Last Updated on March 6, 2026 by Shannon
Making homemade dog treats is a wonderful way to spoil your dog while knowing exactly what ingredients are going into their snacks. But once the treats are made, an important question comes up. How long do homemade dog treats last, and how should you store them?
Because homemade treats do not contain preservatives like many store-bought treats, proper storage is important to keep them fresh and safe for your dog to eat. The ingredients used, the treat’s moisture content, and where you store them all affect how long they remain safe to eat.
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How Long Do Homemade Dog Treats Last?
The shelf life of homemade dog treats depends on several factors, including the ingredients used and how the treats are stored. Homemade dog treats can last anywhere from a couple of days to several months.
Some treats stored on the counter will only last a few days. Others stored in the freezer can last up to eight months when kept in an airtight container.
Do Homemade Dog Treats Go Bad?
Yes, homemade dog treats will go bad. Some treats spoil quickly, while others can last longer depending on their ingredients and storage conditions.
Before giving any treat to your dog, it is always best to do a quick visual check. This becomes even more important the longer the treats have been stored.
Can Dog Treats Get Moldy?
Yes, dog treats can get moldy. This applies to both homemade and commercial treats.
Commercial treats usually last longer because they contain preservatives, but any food item can eventually grow mold.
If your dog’s treats look unusual or show signs of mold, such as discoloration, fuzziness, or visible growth, it is safest to throw them away and make or buy fresh treats.
How to Keep Homemade Dog Treats from Molding
Proper storage is the best way to slow mold growth. However, even when stored well, homemade dog treats will eventually spoil.
To reduce the risk of mold:
- Store treats in airtight containers
- Keep moisture away from the treats
- Store treats in cool locations
- Check treats regularly for signs of spoilage
Always check treats before giving them to your dog.
How to Store Homemade Dog Treats
The best way to store homemade dog treats is in an airtight container they have cooled completely.
Allowing treats to cool first prevents steam from forming inside the container. Trapped moisture can make treats soggy and increase the chance of mold.
An airtight container also helps prevent additional moisture from entering.
How Do You Package Dog Treats?
You can store dog treats in any airtight container.
Zipper freezer bags work well if the treats will be stored in the freezer. Small glass containers, such as Pyrex dishes, are convenient for storing treats in the fridge or on the counter.
If treats are going into the freezer, try to store them in a single layer so it is easy to remove only a few treats at a time. Treats stored on the counter or in the fridge can be stacked neatly in the container.
Where Should I Store My Dog’s Treats?
There is no single best place to store dog treats. The best location depends on the type of treat and the ingredients used.
Hard, baked biscuit style treats can often be stored on the counter, in the cupboard, in the refrigerator, or in the freezer. Counter storage provides the shortest shelf life, while freezer storage provides the longest.
Soft baked or no bake treats usually contain more moisture. These treats should be stored in the refrigerator or freezer.
Treats made with dairy, meat, or whole fruit should always be stored in the refrigerator or freezer since these ingredients spoil more quickly.
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Special Considerations for Counter Storage
If you store homemade dog treats on the counter, pay attention to sunlight and temperature.
Treats stored in direct sunlight will spoil faster than treats stored in darker areas. If your kitchen gets a lot of sunlight, consider storing the treats in a cupboard instead.
Kitchen temperature also matters. Treats stored in a warm kitchen will spoil faster than those stored in a cooler environment.
How Long Do Homemade Dog Treats Last on the Counter?
Homemade dog treats can last on the counter for a few days up to one or two weeks.
This longer storage time typically applies to meat-free treats that are baked until completely dry.
How Long Do Homemade Dog Treats Last in the Refrigerator?
When stored properly in the refrigerator, homemade dog treats can last up to two months.
Proper storage means allowing the treats to cool completely and keeping them in an airtight container.
Soft baked or no bake treats may only last about a week in the refrigerator because of their higher moisture content.
How Long Do Frozen Dog Treats Last?
Frozen homemade dog treats can last up to eight months when stored in an airtight container.
Some dogs enjoy frozen treats straight from the freezer. Others may prefer them slightly thawed. You can also move a few treats to the refrigerator to thaw for a day or two of use.
My dogs absolutely love ice cubes, so I rarely thaw frozen treats before giving them one.
Can I Freeze Dog Biscuits?
Yes, dog biscuits freeze very well.
Place the biscuits in a single layer inside an airtight container and store them in the freezer.
If you want to store multiple layers, first freeze the treats on a baking sheet. Once they are frozen, transfer them to a container. This prevents the treats from sticking together.
Want to Try a Few Treats?
If you are looking for recipes to try, here are a few homemade dog treats:
- Frozen Pineapple Dog Treats
- Baby Food Dog Treats
- Peanut Butter and Pumpkin Dog Treats (No-Bake)
- Ice Cream for Dogs
- Soft Peanut Butter and Pumpkin Dog Treats
Final Thoughts
Homemade dog treats are a wonderful way to spoil your dog while knowing exactly what ingredients are going into their snacks.
By storing your treats properly, you can keep them fresh longer and reduce the risk of spoilage. Whether you store them on the counter, in the refrigerator, or in the freezer, a little preparation goes a long way toward making sure your dog always has a safe and tasty treat waiting.
