Dog treats are a popular way to reward our furry friends for their good behavior. However, once you open a package of dog treats, you may wonder how long they will stay fresh and safe to feed your pet.
In this article, we’ll discuss how long dog treats last after opening, signs that dog treats have gone bad, proper dog treat storage, and tips to extend the shelf life of opened dog treats.
Do Opened Dog Treats Expire?
Yes, opened dog treats do eventually expire and go bad. However, an opened package of dog treats will typically last for at least a few weeks past the “best by” date printed on the packaging when stored properly.
Dry dog treats will generally stay fresh longer than soft or chewy treats after opening. Factors like ingredient quality, storage conditions, and exposure to air and moisture will impact exactly how long opened treats remain safe to feed your dog.
Shelf Life of Opened Dog Treats
Here are some general guidelines for how long different types of opened dog treats will last:
- Dry baked treats: 2-3 months
- Soft chewy treats: 1-2 months
- Refrigerated treats: 2-4 weeks
- Frozen treats: 1-2 months in freezer
Pay attention to any changes in texture, smell, or appearance to determine if your opened treats are still good. Discard treats at the first signs of spoilage.
Signs Dog Treats Have Gone Bad
Watch for these common signs that your package of opened dog treats has spoiled and should be thrown out:
- Mold growth – Mold on dog treats may appear dry and powdery or fuzzy. Toss treats at the first sign of any mold.
- Unexpected softness – Dog treats that become overly soft, sticky, or mushy are likely spoiled.
- Bad smell – An unpleasant, sour, or “off” odor is a giveaway that treats have gone bad.
- Change in color – A noticeable change from the natural color or unnatural darkening/discoloration indicates spoilage.
- Weird flavors – Treats that taste or smell rancid, bitter, or strange should be discarded.
- Expired date – Do not feed treats to your dog beyond the “best by” or expiration date printed on the package.
Proper Storage for Opened Dog Treats
To maximize freshness once treats are opened, be sure to store them properly. Here are some storage tips:
Pantry Storage Tips
- Keep open packages in an airtight container or zipper bag.
- Store away from light, moisture, and heat.
- Do not store dog treats near human food, especially fresh produce which releases ethylene gas.
- Place opened pouches/bags into a sealable plastic bin or tub.
Refrigerator and Freezer Storage
- Most baked, dry treats can be stored at room temperature.
- For soft, chewy, or refrigerated dog treats, refrigerate after opening.
- Check label to see if freezing is recommended.
- Freeze extra treats in an airtight container or bag.
Avoid temperature fluctuations. Allow refrigerated or frozen treats to come to room temp before feeding.
How to Make Opened Dog Treats Last Longer
You can help extend the shelf life of opened packages of dog treats with these simple tips:
- Purchase smaller packages – Buying smaller pouches or single-serve bags allows treats to stay fresher than large packages.
- Seal tightly – Always re-seal bags tightly to block air and moisture.
- Use oldest first – Feed oldest opened packages before newer ones.
- Divide into portions – Separate treats into daily amounts to limit air exposure.
- Freeze extras – Freeze additional treats to prolong shelf life.
- Monitor texture – Check that treats do not become overly hard or soft.
- Watch for signs of spoilage – Discard treats that smell bad, change texture, or show mold.
Are Moldy Dog Treats Dangerous?
Yes, you should never feed moldy dog treats to your pet. Ingesting moldy food can cause illness in dogs.
According to the ASPCA, signs of a dog eating moldy treats could include:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Tummy pain
- Loss of appetite
Serious cases may lead to liver damage or other complications. Mycotoxins from mold can also be toxic to dogs when ingested. It’s not worth taking any risks with moldy treats.
Check Treats Before Feeding
Always inspect treats for any fur, fuzz, discoloration or other signs of mold before feeding. This quick visual check can help avoid issues.
Immediately throw out any opened treats that show even a speck of mold. Toss the entire package – mold can spread undetected.
Can Dogs Eat Expired Treats?
It’s generally not recommended to feed treats to your dog beyond the expiration or “best by” date on the package. These dates indicate peak freshness and quality.
However, depending on storage conditions and packaging, dry treats 1-3 months past a best before date are unlikely to pose health risks. Use your judgement evaluating age, texture and aroma.
Discard treats at the first hint of staleness, spoilage, or rancidity. When in doubt, throw it out. Your dog’s safety comes first.
What to Do With Old Dog Treats
If you discover an old, forgotten package of treats or need to clean out the pantry, here are some options besides feeding expired treats:
Donate Unopened Treats
Check with local animal shelters to see if they accept unexpired, unopened food donations for dogs awaiting adoption.
Compost Expired Treats
Most dry dog biscuits can be crushed up and added to a compost pile or bin after they are no longer fresh enough to eat.
Trash Moldy or Rotten Treats
Throw away packages with visible mold, moisture damage, or other signs of rotting. Put them in an outdoor garbage bin that pets cannot access.
The Bottom Line
Here are the key takeaways on whether treats go bad after opening:
- Opened treats stay fresh for 2-3 months at room temperature when stored properly.
- Look for mold, smell, texture changes, and expiration dates.
- Discard moldy treats – do not take risks with your dog’s health.
- Keep treats in airtight containers out of humidity and heat.
- Buy small bags and divide into portions to limit air exposure.
- Do not feed treats more than 3 months past a “best by” date.
Being aware of signs that opened treats are expiring and storing them appropriately will ensure your dog gets the maximum freshness and enjoyment from their favorite snacks!