If you’re a dog owner, your pup deserves the best. And we’ve got some tips on how long homemade dog treats are good for. Along with tips on how to store homemade dog treats to help ensure you’re dogs are getting all the deliciousness they deserve!
There are many factors affecting edible life for homemade dog treats and food safety when it comes to this topic. This blog post will cover these topics as well as provide tips on how to safely store homemade dog treats, and how to freeze them too.
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How long do homemade dog treats last?
The shelf life of your homemade dog treats depends on many factors and can range from just a couple of days to up to eight months.
Certain treats, kept on the counter, will only last a short time, while others, kept in the freezer can last up to eight months if in a proper storage container.
Do homemade dog treats go bad?
Yes, homemade dog treats will go bad. Some not so quickly, although others can spoil very quickly.
No matter how you decide to store your homemade dog treats, it’s always best to do a quick check of the treats before giving them to your dog. This gets more important the longer it has been since you made the treats.
Can Dog Treats get moldy?
Yes, dog treats, whether homemade or commercial, can get moldy. While commercial treats will take longer to get moldy, any food item can get moldy over time.
That’s why it is best to always check your dog’s treats before giving any to them, no matter how long you’ve had them or where they came from.
If the treats look funny (the color is off, fuzzy-looking, or stuff growing on them) it’s best to just toss the treats and get or make some fresh treats.
How to keep homemade dog treats from molding
Proper storage is key to preventing mold from growing on your treats. But no matter how well you store homemade dog treats, they will go bad or get moldy at some point.
The best you can hope for is to delay it for as long as possible.
Always check for signs of spoilage before giving any treat to your dog, no matter how long you’ve had them or where they came from.
How to store homemade dog treats
The best way to store homemade dog treats is in an airtight container after cooling completely.
This is best because cooling before storing the homemade dog treats prevents them from steaming up the container. If the container gets steamy, the moisture will make the treats soggy which will increase the chance they will get moldy quickly.
Using an airtight container helps to keep out new moisture. Keeping out additional moisture will also help in preventing mold.
How do you package dog treats?
You can package dog treats in any airtight container you like. I prefer to use zipper freezer bags if the treats will be going in the freezer and small glass pyrex dishes if I am keeping the treats on the counter or in the fridge.
If the treats are going in the freezer, I like to have them in a single layer as it is easier to get just a few treats at a time. If they go in the fridge or on the counter, you can have them stacked neatly inside the container.
Where should I store my dog’s treats?
There isn’t a specific “best” place to store your dog’s treats. Some of it depends on the type of treat you made (no-bake vs baked) and what is in the treat (dairy, meat, whole fruit).
If it’s a hard, baked biscuit-type treat, you can keep them in the cupboard, on the counter, or in the fridge or freezer. Storing them on the counter will give the treats the shortest shelf life while storing them in the freezer will give them the longest shelf life.
If it’s a no-bake treat or soft-baked treat, storing them in the fridge or freezer will give them the longest shelf life as they still have a lot of moisture in the treat.
For dog treats that are made with dairy, meat, or whole fruit, it’s best to store those in the fridge or freezer. These ingredients will go bad that fastest.
Special considerations for cupboard and counter storage
If you choose to store your homemade dog treats on the counter, room temperature and sun exposure are key.
Treats that are stored in direct sunlight will go bad much more quickly than those stored where it is darker. If you have a sunny kitchen, either find a spot on the counter that does not get direct sunlight or put the treats in a cupboard.
Temperature is the other big consideration for counter storage. Treats that are stored in a very hot kitchen will go bad more quickly than if they are stored in a cooler kitchen.
How long do homemade dog treats last on the counter?
Homemade dog treats will last on the counter anywhere from just a few days to up to a week or two if the treats are meatless and baked until completely dry.
How long do homemade dog treats last in the refrigerator?
If you store your homemade dog treats properly in the fridge, they can last up to 2 months.
Proper storage means having let them cool thoroughly, and have them in an airtight container.
If it’s a soft-baked or no-bake treat, the storage time may be decreased to as little as a week in the fridge.
How long do frozen treats last?
If you store the treats in the freezer, they can last in up to eight months if they are in an airtight container.
Depending on your dog, you can give them the frozen treats straight from the freezer, or you can let them warm to room temperature (if it isn’t something like homemade dog ice cream).
My dogs absolutely love ice cubes, so I seldom thaw any frozen treats I give them unless I’m taking out a few days’ worth of treats at a time. Then I put whatever I’m not giving them right away into the fridge.
Can I freeze dog biscuits?
Yes, you can freeze dog biscuits! Just put them in an airtight container in a single layer, and freeze them.
If you want to store more than one layer of treats in a container, you can freeze them flat on a cookie sheet and then place them into the airtight container once they are frozen. That way they won’t freeze together.
Want to Try a Few Treats?
Here are some links to recipes for 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
Conclusion
Homemade dog treats are the best way to show your pup how much you love them. Not only do they get to enjoy a delicious snack, but you also know exactly what ingredients are going into their treat.
By following these tips on how to store homemade dog treats, you can ensure that your furry friend always has a fresh and tasty snack waiting for them.
