Keeping dog treats fresh can be a challenge, especially if you buy treats in bulk or make homemade treats that you want to store for later. However, with the right storage methods and ingredients, you can easily keep dog treats tasting great for weeks or even months.
Should you refrigerate or freeze dog treats?
The main factors that cause treats to go stale are exposure to air, moisture, and heat. This means the best way to extend freshness is to store treats in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. The refrigerator and freezer are ideal options.
Most baked or dehydrated dog treats can be kept in a refrigerator for up to 6 months. The cold temperature preserves freshness by slowing down chemical reactions and inhibiting microbial growth. Just be sure to place the treats in an airtight container first.
For even longer storage, the freezer can keep treats tasting new for 9-12 months. Again, use an airtight container, pressing out excess air before sealing. Let frozen treats thaw for 15-20 minutes before serving to your pup.
Tips for storing treats in the pantry
If you don’t have space in your refrigerator or freezer, you can also store treats in your pantry. Focus on keeping the treats in a cool, dark place in an airtight container. Glass jars or tightly sealed plastic containers work best.
Place the container somewhere away from heat sources like the oven or hot water heater. You’ll also want to avoid setting treats on top of the pantry shelves, as hot air rises. Store them on lower shelves instead.
For extra insulation, you can place the treat container inside a paper bag or wrap it in a towel before putting it in your pantry. This creates an additional barrier against temperature fluctuations.
Should you use a vacuum sealer?
Using a vacuum sealer is an excellent way to remove oxygen that can accelerate a treat’s staleness. Simply place your treats in a vacuum bag, seal, and suck out all the air before storing in the pantry, fridge, or freezer.
Vacuum sealing can extend freshness by 2-3 months versus a simple airtight container alone. It creates a tighter seal and prevents freezer burn in the freezer. Just take care not to crush soft treats when vacuum sealing.
Does the ingredient composition matter?
Yes, the specific ingredients used to make a treat impacts how long it stays fresh. In general, treats made with natural preservatives like vitamin E or rosemary extract maintain quality longer.
Treats with higher fat and lower water content also resist staleness better thanks to their low moisture levels. This includes biscuits and crunchy baked treats.
On the other hand, soft, chewy treats or those with fresh fruits/veggies spoil more quickly. Their high water content makes them prone to mold growth.
Should you make treats ahead of time?
For homemade treats, it’s best not to make too many batches ahead of time. Treats are freshest within 2-3 days of baking.
However, you can easily double or triple a recipe and store the extras using the freezing techniques mentioned earlier. Allow baked treats to fully cool before freezing for best results.
You can also freeze treat dough or batter to bake later. Form dough into a log shape, wrap well, and freeze for 1-2 months.
How do you know if treats have spoiled?
Watch for the following signs that your dog treats have spoiled:
- Mold growth
- Dry, crumbly texture
- Rancid or “off” smell
- Change in color
- Tasteless or bland flavor
Treats that show these changes should be discarded. Do not serve them to your dog.
Can stale treats make dogs sick?
Eating stale treats likely won’t seriously harm most healthy dogs. However, spoiled treats may cause minor digestive upset, including:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Gas
- Loss of appetite
In rare cases, moldy treats could trigger a food allergy reaction. It’s best to stick to fresh treats only to be safe.
Conclusion
Keeping treats tasting new for your dog is easy with proper storage methods. Refrigerating or freezing treats in airtight containers are the best ways to maximize freshness for 6-12 months. Vacuum sealing also helps prevent staleness. For homemade treats, freeze any extras soon after baking. Follow basic food safety practices and discard moldy or spoiled treats to keep your pup happy and healthy.
Summary of tips:
| Storage Method | Expected Freshness |
|---|---|
| Refrigerator (airtight container) | 6 months |
| Freezer (airtight container) | 9-12 months |
| Pantry (cool, dark place in airtight container) | 2-3 months |
| Vacuum sealed | 2-3 months longer than other methods |
Follow these simple guidelines for keeping treats tasting delicious and avoiding spoilage. With the right storage, you can conveniently buy treats in bulk or make big batches of homemade treats your dog will love.