Dog owners want to provide their furry friends with treats and snacks to show love and affection. However, many wonder – do dog treats expire? How long do dog treats last? Understanding the shelf life of dog treats can help owners make the most of their purchase and avoid wasting food or accidentally feeding spoiled snacks to their pets.
Do Dog Treats Go Bad?
Yes, dog treats can expire and go bad, just like human food. Treats are made of organic materials that will eventually spoil without proper storage.
The ingredients in dog treats can include:
- Meat and meat byproducts
- Fruits and vegetables
- Grains
- Dairy products
- Vitamins and minerals
Like any food product, these ingredients have a shelf life. Over time, the fats in treats can oxidize and become rancid. Moisture can lead to mold growth. Bacteria can also grow, causing the treat to spoil. Proper food safety principles need to be followed when storing and handling treats.
How to Tell if Dog Treats Are Bad
Watch for these signs that indicate it’s time to throw out an expired treat:
- Mold growth – fuzziness or spotting on the treat
- Rancid smell – treats give off an unpleasant, stale odor
- Change in texture – treats are hard, dry or mushy
- Discoloration – unnatural colors or spotting
Trust your senses. If a treat doesn’t look, smell or feel right, get rid of it. Don’t take chances on spoiled treats.
How Long Do Dog Treats Last?
The shelf life of dog treats depends on several factors:
- Ingredients – Treats with fats and oils tend to go bad quickest. Things like jerkies and biscuits last longer.
- Packaging – Well-sealed treats in airtight packaging have a longer shelf life.
- Preservatives – Some treats contain preservatives that extend freshness.
- Storage – Proper temperature control and moisture management preserve freshness.
As a general guideline:
- Soft treats last 1-2 weeks after opening
- Most treats last 2-6 months after opening
- Some treats last 6-12 months after opening
Always check the best by date on the package and follow storage guidelines. If in doubt, throw it out.
Short Shelf Life Treats
Treats with the shortest shelf lives include:
- Pumpkin dog treats – 1-2 weeks
- Fresh fruit treats – 1-2 weeks
- Yogurt drops – 1-2 weeks
- Peanut butter treats – 2-4 weeks
- Bacon or liver treats – 2-4 weeks
Due to high moisture content and lack of preservatives, these don’t stay fresh for long once opened. Seal, refrigerate and use quickly.
Longer Lasting Treats
Treats that can be stored for longer periods include:
- Hard biscuits – 2-6 months
- Dried jerky – 2-6 months
- Rawhide chews – 2-6 months
- Dental chews – 6-12 months
The low moisture content allows these to stay fresher longer when properly stored.
How to Make Dog Treats Last
Follow these storage tips to maximize the shelf life of treats:
- Read the package – Follow any storage instructions provided.
- Use an airtight container – Keep treats in a sealed plastic or glass container.
- Refrigerate when possible – The cold temperature slows spoilage.
- Keep cool and dry – Avoid heat, sunlight and moisture which accelerate spoilage.
- Practice FIFO – First In, First Out. Use oldest treats first.
- Check dates – Look at best by dates and don’t use expired treats.
Proper storage can extend the shelf life of most dog treats significantly.
Are Expired Dog Treats Safe?
It’s best to avoid feeding treats to your dog beyond the expiration date or if they show signs of spoilage. Consuming rancid fats or mold can potentially cause:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Tummy upset
At best, an expired treat just won’t taste good. At worst, it could result in sickness. Don’t take the risk.
Can Dogs Eat Moldy Treats?
No, you should never feed moldy treats to your dog. Mold produces mycotoxins that can cause illness. Even small amounts of mold are not safe. Immediately discard any visibly moldy treats.
Signs of illness after eating moldy treats can include:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Loss of appetite
- Lethargy
If you suspect your dog ate moldy treats, call your vet. Seek treatment promptly, as some mycotoxins can be fatal without medical intervention. Don’t take chances with mold.
What to Do With Expired Dog Treats
If treats have passed their prime, avoid feeding them. Here are some options for expired treats:
- Compost – Toss old treats in your compost bin if they show no signs of mold.
- Trash – Double bag and dispose of expired or moldy treats.
- Donate unopened – Local shelters may accept unexpired, unopened treats.
- Repurpose – Use hard treats as dog toy stuffing if still in good shape.
Never give homemade treats made with ingredients past their prime. Always inspect treats before serving and follow proper storage procedures.
How to Buy Dog Treats
You can help treats stay fresh longer with smart shopping habits:
- Check dates – Choose treats with a far-off expiration date.
- Inspect packaging – Avoid leaking bags or torn packaging.
- Buy small bags – Resealable treat pouches keep air out.
- Shop frozen – Some freeze-dried treats last over a year.
Buying treats in sizes your dog will finish quickly also reduces waste from expiration. Consider dividing a large bag into smaller zip-top bags to limit air exposure.
Making Homemade Dog Treats
Whipping up homemade treats can be a fun DIY project. Make sure your creations stay safe with these guidelines:
- Use fresh ingredients – Don’t use anything past its prime.
- Follow recipes – Improper cooking can cause spoilage.
- Watch moisture – Add preservatives to treats with high moisture.
- Refrigerate – Store homemade treats in the fridge.
- Freeze for long-term storage – Freeze bite-sized treats in an airtight container.
Date and label homemade treat containers. Unless frozen, most homemade treats only stay fresh 1-2 weeks.
Conclusion
Like any food, dog treats eventually expire. Soft treats and homemade options tend to have shorter shelf lives of 1-4 weeks. Hard treats and jerkies can often last 2-12 months with proper storage.
Check package dates, inspect treats carefully, and follow smart storage methods. Avoid feeding expired or moldy treats. With a little care, you can safely enjoy sharing treats with your furry best friend while avoiding waste or tummy trouble.