One Saturday afternoon, Destin and I were in the car with our dog while Jim went into a pet store to buy some dog treats.
To reward the dog for being “such a good boy” on this extra-long car ride, I eagerly opened the dog treat box when Jim got home, only to find dozens of tiny gnats and insect-looking bugs hopping in and around the treats inside the box (these were hard dog treats in a box, not the moist & meaty kind that need a stay-fresh sealed bag). ).
Prior to this, we had never given dog food and treats the same expiration date as human foods. (Shame on us. ).
Jim immediately returned the box to the shop, where the staff eagerly offered him another box with a more favorable expiration date. (They were quite embarrassed when they saw the bugs inside!).
Bear in mind that dog treats and food can become “bad” for other reasons as well.
Keep treats sealed in airtight containers or their original packaging
The FDA actually recommends that you keep dog food and treats in their original packaging or keep that packaging handy “This allows you to have the UPC code, lot number, brand and manufacturer, and “best by” date easily available in case of a product defect or recall. “When you file a complaint about a pet food, the lot number and ‘best by’ date, along with the full product name, are important for you to provide,” explained William Burkholder, a veterinarian and pet food expert at FDA.
How long do common dog treats last?
Here is the shelf life for some popular treats in case you have questions about treat storage or simply want to ensure that you are giving your dog the freshest possible treats.
Generally speaking, bully sticks will last from 1.5 -2 years. That is if your pup will let them last that long! Chewy.com says “Bully Sticks can last for up to two years or more from when they are produced and are known to be a very hardy product. The manufacturer ensures that the sticks will have at least a 1.5-year remaining shelf life upon receipt. Bully sticks can be stored in a zip-top bag.” Check the expiration date on your bully stick before offering to your pup as different brands may have slightly different expiration dates.
Given that you won’t likely add preservatives to your treats, it is fairly safe to assume that they will expire more quickly than similarly made products.
However, many dessert recipes can be kept for a few weeks at room temperature or in the refrigerator. Just like with anything you prepare for yourself, you might want to err on the side of caution and stop giving these treats to your dog if you notice a change in color, flavor, or texture.
Pet MD reminds pet parents to “Cook homemade dog treats to an adequate temperature to kill potential pathogens, such as Salmonella that may be present in eggs and other ingredients. Also, if treats are made out of raw meat, they should be cooked well (about 165 degrees).”
The best dehydrated dog treats include dried sweet potatoes, beef or chicken jerky, and dried fish skins. These single-ingredient treats can be a wonderful snack for dogs with food allergies.
They can also have a fairly long shelf life. Make sure that any packet of silica gel or other moisture-proofing material that is included with these products stays firmly inside the bag so that your dog won’t try to eat it. When properly stored, some well-known brands of sweet potato jerky can last for two years!
There are many varieties of Milkbones on the market today. To ensure you know how long they are still good for, the manufacturer encourages customers to look at the printed date on the box or bag. The boxes of traditional Milkbones would stay fresh for approximately one year, according to a few pet stores in our area. 5 years if they were purchased today.
CBD-infused treats have a wide range of shelf lives. Check the treat package to find out how long yours will last specifically. These sweets typically have a shelf life of 9 to 24 months when unopened. Treats may lose their freshness more quickly once they’ve been opened. The longest-lasting CBD products are tinctures that can be added to food or treats; many of these goods last for two years.
How long do dog biscuits last?
Dog treats should generally have a shelf life of between six months and three years. Check the “best by” date on the packaging of any treats before giving them to your dog.
FAQ
How long can I keep dog treats?
Like your own leftovers, meat treats should be kept in the refrigerator for 3–4 days to be safe. If you have more treats than you can eat in three or four days, put some of them in the freezer and remove and thaw them as needed.
How long should a bag of treats last a dog?
Larger bags of food will cost you less, but your dog needs to finish that bag within two to three weeks to avoid the food going bad.
Can dogs get sick from old dog treats?
The majority of expired dog treats are unlikely to harm your dog’s health, especially if the expiration date is close. Keep a close eye on your dog if you notice that they are sick after eating some expired treats; a mild stomachache is usually nothing to worry about.
How do you keep dog treats from going stale?
Keep canned food that hasn’t been opened and dry, cool storage for pet food. The temperature should be less than 80 F. The nutrients may degrade if there is too much heat or moisture.