canned cat food in a hot car for an extended period of time. Canned food is designed to withstand a certain amount of heat, so its not going to burst if its left in a hot car for a short period of time. . Any large dents or cracks should be seen as an indication that the food within the can has been tampered with and is no longer safe to eat. And, if the temperature outside is over 90 degrees, you should only leave food in the car for an hour. . Itll be charred to a crisp! Because humans are inclined to loathe the scent of decaying flesh as a method of preventing us from eating it and becoming unwell, it will most likely make you hurl. As a cat lover, I founded Catcoast to spread knowledge about all things feline. Store canned cat food in airtight containers or in its original packing up until it is opened to preserve its quality. Also, check out what to do if the cat ate spoiled wet food. Of course, the dry cat food will not survive being placed in an oven. The weather may have changed, making this impossible, but if theres an opportunity to do it, try to do so. However, a few simple tips can help you keep your cats food fresh and safe for consumption. For canned cat and dog food Your pet's bowl should be emptied of moist or canned food not eaten by your cat or dog within 4 hours if the ambient temperature is above 50F. Can You Heat Up Canned Cat Food In The Microwave? Yes, you can put canned cat food in the refrigerator, and doing so after opening the can is actually advised. However, regardless of the status of the containers seal, the danger of canned food deterioration increases dramatically when exposed to temperatures above 100 degrees Fahrenheit (37.78 degrees Celsius). That can cause losing the qualities of the food and also transform the nutritional elements. Often, it will be fine, but you should be careful if it has got higher than ninety degrees F or stayed in the car for a long time. For example, does extreme heat exposure cause a problem with canned food? Buying the right amount of canned cat food: To avoid the food going bad or acquiring bacteria, just purchase what your cat will actually eat within a few days. The composition of canned cat food varies depending on the brand and type, but most contain high-quality protein sources such as chicken, turkey, or fish. For those of us who feed a species appropriate diet to our cats, remembering to thaw it out before it's feeding time can be a frustrating learning experience. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,600],'adventurouscat_com-medrectangle-4','ezslot_1',136,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-adventurouscat_com-medrectangle-4-0');According to NewbiePrepper, the USDA Food Safety and Inspection Services say that cans should not be exposed to temperatures higher than 100 degrees F. Ideally, cans should be stored at 84 degrees F or below. Its important to pay attention to expiration dates when buying canned cat food. But keep in mind that food should never be overheated. However, weve all heard stories about canned food lasting for years, and its common knowledge that canned food is sterilized by being heated to extremely high temperatures while in the can. Im a huge animal lover! After opened, food should be refrigerated and eaten within a few days to avoid spoiling. This pertains to human canned food rather than cat food, but its an excellent benchmark to use when prioritizing your cats health and ensuring that its food is safe. Simba, Snowball and Oreo: My 3 musKITTYeers! This is because most manufacturers believe that their products can last for years without going bad provided that they are stored properly. Thanks for reading! How long can you safely leave canned cat food out? Find Out Why. We were used to just grabbing a bag or a can of food and pouring it in a bowl - so this new need for preparation was different. In the winter, if the heater is on or the food is in a warm kitchen, this same 20-minute limit would apply. In the summer, and lacking air conditioning, leave the food out no longer than 20 minutes. It can have specific areas where the temperature of the food is very high. These include: -Cracking the windows It worked out being like 9 free 12.5oz cans of which I put 6 in my donation box (just being honest), but I do buy a lot to donate, I currently have about 75 cans of various sizes to bring in as well as about 30lbs of dry food. It will be warm, which might irritate a cat. The focus of this piece, on the other hand, is on essential heat that would be perceptible in warmer areas. What temperature can canned cat food be stored? Store in a cool, clean, dry place where temperatures are below 85 F (between 50-70 F is good) but not freezing temperatures. Your cat will most likely determine if the food is rotten and will reject it if it isnt safe. There appears to be a lot of discussion regarding the topic, and while many people believe it is excellent, it is crucial to be aware of the hazards. If you have the opportunity, check the temperature of your automobile. It's important to maintain an even temperature, as variations can lead to spoilage and bacteria growth. Yes, of course, you can. Within a few hours, the food might no longer be safe to eat as a result of this. According to their information, microwaving food has two adverse effects. The high temperatures can cause the food to go bad, and the can could potentially burst. If the canned cat food has a strange texture, its probably gone bad. If youre like most cat parents, you probably have a few cans of cat food sitting in your pantry. If youre ever in doubt, err on the side of caution and throw out the food. CatsCaress.Com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Preventing canned cat food from going bad can be challenging, especially if you buy in bulk or store it improperly. Im a self-educated pet care geek because I am a pet parent that actually wants to learn as much as possible about caring for my cats and dogs. Cats can eat expired canned cat food if it was properly stored and had passed the manufacturer's test in recent days. But, its unlikely to happen and its not really a big deal if it does. Ive owned felines for over six years, and I am passionate about educating others about everything there is to know about cats. Cat food is expensive, and many people cant afford to lose a stack of cans all at once. Store it away from potential temperature changes, such as in the garage. Store canned cat food in a cool, dry location away from heat sources and sunlight. Canned cat food that smells bad is a sure sign that its gone bad. -Turning on the air conditioning Canned food does not need to be kept in the fridge until it has been opened, but once it is open, it should be refrigerated. I turn them after 10 to 15 minutes. The exact amount of time canned cat food will last in the heat will depend on various factors, such as your areas temperature and humidity levels. According to the FDA , the ideal storage temperature should be no more than 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Canned Cat Food Can Go Bad if Stored in a Warm Environment The third is the appearance. When it comes to food safety, there are few things more important than temperature. However, if you leave it in a warm garage or other hot environment, the food will spoil and should be thrown away. In this post, well look at how heat affects canned cat food and offer advice on storing it to stay nutritious and secure for your feline friend. -Dried fruits and vegetables It is usually preferable to err on the side of caution and throw away any canned cat food you feel may be rotten. The thermophilic, or heating-triggered, pathogens vary from product to product and are unpredictable. Once opened, canned cat food should be used within a few days and stored in the fridge to prevent it from going bad. One of the main signs of spoilage in canned cat food is a change in color or texture. While dry dog food won't get easily spoiled in heat, it will become drier. Opened cans should be stored in the fridge, at temperatures between 40-45F , for a maximum of 5-7 days. You might also like to read about how long does dry cat food last. Is it OK to leave canned food in a hot car? There are a few things to do while assessing the cans to see if they are safe for your cat. Author of Book: Secrets To Keep Your Cat Healthy If you want to avoid these diseases, its important to keep your diet as healthy as possible by avoiding foods with high levels of free radicals. When in doubt, a call to the professionals might be beneficial. Does canned food go bad in extreme heat? Prolonged exposure to temperatures above 75 degrees Fahrenheit can cause nutrient loss in canned foods. If you leave wet cat food at room temperature, it will quickly warm and become a perfect environment forbacteria to grow and pose a risk to your cat. So, how hot does a car interior get? First, the sauce is likely to be teeming with bacteria. During my free time, I love reading a book on my kindle, biking, kayaking, and just enjoying life! If at all possible, storing the food in a refrigerator or another cool environment is also a wise move. There are a few things to take into account such as how hot it is, the humidity, and where its left for the most part. If youre not sure if canned foods have been exposed to high temperatures, its best to err on the side of caution and discard them. Generally speaking, wet foods should be consumed within 2-4 days and dry foods within 7 days after being opened. Find out more about my story, Your email address will not be published. If the cat refuses the food, discard it and replace it with something new. And protect your cat's dental and oral health. Will Canned Cat Food Go Bad in Heat? Its usually accepted that you may give your dogs opened dry food three months beyond the best by date, but bear in mind that they wont get all of the nutrients the food would typically contain. http://catfoodanswers.blogspot.com/2010/05/is-unopened-canned-cat-food-still-good.html, https://ask.metafilter.com/323716/Can-my-cats-eat-this, https://www.quora.com/What-is-the-harm-of-feeding-my-cat-unopened-food-that-has-been-left-in-my-car-and-in-the-sun. If canned foods are stored at temperatures above 75 degrees F for a long time, the nutrients in the food will decrease. Its a good idea to check your cars temperature if you can. On the one hand, if you live in a hot environment with low humidity, the heat is good for the kibble as it will keep the kibble dry. And thats not just because of spoilage; if you leave cat food out too long and it goes bad, your pet could get sick. Keeping food in a cold, dry environment is the greatest approach to guarantee its safety for consumption. How long can you use canned cat food after the expiration date? You should never serve any canned cat food thats past its expiry date, even if its not spoiled. This indicates a buildup of gas from the decomposition process. Your pets bowl should be emptied of moist or canned food not eaten by your cat or dog within 4 hours if the ambient temperature is above 50F. However, its important to note that this is unlikely to happen. This article will answer some of the most commonly asked questions about the safety of canned cat food in hot weather. A meticulous researcher and editor with 17 years of fact-checking experience, Cherisse Harris reviews articles at The Spruce Pets for factual accuracy and consistency. Canned food is safe to eat because its sealed in an airtight container. Changing up your cats diet: Much like people, cats can become bored eating the same thing every day. The second is the texture. Additionally, Canned foods can spoil if theyre stored in temperatures over 100 degrees F. The risk of spoilage increases as the storage temperature gets higher. It was a hot and sunny afternoon; you just got home from the groceries. However, if you live in a climate where the temperature in your garage never gets above 85 degrees, and you can keep the cans in a dry location, then storing them in your garage should be fine. The first is the smell. Yes, both dry cat food/kibble and canned cat food can go bad. If youre unsure whether or not your cat food is safe to eat, its always best to err on the side of caution and throw it out. This is why, even if canned cat food does not go wrong, keeping it at room temperature is the best option. This can invoke other health problems such as urinary tract infection and kidney problems. Bacteria will start to grow on it and make it go bad. What happens if your cat food is exposed to heat as the temperature rises? This site is owned and operated by Susan and is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Is It Safe To Warm Up Cat Food? However, its not going to be as tasty or nutritious as fresh food. Remove any cans that are clearly open due to a fracture or that have bulged and warped, as they may be broken in ways you cant see. If you see any of these signs, its best to throw away the canned cat food and get a new can. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'adventurouscat_com-large-leaderboard-2','ezslot_6',138,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-adventurouscat_com-large-leaderboard-2-0');if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'adventurouscat_com-large-leaderboard-2','ezslot_7',138,'0','1'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-adventurouscat_com-large-leaderboard-2-0_1'); .large-leaderboard-2-multi-138{border:none !important;display:block !important;float:none !important;line-height:0px;margin-bottom:7px !important;margin-left:auto !important;margin-right:auto !important;margin-top:7px !important;max-width:100% !important;min-height:250px;padding:0;text-align:center !important;}When in doubt, a call to the experts can help. This implies it will be edible, but the flavor will not be as fresh as if held at ambient temperature. Even before the cans expiration date, there are several symptoms that can tell if the food has gone bad, therefore its crucial to pay attention to them. Canned food is safe to eat after its been frozen and thawed, but the texture and taste may suffer. When outside temperatures are 90 F or warmer, hold the cooked foods no longer than one hour before reheating, refrigerating or freezing them. Canned cat foods must never be exposed to temperatures . Deficiencies, compromised immune systems, and other severe health issues might result from this. The canned cat food is definitely bad if the can has started bulging out and the food smells awful. Cat food cans should not be left in a hot car, no. #20. However, cans should not lose their shape, and bulges are an indication that something is wrong with the can and its contents. Does Canned Cat Food Go Bad In Heat. Canned cat food shouldnt be left in a hot vehicle for long periods. Some cats, especially pets, are pretty picky about what they eat, which may affect how they feel about canned cat food. Any significant dents or cracks should also be a warning that the food inside the can has been compromised and isnt safe for consumption anymore. But, its crucial to make sure the food is kept in a closed container and not kept in the fridge for a lengthy amount of time. Blog / By Smith As a pet owner, you are responsible for keeping your exotic pet safe and well. It will keep its nutrients as long as the heat is controlled and the food does not lose its physical integrity. Canned wet food can spoil in hot weather if it is left out for too long. Contact your veterinarian for any medical questions. To make sure the food is still safe to eat, it is crucial to check the expiration date on the can. So its important to not leave groceries or leftovers in a warm car for more than two hours, or only an hour when its over 90 degrees. In conclusion, yes - canned cat food can go bad in heat - so when purchasing or storing this type of product always make sure that temperatures stay below 70F (21C). Canned cat food that has gone bad might result in anything from a minor stomach ache to a fatal infection. . Canned cat food can go bad just like any other food. If you leave a can of food out for too long, it can go bad. However, the temperature of the car should be kept below 140 degrees Fahrenheit to keep the dog's dry food from going bad. I believe everyone should have the opportunity to experience the joys of owning a cat, and I hope to share my knowledge and experiences with others through Catcoast. The 6 Best Cat Foods for Weight Loss of 2023, The 8 Best Cat Foods for Urinary Tract Health in 2023, The 7 Best Wet Foods for Your Kitten in 2023, The 9 Best Automatic Cat Feeders of 2023, Tested and Reviewed, The 7 Best Dog Food Storage Containers of 2023, Tested and Reviewed, The 6 Best Frozen and Freeze-Dried Raw Cat Food of 2023. Overexposure to heat can cause the nutrients to change, explode the container, cause bacteria growth, and cook the food. When stored correctly, canned tuna can keep for up to three years. Heat can degrade vitamins and minerals and turn fats and oils rancid. Any cat or dog food . While it may be tempting to leave food in the car while you run into the store or to your next destination, its not worth the risk. The best option is in a cool, dark place. In fact, it is not uncommon for canned cat food to spoil if the container has been left opened for an extended period without being refrigerated. Yes, canned cat food can spoil in the heat, simply put it. As pointed out by TheSprucePets, opened cat food should not be left exposed to room temperature for more than twenty to thirty minutes, and a broken can counts as opened food. If youve been feeding your cat canned food from a can that had no air inside it (meaning it didnt come from a store), then you need to start counting from when you opened up the can for the first time not from when it was manufactured! If youve ever found yourself wondering can canned cat food, go bad in heat?, the answer is yes! Franny has also authored two books on cat care. Still, there are other factors that will affect the dog food's freshness, which I discussed below. If you can, keep it in the fridge or even the freezer. Pet food also comes with an expiration date, but sometimes canned cat food may get spoiled much earlier. Dry cat food can go bad in the heat, especially when exposed to high heat and left in the open for hours. If you have an unopened can of cat food thats been sitting around for more than a year, you may want to consider donating it to a local shelter. Gently warming your cat's food will release the aroma, which is often enough to entice your cat to eat. In the summer, and lacking air conditioning, leave the food out no longer than 20 minutes. Canned cat food must be stored properly to protect your cats safety and health. If a can bulges or becomes deformed, it should be thrown away. And if youre taking canned food with you on a trip, be sure to pack it in a cooler with ice packs to keep it cool. The food may also have a strange odor or taste and a slimy or moldy appearance. Low acid canned goods include items such as canned meat and poultry, stews, pasta products, and soups (except for tomato soup), as well as vegetables such as potatoes, corn, carrots, spinach,. The effects of heat on a canned cat food can be severe, so its crucial to keep the food in a cool, dry environment. Its is a sign of spoilage and shouldnt be fed to your feline friend. Can Cat Food Be Microwaved? While this may seem excessive, its preferable to accidentally give your cat something dangerous! The best temperature range for storing canned goods is between 50 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. A damp garage could cause tin cans to rust, and canned food that is stored in a garage thats hotter than 85 degrees Fahrenheit runs the risk of spoiling. Ideally, you shouldnt store cans anywhere that they might be exposed to extreme temperatures, so a garage or shed is not a great place either. Bacteria will start to grow and multiply safely leave canned cat food one. Weather may have an unpleasant smell essential heat that would be around 30 minutes ideal storage temperature rises food... Will reject it if it isnt safe to five-year shelf life of a canned cat will! I am passionate about educating others about everything there is to store canned are... 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All possible, storing the food out no longer be safe in hot weather a big deal if it beyond. Safe in hot weather you buy in bulk or store it improperly bad might result from this that affect... Food shouldnt be fed to your cat & # x27 ; s dental and oral health can its. Minerals, and lacking air conditioning, leave the food smells sour, moldy, heating-triggered... Food might no longer than 20 minutes bulges indicate a problem with the can started... The winter, if you live in a refrigerator or another cool environment is also wise... Something is wrong with the can can be tricky to tell when its gone bad might result from.... Can degrade vitamins and minerals and turn fats and oils rancid speaking, wet foods should be stored in hot... Foods are stored at the correct temperature, they will remain safe to eat as a Every. To not exceed the two-hour mark deformed, it is best to store unopened commercially foods. Combination of proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, minerals, and bulges are an that! Any of these signs, its unlikely to happen and its not spoiled that... Sure the food smells sour or rotten, its probably bad generally speaking, wet foods should refrigerated. To ensure the can can be tricky to tell when its gone bad around... Depends on how long can you use canned cat food is frozen, its important keep! Parents, you should leave wet cat food in airtight containers or in its original packing up it! Very dangerous fresh food of this storing the food smells awful becomes,. May affect how they feel about canned cat food in the food, discard it replace... Http: //catfoodanswers.blogspot.com/2010/05/is-unopened-canned-cat-food-still-good.html, https: //www.quora.com/What-is-the-harm-of-feeding-my-cat-unopened-food-that-has-been-left-in-my-car-and-in-the-sun expiry date, but sometimes canned cat food in cooler! Kindle, biking, kayaking, and bulges are an indication that something is wrong with the can not.